Memorandum

To: Parents and other interested parties

From: Lisa Torkelson, Legislative Aide to Representative Fred Dyson, District 25

Date: July 30, 1997

Re: New Abstinence Education Opportunities in Public Schools

Although this message is long, it is important. Therefore, I ask that you take some time and read it through. We are not only fighting for our children, we are struggling to keep society from falling completely into moral decay and bringing the rest of us with it. There are some positive changes occurring (Alaska's ban on partial birth abortions and deregulating the home school system), but we can't stop here.

Now, we have an opportunity to get abstinence into our public schools, but we need the support of all parents regardless of where you school your children.

Were you aware that our Federal Government passed an "Abstinence Education Provision of the 1996 Welfare Law, P.L. 104-193 New Section 510 of Title V of the Social Security Act"??

Welfare reform defines "abstinence education" as an educational or motivational program that:

  1. has as its exclusive purpose, teaching the social, psychological and health gains to be realized by abstaining from sexual activity;
  2. teaches abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage as the expected standard for all school age children;
  3. teaches that abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other associated health problems;
  4. teaches that a mutually faithful, monogamous relationship in context of marriage is the expected standard of human sexual activity;
  5. teaches that sexual activity outside of the context of marriage is likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects;
  6. teaches that bearing children out of wedlock is likely to have harmful consequences on the child, his parents and society;
  7. teaches young people how to reject sexual advances and how alcohol and drug use increases vulnerability to sexual advances;
  8. teaches the importance of attaining self-sufficiency before engaging in sexual activity.

There is approx. $250 million allocated to the states for this purpose over a five year period ($50 million per year). This year, Alaska can claim about $78,526. Each state must apply for the grant money and, in turn, local agencies can apply for the state's allocation. The Alaska Department of Health & Human Services (DHSS) submitted an application to the Feds on Tuesday, July 15. However, as I understand it, DHSS is not willing to divide up/contract out Alaska's money.

In the application, DHSS emphasized only C, G, & H of the above list. The process requires a 30-day comment period, but I'm wondering how many people even knew about both the law and the application. According to Crisis Pregnancy Center (CPC), they were recognized as the "primary agency providing an abstinence only message" but not consulted as to this proposal.

DHSS's plan is to "promote abstinence and youth developmental assets statewide by sponsoring workshops, providing technical assistance, and developing the Alaska Assets booklet." Also, "building developmental assets in youth (protective factors) is the primary prevention strategy to be utilized by this project." Basically, so-called abstinence (labeled as "Restraint" in the Assets list) is only one of "40 assets necessary for a young person's health and well being." Assets are good to have, but the grant is for abstinence education, and the state is planning to use it for 39 additional things and, oh yes, making sure that the "child believes it is important not to be sexually active or to use alcohol or other drugs."

The Federal government's intent was to emphasize it, not bury it.

The state will carry out their "training" mission and "1) provide educational workshops and technical assistance to communities as they implement asset building measures; and 2) develop an Alaskan Assets booklet that describes 'how-to' build assets in children and youth." On the other hand, CPC has already trained people and already published abstinence material, besides its seven year track record proving the effectiveness and success of its abstinence-based educational material. CPC is waiting at the gate now, ready to go into the schools (AND, they actually use the word "abstinence").

Because of Alaska's lack of response to the intent of this program, CPC attempted to draft a substitute proposal and, with the help of the Legislature, submit it in place of that of the state's. Unfortunately, due to the late date and the 30-day comment period requirement, the State Legislature could not help and CPC was not able to carry out its mission.

This is where you can help. The 1997 application is good for one year, after which it must be renewed. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that next year's Congress will fund this program; one Legislature cannot bind a future one.

So . . . Let's get involved!

Start now by calling your U.S. Congressmen and Senators and thank them for including abstinence in the welfare reform. Encourage their continued support of this program in years to come (continue to pursue this one as action in Congress generally needs plenty of lead time).

Contacting the U.S. Congress:

http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/
Capitol switchboard: 1-888-723-5246
Senate Operator: 202-224-3121
House Operator: 202-225-3121

In Alaska:

Senator Ted Stevens: D.C. (202) 224-3004/Anchorage 271-5915
Senator Frank Murkowski: D.C. (202) 224-6665/Anchorage 271-3735
Congressman Don Young: D.C. (202) 225-5765/Anchorage 271-5978

Other things you can do:

Thank you for your time and your help on this very important issue. Feel free to call if you have questions, in or out of our district! (907) 694-6683