This two part satellite series, by Iowa State University, was designed to help service providers better understand how teens develop and make decisions, what influences their sexuality development, and the important role parents, other adults and communities play in their lives. Through research findings and practical applications participants representing Pike County agencies, including Survivors Resources, Catholic Charities and Planned Parenthood, learned ways to enhance their ability to support teens and help them make healthy choices.
 
Eighty percent of participants found the information presented useful in their work with teens and their families. Eighty-three percent rated the overall educational quality of this program to be excellent compared to other parenting programs they have participated in. Participants reported new knowledge in ways in facilitating positive development in teen programs. These included NOT focusing on teen problems and Keep rules...rules are good (no matter what the teen says!). Additionally, participants reported they learned ways to effectively work with youth as partners in promoting healthy sexuality development. They learned that teens want the information as much as we are anxious to give it; and adults should talk to them and with them and listen, not just hear the words. Participants indicated they would change their behaviors when working with teens by: listening more, speaking less; using statistical information that was shared in the program; being persistent in attempts to help parents learn to be positive and primary people in their teens lives; and realizing that role models can be someone other than parents.

Living with Grief

The events of September 11, 2001 galvanized the nation by the loss of thousands of lives. However, while we learned a great deal about private mourning, we were less informed about the mourning which followed the public tragedy.
 
This live satellite broadcast looked at the factors that define a public tragedy and offered insight and advice to organizations and professionals as they support their communities and help those coping with loss.

Post evaluations showed that:

• 75% understood ten factors that affect public perception and response to a traumatic event.
  
  
• 75% were able to describe short and long term interventions and resources for persons affected by public tragedy.
  
  
• 100% were able to discuss the value of rituals, memorials
  and the arts as public responses to tragedy.