| Standing Up for Youth: Guiding the Next Generation Toward Healthy Choices
At Stand Up for Youth, we are the prevention branch of the Pregnancy & Parenting Center, dedicated to equipping young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices. Formerly known as Sold Out, we recently changed our name to better reflect our mission. We partner with teachers across Stark County, bringing a message of optimal health, healthy relationships, and intentional decision-making to students.
Our program empowers youth with the tools to navigate relationships wisely, set meaningful goals, and make informed choices that lead to a thriving future. Learn more about our work at www.StandUpForYouth.net.
A Moment That Matters
During a recent session with a group of eighth-graders we discussed the foundation of healthy relationships—friendship, trust, and intentional decision-making. Our conversation on sexual risk avoidance emphasized that waiting until marriage—the ultimate commitment—can help protect both partners’ health, emotional well-being, and future families.
To illustrate the potential risks, we introduced the Sexual Exposure Chart, showing how physical intimacy with one person can indirectly connect you to many others through their past partners, increasing the risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infections. This visual often sparks curiosity, and this time was no exception.
One student raised his hand and asked, “So, if I’m an adult on a first date, I should ask them if they have an STD?” (We do like that he did say “adult.”)
His question, both insightful and humorous, created the perfect moment to reinforce a key truth: relationships should start with friendship. We explained that while understanding a partner’s history is valuable—especially when considering marriage—these conversations should come after trust is built. The early stages of a relationship should focus on getting to know each other, developing mutual respect and trust and built on the foundation of friendship.
More Than a Message—A Mission to Save Lives
Today’s digital world presents unique challenges for young people in forming authentic relationships. Many rely heavily on texting and social media, leading to a decline in face-to-face interaction. Studies show that since 2007, there has been a significant drop in dating experiences among adolescents, and with it, a troubling rise in loneliness and mental health struggles. Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death for our youth.
Stand Up for Youth is committed to saving the lives of our youth. By teaching self-discipline, respect, and the value of meaningful relationships, we equip young people with the tools to make informed, life-affirming choices. We believe that when individuals enter marriage as whole, healthy people, it lays the groundwork for strong families and thriving communities.
A Future Built on Truth and Freedom
This message is rooted in God’s truth, reminding us that healthy relationships bring freedom. As 2 Corinthians 3:17 says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” When young people embrace this wisdom, they find the freedom to live with purpose, confidence, and hope.
We welcome your prayers as we continue planting these seeds of truth, shaping the mental, emotional, and spiritual health of the next generation. Together, we are building a brighter, stronger, and healthier future.
Yours In Christ, |
