Rambling Thoughts about Sexual Health and an MSW

I've posted a little bit about this before.  But, now I feel like I've done quite a bit more research about what I can do.

Earlier this month, I attended a panel hosted by Harvard University on Sexual Health Careers.  I admit that I felt like a college student, especially once I realized that the target audience was students who were looking into careers.

Well, shoot, I've got a career.  In fact, I've got two careers.  Now, I'm trying to figure out how to expand and blend my careers!

It was great to hear from the different panelists, who ranged from HIV Researchers, to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, to Sexologist Megan Andelloux.  While it was great to hear about all the exciting things that were happening in the world of sexual health, I hadn't gotten what I wanted necessarily.

After the panel, I spoke with Megan, asking her about the possibilities of getting a sex ed certificate and she pointed me in the direction of the Executive Director of Partners in Sex Education.  Partners in Sex Education is another small non profit that works specifically with adolescents about sexual health and healthy relationships.  I was super excited to meet the ED of this organization!  I'm definitely planning on nurturing this contact.

Otherwise, I think I might try to attend a certification program through Planned Parenthood just to further my education.

Then, there are times when I think about sexual health in the Philippines and Filipino American communities.  I know that there's lack of education in all arenas, but perhaps especially in such a Christian-based country like the Philippines.

I've dreamed of providing educational opportunities at the sari-sari stores that dot the neighborhoods in the Philippines.  I've even done a bit of research to find organizations that might already be doing the work.  Not an easy thing to find, necessarily.

Considering that the Philippine government has taken an anti-contraception stance AND anti-abortion stance, and they've removed sex ed from schools, what if parents were being taught how to speak with their kids about sexual health?  But not just that, also about healthy relationships and healthy bodies?

It's fun to dream of doing that kind of work in the Philippines.  It's something I would definitely consider.  If I could just spread some of that knowledge to others, it would feel really quite satisfying.

"Advanced Technology" from xkcd.com