Encouraging Inclusive Conversations: #TalkingIsPower 2022
Today marks the start of our fifth annual Talking is Power campaign. Every year we dedicate the month of May to encouraging young people’s parents and champions to begin conversations around sex, love, relationships, and ultimately, birth control.
As a mother of two teens and an OBGYN, I know first-hand how critical it is for young people to have a safe place to discuss these and other important topics. But I also know that sometimes it’s difficult to broach a subject you don’t have personal experience with, or you may not feel you know enough about to answer questions. That’s why every year we do our best to help ease the way with resources such as conversation prompts, tips for talking, and meaningful stories from a variety of people’s own experiences.
With this year’s theme, “Encouraging Inclusive Conversations,” we’re aiming to help parents and champions begin conversations around inclusivity with intention. Inclusive conversations may center around race or ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity, age, religion, or disability. By proactively beginning inclusive conversations parents and champions can establish themselves as a safe space for young people as they grow up, learn about themselves, and figure out what they want from their lives.
Our goal is to help ensure that all young people have the power to decide if, when, and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child. Let us help you be the source of information your young person needs to make informed decisions.
Also be sure to use the Twitter hashtag #TalkingIsPower to see what others are saying and add your thoughts to the mix. Follow the Power to Decide and Bedsider accounts for more tips on talking to your young people about sex, love, and relationships.
Whatever you do, talk to a young person! We’re counting on young adults, champions, and everyone in between to start talking. Conversations about sex, love, relationships, and future goals are key to preparing young people for the futures they envision for themselves. So, start early and talk often and if you’ve already started, think about how you can deliberately make your conversations inclusive. Remember, you’re more powerful than you think!
