Empowerment Theme 8
We recognize the challenges surrounding self-advocacy and build essential skills to empower students. Along the way, we address racism, solidarity, culture pride, communication, self-determination, sexualization, and other relevant themes.
The reason that health class is so essential to student development is that it is all about empowerment. More so than any other required class, health class not only provides students essential tools and skills, but it also gives students the vocabulary and resources for self-discovery and learning. Students should walk out of our health classes feeling empowered to make their own decisions and choices, because they have the knowledge to make those informed decisions for themselves. We need to be empowering students all the time! Our ultimate job as health teachers is to provide students with a toolbox—their job is to fill that toolbox with what makes sense for them.
Pre-Video Activities Prepare
Get ready to teach using tools provided in this section.
I Am Brown Partial Class
Selene describes the pain and frustration she experiences as a Latina woman dealing with racism, discrimination, and hyper-sexualization
Before Sex Full Class
In this spoken-word piece, Kamil explores how the pressures and expectations of other people can affect our most personal decisions. We witness the thoughts and anxieties running through her head before consenting to have sex.
Unspoken Multi-Class
A couple portrays their internal thoughts (and external dialogue) regarding their first time having sex together. The woman also brings up the importance of making sure that both individuals in a heterosexual relationship experience pleasure.
"I Am" Poem Multi-Class
Students from North Carolina Central University share a powerful declaration of self through a poem.
Statistics Resources
Reference these key facts as needed to support discussions throughout this lesson.