Together with Kenneth M. Cohen, Ritch C. Savin-Williams gave the keynote address at the April 30, 2007 Professional Development Day sponsored by ACT for Youth, “Understanding Adolescent Sexual Health Today.” Following the conference Savin-Williams shared these insights with ACT.
A Positive Youth Development Approach to Sexual Development
- Ritch C. Savin-Williams, professor and chair, Human Development, Cornell University
- Respect the right of youth to their sexuality.
- Adolescent sexuality is complex and dynamic, expressing itself in a multitude of ways.
- Adolescent sexual development is a spectrum with more shades of gray and colorful variations than of absolute colors.
- Let our youth grow into their sexuality, not as they ought to but as they must, in a spirit of love, loving guidance.
- Respect for youth sexual culture and its future.
- Acknowledge the fundamental health of adolescent sexuality and its outcomes.
- Move from a narrative of sexual struggle and “will-be-ness” to a narrative of sexual emancipation and well-being.
As an aid to those who work with youth, ACT for Youth is beginning to compile resources on sexual health and adolescence:
Resources from Professional Development Day 2008 - Understanding Adolescent Sexual Health Today