The SCYCPC is a collective body of college students from across the state that will advocate, organize and create social change around sexual health education. In partnership with Tell Them and Advocates for Youth, we promote a positive approach to adolescent sexual health and work to change policies around comprehensive sex education in schools.

Our mission is based on the belief that frank talk about reproduction, personal responsibility, pregnancy prevention and family planning is the best way to reduce unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infection rates, including HIV/AIDS. All of SCYCPC’s work is supported by the leadership of college students who are passionate about changing sexual health policies.

Advocates for Youth is a national organization that champions efforts to help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health. Advocates for Youth believes it can best serve the field by boldly advocating for a more positive and realistic approach to adolescent sexual health. They envision a society that views sexuality as normal and healthy and treats young people as a valuable resource.

The SCYCPC will partner with Tell Them and Advocates for Youth to build the network of college and community advocates that support age appropriate, comprehensive sex education. Students will work to raise awareness and constituent support in their community and schools about sexual health policies through grassroots organizing.

Wondering what the qualifications are? You must be currently enrolled in a South Carolina college or university, be able to commit to the Council for a minimum of one school year, participate in bi-monthly meetings and presentations as well as organize events on your or nearby campuses, participate in Council activities to build a base of college and community advocates, and participate in two training sessions- the first is being held in Columbia on December 3^rd – 4^th, 2010.

Click here to download the application and apply today! Applications are due by the end of the week!

This week FLEW by. We were so busy, and have racked up the numbers to prove it!

First, I want to say a huge thank you to Tiphany Davis and the ladies of Allen University’s Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. They attended the 2010 Harambee Festival held by Benedict College last Saturday and told people about the Virtual March. Not only did they create a ton of buzz, they signed up over 300 marchers! WAY TO GO LADIES!

On Tuesday, Kelly and I split up- she went to Florence and presented the Virtual March at the National Women’s & Girl’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day at Francis Marion University. The event was very successful and all the participants left seeming really excited and eager to start spreading the buzz.

While Kelly was in Florence, I went to USC for Project Condom- Season 3. As the Daily Gamecock reported, “The goal of Project Condom is to promote safe sexual activity on campus. According to a recent University of South Carolina survey, 74 percent of University students reported they were sexually active last year, but only half of them reported using condoms when engaging in sexual activity.”

This was such a great night- it highlighted the importance of condom use in a fun, creative way. Tell Them was on hand to talk about the Virtual March, as well as sign up marchers.. Thanks to our AMAZING volunteers (Katie MacMillen, Caroline Atwood, Kate Jaffe, Kathleen Kemp, Lauren Wilson), we added nearly 200 marchers to our ranks. Thank you ladies! And congratulations to Ryan Wilson and everyone at USC- the show was great!

On Thursday, it was up to Lake Wylie, where Kelly met with Kathy Cantrell and Safe Passages where she presented the Virtual March. Kelly also met with the Teen Health Center in York where they are making an incredible difference in the community.

All in all, we have not only reached our weekly goal of 2,000 Virtual Marchers, but have surpassed it by a few hundred. We’re so energized by the excitement and support we’re getting- and things are going to get even more interesting. Keep checking back- we’ve got some great surprises coming your way in the next few weeks!