TEEN STRAIGHT TALK 'There is no right way to do a wrong thing'

The program's presenters interact with students to teach the message of abstinence.
By AMY HOUSLEY
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
VIENNA -- "Reaching and teaching youth with truth ... there is no right way to do a wrong thing."
That is the motto of Teen Straight Talk, which is taking its message of total abstinence international.
The program was launched in 1989 by Mary L. Duke, who at the time was volunteering at a residential program for unwed pregnant teens. There, she witnessed the needs of the teens and realized the need for an abstinence program.
At the same time, the Trumbull County Board of Health was looking for such a program to be presented in schools. During the first year, with the sponsorship and support of the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley in Youngstown, 3,000 students heard the message.
The next year, Teen Straight Talk became a separate program. Duke took on the role of executive director. The program was expanded to address sexually transmitted diseases. It now concentrates on keeping teens pure, primarily sexually, but in all areas of life.
Reaching out
Presentations are made to schools, churches and community groups.
"We're coming to educate," said Duke. The presentations are made by adults but utilize audience participation as a vital part of the program. Students are welcome to ask questions at any time.
Other vital parts of the program are a slide show demonstrating the physical effects of sexually transmitted diseases and role-playing exercises.
Presenters also make a follow-up visit "to make sure they understand that [abstinence] is a principle from God with blessings and consequences."
One exercise done with the groups involves Hershey's Kisses. Each student is given one piece of candy. They are allowed to look at it, smell it, then unwrap it.
After that, they can put it in their mouth to taste it, but the candy must be put back into its wrapper.
Once all of the candies have been collected, they are placed in a bag with a "virgin" Kiss, one that has not been violated.
A student is asked to choose one out of the bag without looking. Duke said students are hesitant to choose one because "there's a chance to get one that's been tampered with."
Elementary program
Because of the amount of visual exposure students have to sexual material, an elementary-age program has been added. The objectives of the Building Blocks presentation are to increase pupils' respect for themselves and others, to inform them about the importance of making healthy decisions and to educate them about abstinence, including from drugs and alcohol.
Educational programs are also conducted for parents to help them demonstrate strong morals for their children.
Close to 50 percent of teens are sexually active, but, Duke says, that number goes down among those who have participated in the presentation.
"We want young people to leave home with their standards intact," she said.
The group's focus has primarily been on local schools and churches but has expanded as far as South Carolina and California.
Spreading the word
In August, there will be a trip to South Africa as part of a partnership with Sports World Inc.
Three couples will visit schools and churches there.
Duke said abstinence is especially important in that country because of its high rates of AIDS and STDs.
The cost of the trip will be defrayed by donations made to the organization specifically for that mission.
Donations can be mailed to Teen Straight Talk-Africa, 1393 Youngstown-Kingsville Road, Vienna, 44473.
More information about the program is available online at www.teenstraighttalk.cjb.net or by calling (330) 539-6040.