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The Concerned About Teen Sexuality (C.A.T.S.) program trains high school students to make a case for premarital sex and alcohol/drug abstinence. Through original talks, skits, audience participation, music, and humor, C.A.T.S. members make an engaging and enlightening case for abstinence.
"Best abstinence speeches I've ever heard. It made me want to listen the whole time."
Voice Your Choice!
Here are a number of students who have participated in the C.A.T.S. program and feel strongly about the benefits of the program.
Current issues are addressed in fresh, creative ways that challenge peers to remain abstinent or to regain abstinence. Talks by C.A.T.S. members who have made the change from sexual activity to regained abstinence provide not only added dimension, but more importantly, motivation for others to make dramatic changes. C.A.T.S. members state that it is never too late to stop sexual activity of any kind and to start over with abstinence.
Some quotes from our students:
When asked what opinions of theirs have changed since hearing the presentation, one student answered,"I have changed my opinion on getting really close with a boyfriend, and I need to draw a boundary."
To maximize the power of positive peer pressure, five to six C.A.T.S. members visit classrooms to present topics they feel are relevant to their peers, for example, setting physical limits, peer pressure, STDs, teen pregnancy, regaining abstinence, or love vs. infatuation. Each C.A.T.S. member also makes a personal statement for abstinence before marriage during his or her talk.
"I really liked hearing abstinence talk from teens; they were really good."
When another student was asked what opinions of theirs had changed since hearing the presentation, her reply was,"I now know I got to keep my guard up 'cause I kind of was letting boys get to me."
More of what our C.A.T.S. students are saying:
"I really like how this program helps you realize that not everyone is having sex and there are many people out there that also agree with your choice."
"I liked how they used personal examples to help explain things and how to say 'no'."
"I will be honest...I have thought about being sexually active but after C.A.T.S., I've decided to be abstinent. So thanks!"
Teens have been volunteering in C.A.T.S. for eighteen years. C.A.T.S. satellite programs are operating in Ohio (10 sites), California, New York, Iowa (2), New Mexico, and Virginia.
No matter where you are, you can provide relevant, exciting, character-based abstinence education delivered by teens who understand the pressures that their peers face. As one high school student commented, "It's alright to be sex free until marriage; I'm not the only one who hasn't done it."
Please contact us to begin your own C.A.T.S. program.
13 THEMES
Theme A
*Exclusive purpose C.A.T.S. - Exclusive purpose is to teach abstinence until marriage through peer communication in high school classrooms. Trained high school students select topics based on their insights about high school issues and prepare original talks and skits that are strictly based on abstinence (voluntarily staying away from sexual activity and intercourse until marriage) until marriage. Topics are, for example, Sex in the Media, Ways to Say No, Importance of Guy/Girl Friendship, Teen Pregnancy, Oral Sex, Pornography, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Regained Abstinence, Setting Boundaries, Dating Violence, Self-Control, Respect, Alcohol & Drugs, and Self Esteem. C.A.T.S. Education (C.A.T.S. ED) is a monthly lesson for C.A.T.S. members taught by C.A.T.S. Coordinator to continue abstinence education. Topics include Marriage, STDs, Sex in the Media, Building a Lasting Relationship, Regained Abstinence, Drugs & Alcohol, and Self-Esteem. The Catalyst Newsletter is a monthly publication promoting abstinence until marriage. Supplementary Resources: Rules Have Changed ? Video, Medical Institute brochures - Oral Sex, Condoms; Journey Works ? What is Abstinence, Saying No if You?ve Had Sex Before; HHS brochure - Teen Chat.
*Social gains - (Included in themes D1, D2, F1, and F2) Student topics: Love or Infatuation, Oral Sex, and Regained Abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage, Abusive Relationships, Sex in the Media, Regained Abstinence, Drugs & Alcohol, and Self-Esteem.
*Psychological gains - (Included in themes B1, B2, D1, D2, and E1) Student topics: Sex in the Media, Love or Infatuation, Regained Abstinence, Setting Boundaries, Oral Sex, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Abusive Relationships Sex in the Media, Regained Abstinence, and Self-Esteem.
*Health gains -(Included in themes B1, B2, C2, and E2) Student topics: Oral Sex, Regained Abstinence, Drunk Driving, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. C.A.T.S. ED topics: STDs, Regained Abstinence, Drugs & Alcohol.
Theme B1
*Expected standard - Student topics: Love or Infatuation, Oral Sex, Regained Abstinence, Setting Boundaries, Sex in the Media, Self-Esteem, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
*Understanding and respect - Student topics: Sex in the Media, Love or Infatuation, Oral Sex, Self-Esteem and Regained Abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Integrity, Marriage, Abusive Relationships, Sex in the Media, Regained Abstinence and Self-Esteem.
*Caring relationships require respect - Student topics: Sex in the Media, Love or Infatuation, Oral Sex, Self-Esteem and Regained Abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Integrity, Marriage, Abusive Relationships, Sex in the Media, Regained Abstinence and Self-Esteem.
*Personal integrity - Student topics: Sex in the Media, Self-Esteem and Regained Abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Integrity, Marriage, Sex in the Media, Regained Abstinence and Self-Esteem.
Theme B2
*Return to abstinence - Student topics: Oral Sex and Regained Abstinence, Self Esteem C.A.T.S. ED topics: Abusive Relationships, Regained Abstinence and Drugs & Alcohol.
*Improve future well being - Student topic: Regained Abstinence, Goals, Self Esteem. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Regained Abstinence and Drugs & Alcohol.
Theme C1
*Contraception may fail - C.A.T.S. do not promote or encourage contraceptive use. Brief statement of condom failure included Choice is Yours Game Show. Student topics: Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Regained Abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topics: STDs and Regained Abstinence.
*Failure rates - C.A.T.S. do not promote or encourage contraceptive use. Brief condom failure statement included Choice is Yours Game Show. Student topics: Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Regained Abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topics: STDs and Regained Abstinence.
*Does not promote or encourage contraceptives - C.A.T.S. do not promote or encourage contraceptive use. Choice is Yours Game Show. Student topics: Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Regained Abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topics: STDs and Regained Abstinence.
Theme C2
*Epidemiology of STDs - Student topics: Choice is Yours Game Show, STDs. C.A.T.S. ED topics: STDs
*Limitations of contraception - does not promote or encourage contraceptive us. Brief condom failure statement included in Choice is Yours Game Show. Student and C.A.T.S. ED topics: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
*STD risks - Choice is Yours Game Show, STDs. Student and C.A.T.S. ED topics: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
*Adverse STD consequences - Choice is Yours Game Show, STDs. C.A.T.S. ED topics: STDs
*Future - Choice is Yours Game Show, STDs, Regained Abstinence, Self Control. C.A.T.S. ED topics: STDs
*Associated health problems- Choice is Yours Game Show, STDs. Student and C.A.T.S. ED topics: STDs
*Earlier initiation of sexual activity - Choice is Yours Game Show, STDs. Student and C.A.T.S. ED topics: STDs
Theme D1
*Sex may reduce probability of stable, happy marriage - Each C.A.T.S. member includes statement of saving sex for marriage within his or her talk or skit. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
*Human sexuality involves enduring fidelity - Student Topics: Goals. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
*Increases probability of healthy marriage - Student Topic: Goals, Reasons to Wait, What's in it for Me (abstinence) C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage and STDs.
*Not evolve into enduring relationship - Student Topic: regained abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
*Sex can be fulfilling - Student topic: C.A.T.S. statement for abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage
Theme D2
*Mutual faithfulness - Student Topic: C.A.T.S. member statement for abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
*Relationship instability - Student Topic: Love vs. Infatuation, Regained Abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
*Difference between love and sex - FREE: Regaining Abstinence. Student topics: Love and Infatuation, Setting Boundaries, Self-Control and Regained Abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage, STDs, Abusive Relationships, Sex in the Media, Regained Abstinence and Self-Esteem.
*Stages - Student topics: Sex in the Media, Self-Esteem and Setting Boundaries. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Setting Boundaries, Marriage, and Sex in the Media.
*Healthy bonding - C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage and STDs
*Lack of commitment - Student topics: Self Control, Self Esteem, Regained Abstinence, Teen Pregnancy. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage and STDs
*View of sex - Student Topics: Reasons to Wait, Risks of Premarital Sex, Goals. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage
*Harm - Student Topics: Love/Infatuation, STDs, Risks of Premarital Sex, Being Used. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage and STDs
*Short-term and unstable nature - Student topic: Self-Esteem, Love/Infatuation, and Regained Abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage and STDs
Theme E1
*Potential psychological effects - Student topic: Self-Esteem, Exploitation. C.A.T.S. ED topics: STDs and Self-Esteem.
*Freedom - FREE: Regaining Abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topics: STDs and Drugs & Alcohol.
*Harmful psychological effects - Student topic: Self-Esteem. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage, STDs and Self-Esteem.
*Increases freedom - Student topic: Self-Esteem, Regained. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage, STDs and Self-Esteem.
Theme E2
*Decreased school completion - Student topic: Teen Pregnancy, Self-Esteem. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
*Other risk behaviors - Student topic: Drunk Driving and Drug Abuse. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage, STDs, Alcohol/Drugs
Theme F1
*Decreases probability of out-of-wedlock child bearing - Student topic: Teen Pregnancy, Regained Abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
*Improves well-being of children - Student topic: Regained Abstinence, Teen Pregnancy. ED topic: Marriage
*Decreases likelihood- Student topic: Regained Abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
*Earlier initiation the greater probability - Student topic: Regained Abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
Theme F2
*Multi-faceted benefits of healthy marriage - Student Topic: Personal abstinence statement. ED topic: Marriage
*Bearing children out of wedlock increases likelihood - C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
*Less likely involvement in illegal activity - C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
*Children out of wedlock associated with increased rates - C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
*Bearing children out of wedlock /increased government expenditures - C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
*Importance of marriage - Student Topic: personal abstinence statement. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
*Healthy marriage and adult happiness - C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
*Abstinence before marriage and fidelity in marriage - C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage and STDs.
*Fatherhood - C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
*Father children out-of-wedlock - Student Topic: Teen Pregnancy. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
Theme G1
*Sexual desires are natural - Student Topic: Setting Limits, Self-Control. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage, STDs, Sex in the Media and Regained Abstinence.
*Value of building and maintaining healthy relationships - Student topics: Pornography, Sex in the Media, Self-control, Setting Boundaries, and Regained Abstinence. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage, STDs, Abusive Relationships, Setting Boundaries, Sex in the Media, Regained Abstinence and Self-Esteem.
*Role models - Student Topics: Value of Friendships. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage
*Does not prove one is mature - Student Topics: Self-Control, Setting Limits, Respect. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage and STDs.
*Importance of personal character - Student topics: Regained Abstinence, Self-Control and Self-Esteem. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Integrity, Marriage, and Self-Esteem.
*Risk assessment - Student Topic: Boundaries. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage and Self-Esteem, Teen Asset Checklist
*Future orientation - C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage, STDs, Regained Abstinence, and Self-Esteem.
*Personal efficacy - Student topics: Regained Abstinence, Self-Esteem, and Self-Control. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage and Self-Esteem.
*Developing discipline - Student topics: Regained Abstinence, Self-Esteem, Setting Boundaries and Self-Control C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage, STDs, Self-Esteem and Self-Control.
*Decision-making - Student topics: Regained Abstinence, Self-Esteem, Setting Boundaries and Self-Control. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage, Setting Boundaries, and Self-Esteem.
Theme G2
*Personal efficacy - Student topics: Regained Abstinence, Self-Esteem, and Self-Control. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Integrity, Marriage, STDs, Abusive Relationships, Sex in the Media, Regained Abstinence, Setting Boundaries, Drugs & Alcohol, and Self-Esteem.
*Verbal and non-verbal responses - Student topic: Setting Boundaries. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Setting Boundaries, Sex/ Media.
*Maintaining standards - Student topics: Regained Abstinence, Pornography, Setting Boundaries, Self-Esteem and Self-Control. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Integrity, Marriage, STDs, Sex in the Media, Setting Boundaries, Regained Abstinence, and Self-Esteem.
*Communicate boundaries - Student topic: Setting Boundaries. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Setting Boundaries
*Avoid settings - Student topics: Sex in the Media, Pornography, and Song Lyrics. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Sex/ Media
*Media influence - Student topics: Sex in the Media, Pornography, and Song Lyrics. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Sex/ Media
*Asking for help - C.A.T.S. ED topic: Regained Abstinence
Theme G3
*Alcohol and/or drug use - Student topics: Drunk Driving and Drug Abuse. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Alcohol & Drugs
*Promoting sexual abstinence - Student topics: Drunk Driving and Drug Abuse. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Alcohol/ Drugs
*Refusal techniques - Student topics: Best Friends Skit and Setting Boundaries. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Boundaries.
*Increases potential of avoiding other high-risk behaviors - C.A.T.S. ED topic: Alcohol & Drugs
*Encountering sexual advances - C.A.T.S. ED topic: Alcohol & Drugs
Theme H1
*Self-sufficiency and abstinence until marriage - Student topics:
Regained Abstinence, Self-Esteem and Self-Control. C.A.T.S. ED topics: Marriage, STDs, Abusive Relationships, Sex in the Media, Setting Boundaries, Regained Abstinence, Alcohol & Drugs, and Self-Esteem.
*Delay of initiation of sexual activity - Student Topics: Setting Limits, Respect, Ways to Say No. C.A.T.S. ED topic: Marriage, Building a Lasting Relationship.
Abstinence the Better Choice, Inc. Copyright 1988-2005 All Rights Reserved
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