2008 Woodie Awards
Athletes advocate safer sex
Students raise awareness on sexual reponsibility through classes, skits
Meghan Hayward
Issue date: 11/19/07 Section: News
Ever wish you could get sex advice from a student athlete?
Athletes at the University of Maine are participating in a program to educate students about sexual responsibility.
The program, known as Student Athletes for Sexual Responsibility (ASR), shows athletes as more than role models for physical strength, but also as role models for appropriate social and sexual behavior.
It touches on issues such as pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted disease prevention, dating dilemmas, communication problems, date rape and gang rape. This program has become a model for universities and colleges across the country.
"The most important thing about ASR is the fact that it's students educating students," Keith Burgie, student coordinator for "Rape Awareness" said.
ASR was developed in 1990 by Dr. Sandra L. Caron, professor of family relations and human sexuality. The semester-long program trains student athletes to present a variety of workshops including "Rape Awareness," "Smart Sex" and "Drinking and Dating."
Caron said her main reason for starting the program was that athletes are frequently in the limelight. She felt it was important to capitalize on their visibility and bring awareness to all students.
This semester, the class currently has 26 athletes representing different sports.
"Since this class is a lot smaller than others such as human sexuality, students become a lot more comfortable speaking up, and we are able to clear up problems that really confuse people our age," Burgie said.
The workshops use athletes as role models and actors who portray characters in damaging or potentially harmful sexual situations. The workshops are given at various resident halls on campus.
Using athletes as actors, the university has produced videotapes displaying different scenarios, and they are available for purchase. These videotapes have been purchased nationwide by schools and the NCAA.
Courtney Francis, a member of UMaine's track team, participates in the rape awareness skits. Francis said she acted in the skits to make people more aware of the fact that rape can happen to anyone.
"The class hits every aspect of what can happen and how to deal with the situation," Francis said.
Kimberly Ross, a student coordinator for one of the production segments said her favorite aspect of the class was the fact that she learned a great deal about the topics covered.
"You gain a broader aspect of everything when you see the skits play out," Ross said.
The program also has smart sex posters available. ASR believes that comparing smart sex to a popular sport will arouse the curiosity in students.
Student athletes are recruited for the class and interviewed. They are chosen based on their interest in the subjects and their commitment to being positive role models.
Athletes at the University of Maine are participating in a program to educate students about sexual responsibility.
The program, known as Student Athletes for Sexual Responsibility (ASR), shows athletes as more than role models for physical strength, but also as role models for appropriate social and sexual behavior.
It touches on issues such as pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted disease prevention, dating dilemmas, communication problems, date rape and gang rape. This program has become a model for universities and colleges across the country.
"The most important thing about ASR is the fact that it's students educating students," Keith Burgie, student coordinator for "Rape Awareness" said.
ASR was developed in 1990 by Dr. Sandra L. Caron, professor of family relations and human sexuality. The semester-long program trains student athletes to present a variety of workshops including "Rape Awareness," "Smart Sex" and "Drinking and Dating."
Caron said her main reason for starting the program was that athletes are frequently in the limelight. She felt it was important to capitalize on their visibility and bring awareness to all students.
This semester, the class currently has 26 athletes representing different sports.
"Since this class is a lot smaller than others such as human sexuality, students become a lot more comfortable speaking up, and we are able to clear up problems that really confuse people our age," Burgie said.
The workshops use athletes as role models and actors who portray characters in damaging or potentially harmful sexual situations. The workshops are given at various resident halls on campus.
Using athletes as actors, the university has produced videotapes displaying different scenarios, and they are available for purchase. These videotapes have been purchased nationwide by schools and the NCAA.
Courtney Francis, a member of UMaine's track team, participates in the rape awareness skits. Francis said she acted in the skits to make people more aware of the fact that rape can happen to anyone.
"The class hits every aspect of what can happen and how to deal with the situation," Francis said.
Kimberly Ross, a student coordinator for one of the production segments said her favorite aspect of the class was the fact that she learned a great deal about the topics covered.
"You gain a broader aspect of everything when you see the skits play out," Ross said.
The program also has smart sex posters available. ASR believes that comparing smart sex to a popular sport will arouse the curiosity in students.
Student athletes are recruited for the class and interviewed. They are chosen based on their interest in the subjects and their commitment to being positive role models.
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