Straight Talk on chastity. (Lay Movements XVI).

Straight Talk is an ecumenical ministry which provides youth with educational resources and counselling so that they will postpone sexual activity until marriage. Its slogan is "I'm worth waiting for." It was founded over ten years ago by a Christian, Beverly Hadland. I have heard her speak on more than one occasion and can attest to her commitment and to the efficacy of her talks. The ministry has nine speakers, some of whom are teenagers, and among the students who assist the speakers are several Catholics. There are also seven volunteers who look after office tasks.

Straight Talk's teaching about sexuality is the same as that of the Catholic Church. It promotes total abstinence for singles, is against the use of contraceptives, and advocates Natural Family Planning for married couples who have reason to practise birth control.

This ministry gives many talks in schools, two-thirds of them in Catholic schools, with presentations beginning at the grade seven level. Its internet program <www.straight-talk.com> is very popular, and last year was visited 200,000 times by persons in 36 countries: students, teachers, pastors, even health departments.

Bev Hadland has spoken in eleven countries to well over two million teens. She also appears regularly on TV and radio programs and writes a monthly column. Besides giving talks in schools, Straight Talk conducts abstinence workshops, parent programs, and retreats. It is a registered charity and needs financial aid. At present it seeks new board members who will commit themselves to four hours per month. It also always asks for prayers, since it is basically a religious ministry.

I hope that, besides the three chapters of Straight Talk in the southern Ontario area, there are similar chastity education organizations elsewhere in Canada. The good they can do is incalculable.

For further information about Straight Talk consult the website; or write to Box 60072, Oakville, ON, Phone [phone] or fax [phone] in Oakville; or phone [phone] (Owen Sound), [phone] (Toronto), or [phone] (Windsor).