OUR MISSION
The National Abstinence Education Foundation (NAEF) seeks to improve the health and future prospects for children and families through the provision of abstinence-centered education thereby reducing teen pregnancies, STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), and harmful emotional consequences.
WHAT ABSTINENCE-CENTERED EDUCATION TEACHES
The focus of abstinence-centered education is to empower teens to make the healthiest choice for their future. Topics typically taught in abstinence-centered education include: developing healthy relationships and avoiding unhealthy relationships; setting goals and making good decisions; developing refusal skills and understanding and avoiding the risks of STDs, teen pregnancy and negative emotional consequences. Information about contraceptives is taught but always in the context of why abstinence is the best choice.
- It works. Seventeen different studies, all conducted by independent researchers, prove abstinence-centered education reduces teen sex.
- Parents prefer it. A study released in August 2010 by the US Dept. of Health and Human Services indicates that 70% of parents and almost as many teens believe that the abstinence message corresponds most closely with their own values and beliefs regarding sex education.
- Healthiest choice for teens! Only abstinence is 100% effective in eliminating the risk of STDs, teen pregnancy and possible emotional consequences.
WHAT WE DO
NAEF exists to provide strategic educational, media and research efforts to create a national environment in which abstinence-centered education is provided for students. These initiatives become essential tools to ensure abstinence-centered education is offered in local school districts.
To accomplish this, NAEF focuses on three primary tasks:
- Produce research findings supporting abstinence-centered education.
Research shows abstinence-centered education delays the onset of teen sexual activity and is preferred by parents. By contrast, research indicates that "comprehensive" school sex education programs lack parental support and do not decrease teen pregnancy or increase consistent use of condoms for more than three months.
- Generate media exposure supporting abstinence-centered education.
Creating support of abstinence education in public schools requires continual engagement and messaging through national and local media with press releases, debates and interviews.
- Equip local abstinence advocates.
Parents empowered by NAEF strategic initiatives and tools become the best advocates to ensure abstinence-centered education is provided in local school districts.
NAEF ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE
- Published and distributed nationally, Abstinence Works 2010, a compilation of 17 research studies showing abstinence- centered programs are effective in reducing teen sex. Further, it provides a listing of 26 abstinence programs recognized by the Department of Health and Human Services for producing promising practices that are predictive of behavioral impact.
- Commissioned a nationally-representative 2007 Zogby Poll showing most parents want their teens to be abstinent until marriage, prefer abstinence-centered education 2 to 1 over comprehensive sex education and support funding for abstinence education over comprehensive education.
- Provided educational resources in key state battles to sustain abstinence education.
- Distributed strategic resources to local parent advocates to maintain abstinence education as the preferred choice in local school districts.
2010-2011 Objectives
- Produce a major research project showing the effectiveness of abstinence education.
- Conduct a national poll showing parents do not support federally funded comprehensive sex education programs.
- Provide educational resources to 10 key states that will enable advocates to affect state policy in support of abstinence education.
- Develop a user-friendly website that becomes the go to center for information and resources promoting abstinence-centered education.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The NAEF Board of Directors is comprised of leading abstinence education providers across the U.S.:
- Dan Bailey - Just Say Yes
- LeAnna Benn (Secretary) - Teen-Aid,
- Bruce Cook - Choosing the Best
- Joneen Mackenzie - Wait Training
- Mary Anne Mosack (Vice Chair) - Mosack Communications Consulting
- Scott Phelps (Chairman) - Abstinence & Marriage Education Partnership
- Lesley Scearce - On Point
- Richard Albertson - Live the Life Ministries
- Brenda Saltzer - Care Net of Palouse
- Nanci Coppola, M.D. - Program Reach, Inc.
- Diane Foley, M.D. - Education for a Lifetime
- Laura Buddenberg - Father Flanagan's Boys' Home
NAEF LEADERSHIP
Valerie Huber Executive Director
NON-PROFIT INFORMATION
NAEF is a non-profit 501(c)3 Charitable Organization registered with the IRS.
Legal Name: National Abstinence Education Foundation, Inc. EIN #: 20-8188786
Contact Information:
1701 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 248-5420
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