First Monday Memo


July 7th, 2025

EyesOn: THIS MONTH

🔥Hot Flashes & Hot Takes:

What Sex Ed Forgot to Mention🔥

Menopause is Having a Moment -

Join Us for Hot Flashes & Hot Takes!


Let’s be honest: sex ed barely covered puberty… and it definitely didn’t prepare us for *this* phase of life.


Join EyesOpenIowa for Hot Flashes & Hot Takes, a bold and refreshingly honest event all about perimenopause and menopause—what it is, how to manage it, and why it’s been kept in the dark for so long.


We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Amy Bingaman, OB/GYN and nationally recognized menopause expert.


She’ll cover:

* The symptoms no one warned you about

* Holistic, functional, and conventional treatment options

* What’s normal, what’s not, and how to advocate for yourself

* Q\&A—nothing off limits, no judgment


On Thursday, July 17 from 5:30–7:30 PM CT, in person at 4000 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines (snacks and drinks provided), or tune in via Zoom from wherever you are.


Suggested donation: $40

Can’t swing that? Pay what you can. Want to cover someone else? Even better.

All proceeds benefit EyesOpenIowa’s work to ensure that young people receive the comprehensive, inclusive sex ed we wish we’d had—including what comes after puberty.


Menopause doesn’t have to be a mystery. Let’s break the silence, together.


Spots are limited. Register today!

July Myths & Misconceptions Series

Thursday, July 17    

Time: 12:30–1:00 PM

Format: Virtual    

Cost: $20


Nationally recognized Sexual Health Educator and therapist Emily Gillon leads this bite-size session that packs a punch! Emily will clarify common myths and misunderstandings in sexual health education. Topics to be announced.

Awkward to Awesome: Core Skills

Monday, August 11    

9:00 AM–4:00 PM

In-person (EyesOpenIowa Office, West Des Moines)    

Cost: $200



This engaging, skill-based training helps educators transform awkward moments into teachable ones. Learn to respond to sensitive questions, navigate boundaries, master inclusive lesson delivery, and boost your confidence when addressing tough topics.

Sex Ed Staples: Core Content

Tuesday, August 12    

Time: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

In-person (EyesOpenIowa Office, West Des Moines)    

Cost: $200


Dive into the foundational knowledge needed to teach comprehensive sex education. Topics include contraceptives, STI prevention, puberty, anatomy, consent, and decision-making. Great for new educators or as a refresher course.

August Myths & Misconceptions Series

Date: Thursday, August 21     Time: 12:30–1:00 PM

Format: Virtual    

Cost: $20



Nationally recognized Sexual Health Educator and therapist Emily Gillon leads this bite-size session that packs a punch! Emily will clarify common myths and misunderstandings in sexual health education. Topics to be announced.

✨Two times to choose from!


Lunch-N-Learns will be held at 12:00 PM CT, with a second session at 6:00 PM CT the same evening. This change is designed to provide more flexibility and to broaden participation, making it easier for individuals to engage with valuable content.

July Lunch-N-Learn

Decoding the Influence of Pop Culture on Teen Sexuality


Date: Tuesday, July 1    

Time: 12:00–12:30 PM or 6:00–6:30 PM


Explore how music, TV, memes, and social media shape young people’s attitudes and behaviors around relationships and sex. This session offers tools to help educators connect with students using pop culture references while staying grounded in medically accurate messaging.


*This training counts for 0.5 hours towards Certified Sexual Health Educator initial and re-certification. Click here to learn about getting certified.


Pre-registration is required. To register, please select one of the buttons below.

August Lunch-N-Learn

Beyond the Binary:

Gender-Inclusive Sex Ed


Date: Tuesday, August 5    

Time: 12:00–12:30 PM or 6:00–6:30 PM

Format: Virtual   


Explore ways to create a more inclusive classroom that affirms all gender identities. This session covers language, classroom climate, and key concepts to help educators integrate gender-expansive practices into existing curriculum.

September Lunch-N-Learn

Teaching Consent to Middle Schoolers


Tuesday, September 2    

Time: 12:00–12:30 PM or 6:00–6:30 PM

Format: Virtual    


Consent education shouldn’t wait until high school. This session offers age-appropriate strategies for teaching boundaries, communication, and respect to middle school students in engaging and empowering ways.

How Do Lunch-N-Learns Work?


Tune in for a live presentation where EyesOpenIowa's Training Coordinator, Val, hosts an informative "bite size" session providing youth serving professionals updates on trending topics and ongoing development.


Enjoy your lunch break; this education is served "podcast style" just Log in, Listen, and Learn! The topics change month to month but the quality stays the same!

Who?

We recommend our concise

Lunch-N-Learns

to youth serving professionals, health educators, and our partners!

When?

The first Tuesday of every month!

12:00-12:30pm (CT)

6:00-6:30pm (CT)

Where?

Virtually on Zoom


(Enjoy this professional development from the comfort of your home or office.)

Cost?

Free


Providing you with specialized content that is accessible for all!

Missed the Lunch-N-Learn?


No worries! Downloads are available to everyone.


After each session you can access a supplementary free download on EyesOpenAcademy.


These downloads may include classroom posters, informative handouts, bookmarks for students, and more.

What We're Reading


'Really Scared': Parents of kids with disabilities confront Education Department chaos (Iowa Capital Dispatch)


ISU students, community mourn restructured LGBTQ+ center (Iowa Capital Dispatch)


This Tik Tok Trend Might Be Behind Your Teen's Extensive Shower Routine - Should Parents Worry? (Parents)


If Your Teen Wants a Menstrual Cup, Here is What You Need to Know (Parents)


Meta Launches Teen Accounts for Facebook and Messenger - Here's What That Means (Parents)


How to Keep Teaching Well When DEI is Under Attack (Cult Pedagogy)

Resources


Educator resources


Healthcare Professionals


Parents & Caregivers


Teens


Young Parents




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