Thanks to Feministing I learned about Condom Awareness Week before the week was quite over. In any case, as a result of that post I surfed over to the Advocates for Youth condom campaign page where they've got lots of great "e-cards" promoting condom use. This is one of my favorites, but click here to see the whole page. Send one to someone you love!

In fact, what a great way to start that safer sex conversation you've been meaning to have!

Also, click here for their "Rights. Respect. Responsibility." Condom Art Contest, whose mission is:

to normalize discussion about safer sex, to provide science-based information about the effectiveness of condoms, and to increase partner communication about using condoms for those who are sexually active.

Certainly that's a mission we support here!

And here is a page of links to stories by teens about buying condoms, using them, and about the need for self-protection.

Hey, while you're at it, why not forward some of this information to a teen you care about. If you're a parent (or a grandparent, or an aunt or uncle or older sibling) who has been trying to figure out how to start that safe sex conversation, what better way than with a e-card showing centipede made of brightly colored condoms (caption reads: "Bug Repellant") and a note that says "by the way, there's been something I've been hoping we could talk about..."

And while we're sending e-cards, maybe we each ought to send a bunch to the folks in Washington who would rather we have abstinance-only non-education instead of comprehensive sexual health education. Advocates for Youth asks people to "help stop the war on condoms," and their own cards provide the perfect message. Here's one I think might be especially appropriate to send to the White House. Click here to find your elected representatives or use the Contact Congress button on the left sidebar!

...because public space really matters!

Elizabeth