1. Specifically what pamphlets or information are you or is ACS
concerned about being reported that was not a part of the
conference? The pamphlets in the KOIN news story are being presented as
though they are from the Adolescent Sexuality Conference, when in fact they
are from the Cascade Aids Project vendor booth. While there was no mention
of inappropriate material in the conference evaluations, we take recent
concerns over some of the vendor material seriously and will look closer at
the content from our vendors for this year?s conference.

2. How many students are expected to attend this year? Registration
is still open at this time. The last few years, youth participants have been
about 25% of attendees. Youth under 18 years-old must have a chaperone
at the conference and have parental or guardian permission to attend. We
generally do not know the number of attendees until right before the
conference.

3. Some parents and teachers told me they were uncomfortable
with Keynote speaker Cory Silverberg?s workshop teledildonics
where Virtual Femm, an adult porn site was mentioned. Why was
that appropriate for school- age participants? The content of Mr.
Silverberg?s presentation was specifically requested by parents and teachers
who attended the 2013 conference. Teachers, parents, as well as health
professionals requested this specific content in order to know more about
the material already available online to students and to engage students
participating in certain activities with educated and open dialogue. Mr.
Silverberg?s presentation was designed to acknowledge how technology is
being used by students and is appropriate to begin a conversation with
youth about how certain material is not legal for those under 18 and can
lead to unrealistic and unhealthy behaviors. Stating that something like a
website exists is not-an endorsement to engage in any behavior. Every year,
the conference planning committee carefully reviews conference evaluations.
No evaluation mentioned a concern with the content Cory Silverberg
presented.

4. What were the ages of the attendees? Additionally where were
they from? Can we get a breakdown? Last year there were 272 attendees,
55 of whom were school-aged youth. For those who are under 18, we do not
track their specific age and require full parental permission as well as a
chaperone. Attendees are from all over Oregon.

5. Is it appropriate to have students under 18-years old learning
about fetishes like pony play and how to try that out in the only
world of cybersex? All students under the age of 18 have full parental or
guardian permission and a chaperone. We provide the schedule and list of

topics to the attendees and it is available to the public. The goal of the
conference is to create a space for open and realistic dialogue on a variety of
adolescent sexuality topics. Acknowledging something exists or that students
are engaging in certain behaviors is not an endorsement for such behaviors.
It is important to understand what they have access to and how to discuss
sensitive topics with them.

6. Was ASC upfront with Rob Saxton about what the keynote
speaker's presentation was about? He seemed to think Silverberg
was telling kids not to go the websites but we did not hear one such
warning in over the hour of audio presentation. Mr. Saxton has access
to the conference agenda in advance of last year?s conference. Additionally,
a full schedule of speakers and workshops for this year?s conference is
available to the public. Mr. Silverberg?s presentation was specifically
requested by parents, teachers and health professionals who attended the
2013 conference in order to know more about content already available
online to students. Students under 18 at the workshOp had parental
permission as well as a chaperone.

Final note. We value abstinence as a healthy choice for students. This is
why asked one of our keynote speakers last year to speak about the
importance of abstinence. Our approach begins with emphasizing the
significance and value of abstinence, while not devaluing or ignoring those
students who have had or are having sexual relationships or engaging in
other activities.

     
 

 
 

{5313193372531 
?b 4 . 

a:
v-

:211 5? 

Eric Miller

LT Public Relations