Sex toys, marijuana and HIV aren’t on the list of topics that most college students are comfortable talking about. In an effort to create a more open environment, POWER is kicking off a series of talks to address those issues.
The program will start Tuesday with a presentation about sex toys. The goal, said Lauren Jensen, a senior intern at the Campus Involvement Center, is to teach students the ins and outs about the use of personal toys, toys to use with others and keeping things safe.
“During the presentation, I will teach students how to clean sex toys properly and use them either for personal or mutual use through PowerPoints and some examples,” Jensen said. “For some students, the topic of sex toys is embarrassing, while others don’t know the safe way to use them. I want to educate others on a student-to-student level.”
POWER, which stands for Promoting Ohio University Wellness, Education and Responsibility, is a student organization comprised of OU students who are nationally certified peer health educators. The organization is run through the Campus Involvement Center.
“Each week, we will have a specific topic of interest to students — whether it be marijuana or HIV awareness — that is taught by fellow peers,” said Terry Koons, associate director of the Campus Involvement Center. “We encourage students to come because some of the information may be relevant to bigger issues, such as marijuana and how it is expected to show up on the November ballot in Ohio or HIV/AIDS awareness in honor of HIV/AIDS awareness month in May,” he said.
Other topics to be explored in the series include STIs, marijuana and a fest season safety guide.
By delving into those topics in an informal environment, Jensen said she hopes students will feel more comfortable addressing the issues, which would accomplish one of the Campus Involvement Center’s goals.
“At the Campus Involvement Center, we welcome students who have questions about a particular topic that may be hard to discuss with faculty or physicians,” Jensen said. “These POWER Hour presentations are entertaining and a comfortable way to learn about awkward or debated issues.”
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