Marriage Message Inspiring To Teachers

February 5, 2007, Phoenix, Arizona – Inspired by the experts, attendees at "Restoring The Dream" were equipped to bring the message of marriage to teens. "My passion and desire to educate others on building strong and successful marriages and families were rekindled," explained attendee Candace Woods, an abstinence educator at The Crisis Pregnancy Centers of Greater Phoenix.

Hosted by the Abstinence & Marriage Education Partnership, "Restoring The Dream" showcased nationally-known authors and speakers including Scott Phelps, Maggie Gallagher, and Glenn T. Stanton. Participants gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities of abstinence and marriage education as they learned from the experts the importance of teaching these topics to teenagers.

Over 90% of high school seniors say it is important to them to have a good marriage and family life, yet little is being done to prepare students to accomplish this dream. "Abstinence education is on the front lines of helping to build healthy, future marriages. Our goal is to help teens avoid the many potential negative consequences of sexual activity," explained Scott Phelps, executive director of A&M Partnership and author of several popular abstinence curricula including Aspire and Excel. "Restoring The Dream" is providing educators with the message of marriage so they are able to equip teenagers with the tools and knowledge they need to be successful in marriage.

Between presenters, attendees learned hands-on demonstrations by Joel and Sofia Gonzalez of Caris Prevention Services in Chicago. "Marriage is like a house," they explained while using Styrofoam blocks labeled sex, friendship, marriage, and love. The blocks formed a house, when put in the order of being the healthiest choice (friendship, love, marriage, sex). "When we communicate abstinence to students, it is important to also emphasize the benefits of marriage, which gives them a reason to wait," explained Joel Gonzalez.

"The message of abstinence is being embraced by teens all across the country today largely because it provides an objective standard – a rock on which to stand. Moreover, it is a great way to prepare for marriage," said Phelps.

"Restoring The Dream" will continue its tour in Chicago on February 28, and Philadelphia on March 28. Registration and scholarship opportunities are available.