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Join the SSH & OUT Teams! Saskatoon Sexual Health and OUTSaskatoon are seeking a motivated, community-minded, compassionate, and knowledgeable individual to fill the position of Summer Student working for our Education, Reception and Support Services Teams. 

Most specifically the Summer Student will work with our Youth Sexual Health Project. The project is called “SSHOUT CARES: A Culturally Appropriate HIV, Hep C, and other STBBIs Prevention Intervention for Youth and Young Adults.” The chosen Summer Student will work with the education team providing research and development support, helping support SSHOUT program activities, and assisting our education team in summer programming.

Tasks

1. Participate and support work related to SSHOUT CARES: Sexual Health Project: HIV and

Hepatitis C Community Action & Harm Reduction Fund

2. Provide confidential and affirming front desk support and reception

3. Work to build relations with our Indigenous community members and partners

 Prepare educational resources and workshops for healthcare providers, businesses, and CBOs on the topics of sexual health, gender and sexual diversity, and STBBIs (sexually transmitted and blood borne infections)

4. Assist patients and community members accessing the Saskatoon Sexual Health or OUTSaskatoon services

Qualifications

• Working towards a relevant post-secondary qualification (social services, health services, addictions, etc)
• Knowledge of queer and Indigenous communities and issues is essential. 
• Knowledge of harm reduction, anti-oppression, and anti-racism approaches to community service delivery is an asset. 
• Experience working for community-based organizations and/or working in the queer community is an asset
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills
• Independent decision-making regarding day-to-day operations and strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability and self-reflexivity to work in a team environment
• Organization and time management skills (able to multitask and re-assess priorities). 
• Experience with standard office equipment, computing, and a variety of AV equipment
• Proficiency in Google Drive, Canva, Google Slides, Microsoft Word, and Excel

Work Environment 

• This position is office based but eligible for hybrid work.
• Host and attends programs around the city or virtually 
• Some shift and weekend work is required, and it may include evening shifts
• Light physical duties may be required, dependent upon the candidate’s abilities 
• This position may include travel, locally and within the province

Job Term

• 20 hours per week
• $18/hour
• Short term contract (mid June-mid August)

Application

Please submit a detailed cover letter (applicants that do not include a cover letter will not be

considered), a resume highlighting relevant education and work experience, and three references by email to Caitlin Cottrell director@shcsaskatoon.ca. Please include Summer Student Application as the email subject line. The application deadline is June 12, 2023, by 10 am. Interviews will be given on a rolling basis. Only selected applicants will be notified. Thank you for your interest in the position and best of luck with your application. 

Saskatoon Sexual Health is looking for someone to join our Education & Outreach Team. We are hiring a new Sexual Health Coordinator. You can find additional details in the document below. The application closes Monday, August 22, 2022, at 5:00 pm. Please apply by emailing education@saskatoonsh.ca with the subject Sexual Health Coordinator Application. In the email attach a pdf that combines your resume and cover letter into one document. Name the document with your name in the format FirstName_ LastName_SHC.pdf when you attach it to the email. The position is 30 hours a week from September 2022 to March 2023, with a flexible start date of September 6, 2022.

Together with OUTSaskatoon, we have developed a project which in part, will increase health system capacity by creating new pathways for individuals seeking to access testing services. Digitization of services creates new modalities of engagement, which can positively impact the accessibility of STBBI testing. Saskatoon Sexual Health and OUTSaskatoon are now looking for an expert consultant to manage the technical implementation of the project including the development, initial implementation, adaptation, maintenance and sustainability of the project. Saskatoon Sexual Health and OUTSaskatoon seek a perspective that is not only informed by industry standards and best-practices but also reasonable given the project’s size, scope and business requirements. SSH seeks respondents with experience and technical skills in providing IT project management and process improvement. For more details on the project and how to apply read the following RFP document.

Access to abortion and reproductive health services is a fundamental human right that cannot be taken for granted. This fact is made especially clear following the leak of the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) decision to overturn the constitutional protection for abortion afforded by the Roe v Wade decision of 1973, along with the Planned Parenthood v Casey decision of 1992. There is no law criminalizing abortion in Canada; however, anti-abortion activism continues to pursue limitations on access to safe abortion services, including in our province.

We, as the Saskatoon Sexual Health Board of Directors, feel the collective rage and grief at the devastating, widespread consequences that this SCOTUS decision will have for those seeking abortions across the United States. Texas and at least 25 other states are already working toward limiting access to reproductive health services. There is strength in solidarity and as a Board, we recognize and support the work of organizations such as the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and state-specific groups such as Lilith Fund in the ongoing fight for safe and equitable access to abortions.

Saskatoon Sexual Health is working to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights, including access to abortions. This work is guided by a reproductive justice framework as developed by racialized women in the United States, like those of SisterSong. We recognize that reproductive justice goes beyond abortion rights to include the right to choose to parent and the right to healthy and informed sexualities, contraception, STBBI testing, and treatment. Saskatoon Sexual Health relies heavily on funding from our community to provide these essential health care services.

Here in Saskatchewan, access is not equitable for all people. Abortions are only available in Saskatoon and Regina, and only up to 12 weeks and 18 weeks of pregnancy, respectively. While in Regina, people who are seeking abortions may self-refer, those in Saskatoon require a referral from a physician or from Saskatoon Sexual Health. Transportation from outside or between these cities is a barrier to abortion access in itself, which is not covered by insurance. This barrier is particularly felt by people in Northern Saskatchewan.

SSH endeavours to reduce barriers and provide support for all pregnancy options. With a nod to the powerful work of organizers across the US, we recognize our own sphere of influence is right here in Saskatoon and the surrounding area. We have the power to support abortion access and reproductive choice in our community, and we would love for you to join us. One-time donations and monthly supporters make a huge difference in our ability to provide these essential health care services.

If you feel, as we do, that these services and this work is essential, make a donation here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/sexual-health-centre-saskatoon/

It’s that time of year again! SSH’s AGM will be held virtually on July 19th at 7PM on Zoom. Everyone is welcome to attend and you can sign up to receive the Zoom link on the day of the AGM by emailing director@saskatoonsh.ca. If you are interested in voting during this meeting, you will need to purchase a membership for $10 either over the phone by calling us at 306-244-7989 or you can purchase the membership online through Canada Helps through the following link: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/sexual-health-centre-saskatoon/events/ssh-membership-renewal/

Please also see the bottom of this post to download the 2021 AGM Agenda and the 2020 AGM Minutes.

How much more do any of us have left to give in 2020? This Giving Tuesday, we only ask that you give *yourself* a little extra self-care, self-acceptance, and self-love.

We want to honour the sacrifices you have made and the strength you have shown for your community, your loved ones, and yourself throughout this year by encouraging you to prioritize yourself today, because we cannot pour from an empty cup.

Need some self-care inspiration? Below we have created a list of things you can do for yourself to help keep your cup full.

Self-Care Inspiration

• Light some candles, put on a Sade playlist, and take a long, sudsy bath
• Visit the Beaver Creek Conservation Area to take a socially distanced hike and hand feed chickadees
• Shut your phone off and read a book for an hour (our staff recommends Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman and Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Love Life by Emily Nagoski)
• Buy yourself a new toy, whether it’s for pleasure or otherwise
• Bring home or order a plant or some flowers the next time you buy groceries to remind yourself that spring will always come
• *M*a*s*t*u*r*b*a*t*e* (so you can come, too!)
• Organize a Secret Santa gift exchange with friends on Animal Crossing
• Watch a favourite film from childhood by yourself or with a young person in your life
• Find a free yoga video on YouTube for any mood or ability
• Play a game of Among Us with your family or friend group
• Dress in your best, make yourself a charcuterie board, and treat yourself to a bottle of wine that would normally make you say, “that’s too much for a bottle of wine!”
• Marie Kondo your social media feed: if a person you follow does not spark joy, mute or unfollow them
• Say “no” to someone
• Waste some time and embrace un-productivity

Of course, if you do find that you have more to give after giving back to yourself, you can always help support the services and education we at Saskatoon Sexual Health provide by donating through Canada Helps via the button below.

From all of us at Saskatoon Sexual Health, we wish you a self-care and self-love filled Giving Tuesday.

The above statement is not an exaggeration.

On July 9th, 2019, Action Canada partnered with Saskatoon Sexual Health and Planned Parenthood Regina to stage an action asking the premiers of Canada’s provinces to take this issue of sexuality education seriously.

Saskatchewan leads the country in teen pregnancy rates. We have staggeringly high rates of domestic and partner violence. Our chlamydia rates for young women between 20-24 are 10x higher than the national average–for male youth in this age group, the rates are 6x higher. Saskatchewan also has provincial rates of HIV that are 2.5x higher than the national average, and transphobia and homophobia are alive and well.

Comprehensive sexual education is a preventative measure that can provide the people of our communities with invaluable information that helps prevent negative outcomes for sexual health while breaking patterns of abuse in unhealthy relationships. Creating inclusive curriculum that is representative of the challenges and experiences of multiple demographics is important if the groups not usually centred in conversations of sexuality and health are to be empowered, and an introduction of diversity in content can provide youth with the representation they need to confidently be themselves and explore their sexuality in safe and healthy ways.

Studies have shown that comprehensive sexuality education reduces the rates of teen pregnancy, delays the onset of sexual initiation, reduces the likelihood of sexual risk-taking behaviours, and reduces the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (UNESCO, 2018).

The evidence is clear: sex-ed saves lives, and the UN has declared the information a human right. Every person, no matter their orientation or background, has the right to receive this life saving information, to make healthier choices for themselves and their families, and to feel comfortable and celebrated in their sexuality and identity.

CBC: Advocates call on premiers for better sex ed across Canada

Star Phoenix: Advocates call on premiers for improved sexual health education

CTV: Protesters want changes to sex ed.

Body of Art brings together Saskatchewan-based artists with local musicians and artisans to awaken and titillate your senses.

Body of Art is a transformation of Saskatoon Sexual Health’s (SSH) biennial art auction, which has supported the work of SSH (formerly Planned Parenthood) for over 20 years. This artist-friendly fundraiser helps SSH to provide sexual and reproductive health and education services like low-cost contraceptives, pregnancy options counselling, HIV and STI testing, pap tests, and preventative services that connect people in our community to information and resources.

Join us for an afternoon of art, a warming custom cocktail and sumptuous food from Fresh Dish that will illuminate your senses and inspire you to give back to your community.

Artwork available for auction has been masterfully curated and features a mix of regularly contributing and emerging artists in Saskatchewan. Art viewing will begin at 2:00 pm with the auction beginning promptly at 3:00 pm. Food and refreshments included in ticket price.

Featured artists include:

We look forward to your support and sharing an afternoon with our vibrant arts community. Tickets are available through the following Eventbrite link: http://bit.ly/BodyofArt2019

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Are you looking for the perfect gift for the reproductive rights and sexual health enthusiast in your life? We got you, fam. No matter your budget, we’ll help you find the perfect gifts. And if you opt to keep some for yourself, we promise not to add you to the naughty list–we are all about the right to choose.

Safety is so hot right now.

Barrier enthusiasts, rejoice! Moschino’s new collaboration with H&M is hitting all the right spots. If this ready-to-wear condom tribute is your thing, you can find them here.

[Naughty] bits and bobs. 

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There is no end to the amount of fun, sex-positive flair out there! No matter your orientation, your identity, or your kink–there’s a pin for that. Our staff are particularly fond of local artist Blu Hummingbird’s beaded vulva! 

Good vibes and self-love. 

Not enough can be said in appreciation of a good toy. Self-love and pleasure do wonders for your health! The Magic Wand is a classic for a reason, and the Pocket Toyfriends are great for anybody new to toys. The Iroha is a small and mighty, waterproof gem, while the Tenga Flex is great for those in your life with a penis. The creme-de-la-creme toys listed above (and more) are all available in our clinic. Don’t forget to pick up some lube and cleaner for these high-quality toys! 

No budget or anti-capitalist? 

We’ve got you covered. Pun intended. Our Wrap It Up! SK condoms make the perfect stocking stuffers–and better yet, they’re free and widely available around Saskatoon. Stop by our clinic, or send us a line to find out what the nearest access point is for you! Take enough for the whole fam, and show them how much you care, because nobody is asking for an STI this holiday season.

Frisky and festive?

Dick–um, no–DECK* the halls, with one of these fun and spicy Christmas ornaments! 

The gift that keeps giving. 

Is there somebody on your list who *h a t e s* receiving gifts? (they do exist). Consider sponsoring an IUD or making a donation in their name through Canada Cares! Link to donate is below the above photo. 

For art lovers. 

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Do you or your honey get down with art? Assembled above are some staff picks for tasteful and thought provoking wall adornments to spice up your home. Suggestive oyster watercolours, perhaps? Maybe something more on the bespoke side, like a commissioned @project_wallflower (IG) casting of your yoni or a partners? Better yet, why not plan an art filled date night? Tickets for the SSH Art Auction in March are available here.

Is your bed made of money? 

Last but not least: Luxury labia label Fendi released this shawl recently, and folks think it looks like a vagina. For $1290 CAN, your sweetheart will look like a vulva, too! 

Happy holidays from everyone here at Saskatoon Sexual Health!