The White House continues to pour money into programs that tell teens not to have sex till they are married, and queer teens not to have sex ever (Salon) We've known for years that "just say no" is not an effective public health strategy, the experts know it too.

The fact is Americans have higher rates of teen births, teen abortions, and more sexually transmitted diseases than most other industrialized countries. When it comes to the sexual health of young people, countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands are light-years ahead of us.

There is a better way. If battling these 'abstinence-only-until marriage' programs is on your list of New Year's Resolutions, look to Europe. Or even better, go to Europe with Advocates for Youth.

Advocates for Youth and the University of North Carolina are sponsoring their next European study tour June 3-20th, 2005. Advocates for Youth will select 30 participants to explore and identify strategies, programs, and policies in the Netherlands, France, and Germany that have influenced adolescent sexual behavior and outcomes.

I went on this study tour a few years back. It was an amazing experience. I can guarantee that this tour will change the way you think about about sexual health forever. On our trip we had incredible opportunities to meet with students, health care professionals, faith community leaders, and government representatives. We visited clinics and schools, saw social marketing campaigns, and much more.

There are always more applicants than can be accomodated for this trip, so if you're interested get your application in as soon as possible. Visit the Advocates for Youth Website for more information. (and let me know if you apply)