Returning to the Root: Family and Love
We are facing a profound challenge in our contemporary society: the culture of disposable use and consumption. This cultural trend has led to a rise in narcissism, where individualism and egocentrism dominate our interactions with others. Additionally, we are confronted with the global challenge of distorted perceptions of sexuality, exacerbated by the widespread availability of explicit content and hypersexualization. Our focus is on preventing the harmful effects of pornography.
This issue significantly impacts communities, especially young people, leading to unhealthy attitudes, behaviors, and relationships. These factors perpetuate harmful stereotypes, objectification, and unrealistic expectations, hindering the development of respectful, loving, and committed relationships. We emphasize the disconnection between sexual intimacy, love, and reproduction within the context of family values. Addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering healthy, genuine connections and promoting a culture of respect, understanding, and empathy among individuals.
Without any religious bias, our methodology is based on the teachings of Karol Józef Wojtyła (Saint John Paul II). Through comprehensive education we empower individuals to identify the connections between sexual intimacy, love, and reproduction, embracing intimacy within committed relationships, fostering emotional connections and responsible parenthood. We address the root causes contributing to distorted perceptions of sexuality, nurturing healthier relationships and stronger families based in love.
Our program offers:
- Educational Workshops:
Conducts workshops in schools, community centers, and institutions, employing a curriculum that includes real-life cases, testimonials, and interactive sessions. These workshops emphasize the sacred nature of human sexuality, focusing on love, mutual respect, and responsible parenthood.
- Digital Resources: Offers an array of online platforms and multimedia resources, such as videos, articles, and interactive modules, accessible to a global audience. These resources incorporate teachings, real-life testimonials, and practical advice, fostering positive attitudes towards sexuality and relationships. Additionally, there is an awareness campaign conducted on Instagram to sensitize a wider audience.
- Support Networks:
Establishes support networks for individuals and couples, providing safe spaces for discussions, counseling, and guidance on nurturing strong, respectful relationships. These support networks are facilitated through a family counseling center, which includes a digital form for appointments and a direct support social network. Additionally, there is a dedicated webpage offering assistance and resources for those seeking help.
- Community Outreach Programs:
Collaborates with local development agency ADEL (Development Agency) and its partners, including the Women, Equality, and Gender Secretary; and esteemed institutions like the Mariana University or Public universities. These partnerships extend our outreach efforts, allowing us to promote awareness about the importance of healthy relationships within the community context.
The program primarily serves young individuals, couples, and families, aiming to directly and meaningfully improve their lives. Our target population includes:
Young People: We focus on adolescents and young adults, providing them with comprehensive sexual education rooted in respect, love, and commitment. Many young people lack access to accurate, values-based sexual education, and our initiative fills this gap by imparting knowledge that promotes healthy relationships and responsible decision-making.
Young Couples: We support couples, especially those preparing for marriage, by offering guidance on building strong, respectful partnerships. Many couples face challenges due to unrealistic expectations fueled by media and societal pressures. Our program equips them with the tools to cultivate lasting, loving relationships based on mutual understanding and commitment.
Families: By fostering healthy relationships, we indirectly impact families, creating environments where love and respect thrive. Strong families form the foundation of stable societies, positively influencing the upbringing of children and contributing to community well-being.
Currently, these groups are underserved in terms of values-based sexual education. Conventional educational systems often lack a holistic approach, failing to address the emotional and spiritual aspects of relationships. The program addresses this gap by providing a unique curriculum grounded in deep respect for human dignity and love.
Our solution will impact their lives by:
Empowering Decision-Making: Equipping young people with knowledge and confidence to make informed, responsible decisions about their relationships and sexuality, fostering emotional well-being.
Strengthening Relationships: Assisting couples in building strong, respectful partnerships, reducing conflicts and promoting enduring love and commitment.
Fostering Family Stability: Creating a ripple effect by nurturing healthy relationships within families, contributing to stable, nurturing environments for children's upbringing.
Promoting Community Well-being: By strengthening individuals, families and relationships, our initiative contributes to community harmony and societal stability, fostering a positive environment for all.
By directly addressing the needs of these underserved groups, our solution strives to create a lasting impact on their lives, fostering healthier relationships, families, and communities.
We have a strong local relationship with the Department of Women, Equality, and Gender, with Universities, and communities in general, enabling us to gather testimonials and develop methodologies that can influence public policies.
Our team is uniquely positioned to deliver the initiative due to:
Proximity and Representation:
Community Roots: Our team members have strong ties within the communities we serve, living and working closely with the target population. We understand their challenges intimately, enabling us to tailor our programs effectively.
Cultural Sensitivity: We are representative of the diverse cultures and backgrounds of our communities. Our diverse team ensures that we approach our initiatives with cultural sensitivity, acknowledging and respecting local traditions and beliefs.
Understanding and Engagement:
Direct Engagement: We actively engage with community members through weekly meetings, six months workshops, and discussions. These interactions provide invaluable insights into their needs, allowing us to design programs that resonate with their experiences.
Listening Sessions: We conduct listening sessions, where community members openly share their challenges and aspirations. Their input directly informs our program design, ensuring that our initiatives are relevant, relatable, and genuinely address their concerns.
Community-Driven Approach:
Participatory Design: Our solution is guided by the input, ideas, and agendas of the communities we serve. We involve community members in the design process, seeking their feedback at every stage. This participatory approach ensures that our programs align with their values and preferences.
Co-Creation Workshops: We organize co-creation workshops, where community members collaborate with us to develop educational materials and resources. This ensures that our content is not only culturally appropriate but also resonates deeply with the community, making the learning experience more impactful.
Community Leadership:
Empowered Community Leaders: We identify and empower local leaders within the community who act as liaisons between us and the residents. These leaders play a pivotal role in shaping our initiatives, ensuring that our programs are inclusive and responsive to the community's unique needs.
Sustainable Impact: By nurturing community leaders, we ensure the sustainability of our programs. These leaders continue to advocate for the values and knowledge imparted, fostering a lasting impact long after our direct engagement.
- Improve the SRH outcomes of young people and address root cause barriers to SRHR care.
- Colombia
- Growth: An organization with an established product, service, or business model that is rolled out in one or more communities
As of the current date, this initiative has directly impacted the lives of over 5000 young through our workshops, seminars, and digital resources. This number continues to grow as we expand our reach and engage with more communities, both locally and globally.
It is an innovative program in its approach to addressing the challenge of distorted perceptions of sexuality and promoting healthy relationships. We try to return to the roots of sexuality, understanding its significance and adapting to a complex reality. Here's what sets our solution apart:
Holistic Values-Based Education:
- Integration Emotional Elements: We focus on emotional intelligence, fostering a holistic understanding of human sexuality. This integration goes beyond traditional sex education, addressing emotional connections, mutual respect, and the spiritual dimensions of relationships.
Community-Centric Engagement:
- Community Collaboration: Our solution actively involves communities in content creation and program design. By valuing local wisdom, customs, and beliefs, our initiatives are culturally relevant and resonate deeply, ensuring higher engagement and acceptance.
Empowering Local Leaders:
- Leadership Development: We empower local leaders within communities, equipping them with knowledge and skills to advocate for healthy relationships. These leaders become catalysts for change, fostering positive attitudes towards relationships and sexuality at the grassroots level.
Technology-Enhanced Outreach:
- Digital Platforms: Utilizing digital tools, we reach a broader audience globally. Interactive modules, webinars, and online forums create a dynamic learning environment, enabling individuals worldwide to access our resources conveniently.
Long-Term Social Impact:
- Generational Impact: By promoting healthy relationships and values, our initiative has the potential to break cycles of unhealthy behaviors. Educating young people about respect, love, and commitment can influence future generations, catalyzing positive societal change.
Fostering Respect and Dignity:
- Respectful Approach: Our solution promotes respect for individual choices, fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are acknowledged and valued. This respectful approach ensures that our teachings resonate with people from various backgrounds and beliefs.
Collaborative Ecosystem:
- Partnerships and Collaboration: We collaborate with institutions, educational organizations, and community groups, creating a collaborative ecosystem.
Our solution does not rely on a single technology but integrates digital platforms with traditional community engagement methods. By blending age-old wisdom with modern tools, we create an innovative approach that is adaptable, scalable, and highly impactful. This unique combination positions us as pioneers in transforming societal attitudes towards healthy relationships and reshaping the landscape of values-based sexual education.
Impact Goals for the Next Year:
Reach more Individuals: Expand our workshops and digital resources to reach 1,000 individuals globally within the next year. This will be achieved through increased community outreach, partnerships, and online engagement.
Establish New Community Partnerships: Forge partnerships with 2 new community organizations, religious institutions, and educational bodies to integrate our values-based sexual education programs into their existing initiatives.
Empower 10 Local Leaders: Provide leadership training to 10 individuals within our target communities, empowering them to advocate for healthy relationships and become catalysts for positive change.
Strategies to Achieve Next Year's Goals:
Digital Expansion: Enhance our online presence through interactive webinars, e-learning modules, and social media campaigns, ensuring wider outreach and accessibility to diverse audiences.
Community Workshops: Conduct regular workshops in schools, community centers, and religious institutions, focusing on empowering young people and couples with knowledge and skills for healthy relationships.
Capacity Building: Offer training sessions for local leaders, equipping them with the necessary tools to effectively advocate for values-based sexual education and foster community dialogue.
Impact Goals for the Next Five Years:
Impact 10,000 Lives: Expand our reach to impact the lives of 10,000 individuals globally, instilling positive values and promoting healthy relationships, thereby contributing to more stable families and communities.
Establish a Sustainable Network: Establish a self-sustainable network of trained community leaders, educators, and influencers in at least 10 communities, ensuring the continuity of our programs and multiplying our impact.
Advocate for Policy Change: Engage with policymakers and advocate for the integration of comprehensive values-based sexual education into formal education systems in at least two countries, influencing national policies positively.
Strategies to Achieve Five-Year Goals:
Global Expansion: Scale our initiatives to new regions, leveraging our existing partnerships and successful models to adapt to diverse cultural contexts while maintaining the core values.
Leadership Development: Continue to empower local leaders and organizations through leadership programs, nurturing a network of advocates for values-based sexual education.
Research and Advocacy: Conduct research studies on the impact of values-based sexual education, utilizing data to advocate for policy changes and foster partnerships with governmental and non-governmental entities.
Our initiative, "Theology of the Body," aligns closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Change Approach:
Real impact and change will be achieved by transforming the societal approach to the issue. It's not just about discussing contraception and treatments but understanding the anthropology behind social relationships and the inherent desire for community. This translates into a universal craving to love and be loved, in defending our rights, and in a profound understanding of our instincts. By addressing these fundamental aspects, our initiative seeks to not only modify behaviors but transform how society conceives and practices love and relationships. This creates a significant and lasting cultural change.
Activities:
Educational Workshops:
- Conduct workshops on the nature of human sexuality, highlighting love, mutual respect, and responsible parenthood.
- Utilize real-life cases and testimonials to establish emotional connections with participants.
Digital Resources:
- Develop online platforms with engaging videos, articles, and interactive modules.
- Disseminate teachings, testimonials, and practical advice promoting positive attitudes toward sexuality and relationships.
Community Outreach:
- Collaborate with local agencies, universities, and communities to raise awareness.
- Participate in events and discussions, engaging directly with the community.
Support Networks:
- Establish safe spaces for discussions, counseling, and guidance.
- Provide online support through a dedicated social network and a digital form for appointments.
Outputs:
- Increased participation in workshops and online resources.
- Positive feedback and testimonials from participants.
- Enhanced engagement and interaction within the community.
Outcomes:
Short-term:
- Improved awareness and knowledge about healthy relationships in the target population.
- Enhanced emotional well-being among participants.
Long-term:
- Cultivation of respectful, loving, and committed relationships.
- Reduction in unhealthy attitudes and behaviors related to sexuality.
- Strengthened social fabric within communities due to healthier relationships.
Impact:
- Immediate:
- Increased awareness and knowledge about healthy relationships in the target population.
- Long-term:
- Positive shifts in societal attitudes toward love, relationships, and mutual respect.
- Reduced instances of objectification and harmful stereotypes related to sexuality.
- Enhanced overall well-being and satisfaction within families and communities.
- Colombia
- Spain
- Nonprofit
Full-time staff: 5 members.
Volunteers: 30 people.
Five (5) years.
Everyone is welcome to join our engaging program, regardless of their race, religion, beliefs, or sexual orientation. Our approach is rooted in deep respect for individual autonomy—we don't aim to change anyone. Instead, we guide individuals through their personal catharsis, supporting them in discovering their innate capacity to love and form meaningful relationships. This journey of self-discovery fosters an environment where participants confront their feelings, thoughts, and experiences, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. We emphasize the importance of mutual respect and understanding, acknowledging the unique perspectives and backgrounds of each person involved. Our program is a safe space where individuals are valued for who they are, fostering genuine connections based on respect, empathy, and love.
We are a Social Innovation and Development Cooperation Laboratory. Through innovative methodologies, we cultivate collective knowledge and drive projects that create significant social impact for vulnerable populations.Our approach is rooted in active collaboration with local communities and international organizations to develop creative and sustainable solutions. Additionally, we focus on skill development and competence building, viewing knowledge as a catalyst for societal change.
Key Components of Your Business Model:
Social Innovation and Cooperation: Core focus is on fostering social innovation and collaboration. This involves generating novel ideas, methodologies, and projects that address societal challenges and contribute to socioeconomic development.
Knowledge Cultivation: We emphasize the cultivation of collective knowledge. This suggests a strong emphasis on research, education, and the dissemination of information. By empowering communities with knowledge, you enable them to make informed decisions and drive positive change.
Active Collaboration: Our approach involves active engagement and collaboration with local communities and international organizations. This collaborative effort ensures diverse perspectives, resources, and expertise are leveraged to develop effective and sustainable solutions.
Skill Development: Provide training and skill development programs. By enhancing the skills and competencies of individuals within vulnerable populations, you empower them to participate meaningfully in social and economic activities, thereby improving their quality of life.
- Individual consumers or stakeholders (B2C)
Grants and Donations:
- Actively seeking grants from governmental and non-governmental organizations that support social initiatives. Grants provide essential initial funding for your projects and programs, allowing you to kickstart your initiatives without immediate financial burden.
Cooperation Agreements:
- Establishing cooperative agreements with both government entities and private sector organizations. These agreements might involve financial support, resources, or infrastructure provided in exchange for your social and developmental initiatives benefiting their communities or employees. These partnerships can provide stability and resources for your projects.
Internal Product Sales:
- Generating revenue through the sale of products related to your initiatives. These products could be educational materials, handcrafted goods, or other items created as part of your projects. Revenue from sales helps sustain your operations and fund future initiatives.
Crowdfunding:
- Engaging in crowdfunding campaigns to raise funds for specific projects or programs. Crowdfunding allows you to tap into a wide online audience, potentially attracting small donations from a large number of supporters. This method can fund specific initiatives or fill funding gaps for ongoing projects.
Diversification of Income Sources:
- Exploring multiple revenue streams, such as organizing events, workshops, or training sessions related to your initiatives. Charging fees for participation in these activities can generate income. Additionally, offering consultancy services based on your expertise can serve as an income source.
Partnerships and Collaborations:
- Forging partnerships with universities, research institutions, or other organizations for joint projects or initiatives. These partnerships can often come with funding opportunities, shared resources, or access to additional grants, enhancing your financial sustainability.