TRAINING & Event CALENDAR
We Offer Training for Some of the Most Popular Sex Ed Curriculums!
Curriculums Trained On: Rights, Respect, Responsibility (3R’s), Draw the Line/Respect the Line (DTl/RTL), and FLASH
Date: Scheduled upon request, virtual or in-person.
Cost: $175
Our waitlists are open for curriculum training on Rights, Respect, Responsibility (3R’s), Draw the Line/Respect the Line (DTl/RTL), and FLASH. Once there is enough interest, trainings will eb scheduled. Custom training for individuals or small groups is also available by request. Email info@eyesopeniowa.org to join a waitlist.
Level up your skills. Empower your learners.
EyesOpenIowa offers engaging trainings for educators, health professionals, and advocates. Our sessions build skills, ensure compliance, and connect you with a supportive network. Each training expands your knowledge and strengthens your ability to make a positive impact on young people
Our calendar also features special events for adult learners, fundraisers, and more.
We can’t wait to meet you! This calendar is updated regularly.
Lunch-N-Learn Series: October Sessions
Topic: Trauma-Informed Approaches to Sex Ed
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 Time: 12:00–12:30 PM only this month
Format: Virtual (Join from the comfort of your home or office) Cost: Free
Learn about how to teach sensitive material through a trauma-informed lens that prioritizes safety, student autonomy, and emotional regulation.
Myths & Misconceptions Series: October Session
Topic: Correcting the Record: Sex Ed Myths, Missteps, and Missed Info
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025 Time: 12:00–12:30 PM CT
Format: Virtual (Join from the comfort of your home or office) Cost: $20
October is Let’s Talk Month: a nationwide push to spark honest, judgment-free conversations between young people and the trusted adults in their lives. But what happens when the adults didn’t get great sex ed themselves?
In this myth-busting micro-workshop, nationally recognized sex educator and therapist Emily Gillon breaks down the most persistent myths and misconceptions still floating around about sex, relationships, and reproductive health. From “you can’t get pregnant if…” to “talking about sex encourages kids to have it,” Emily will equip learners with accurate, inclusive information and practical language to use with the teens in their lives, whether they’re a parent, educator, mentor, or someone who just wants to get it right this time. Leave feeling more confident and capable of having the kinds of conversations that protect and empower youth.
Screenwise: Guiding Teen Decision Making Through the Digital Age
Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM CT
Format: In-person (EyesOpenIowa Office, West Des Moines) Cost: $150
This training is designed for anyone helping young people navigate the online landscape. It covers strategies for supporting teens in managing online safety, sexting, and exposure to explicit content. With interactive activities and discussion, participants will learn how to ground themselves when talking about sensitive topics, helping teens form their own values and beliefs. The training views these issues through a legal and practical lens, empowering teens to make responsible digital decisions.
Lunch-N-Learn Series: November Sessions
Topic: Parents as Partners: Strengthening Sex Ed at Home and School
Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 Time: 12:00–12:30 PM or 6:00–6:30 PM CT
Format: Virtual (Join from the comfort of your home or office) Cost: Free
Learn how to bring parents into the conversation as allies. We’ll cover communication strategies, opt-out policies, and how to equip caregivers to reinforce healthy messages at home.
Awkward to Awesome: Core Skills
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM CT
Format: In-person (EyesOpenIowa Training Hall, West Des Moines) Cost: $200
This engaging, skill-based training helps educators transform awkward moments into teachable ones. Learn to respond to sensitive questions, navigate boundaries, master inclusive lesson delivery, and boost your confidence when addressing tough topics.
Sex Ed Staples: Core Content
Date: Friday, November 14, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM CT
Format: In-person (EyesOpenIowa Training Hall, West Des Moines) Cost: $200
Dive into the foundational knowledge needed to teach comprehensive sex education. Topics include contraceptives, STI prevention, puberty, anatomy, consent, and decision-making. Great for new educators or as a refresher course.
Myths & Misconceptions Series: November Session
Topic: Parents as Partners: Strengthening Sex Ed at Home and School
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 Time: 12:00-12:30 PM CT
Format: Virtual (Join from the comfort of your home or office) Cost: $20
Learn how to bring parents into the conversation as allies. We’ll cover communication strategies, opt-out policies, and how to equip caregivers to reinforce healthy messages at home.
Lunch-N-Learn Series: December Sessions
Topic: Reflect & Reset: Planning for Stronger Sex Ed in 2026
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 Time: 12:00–12:30 PM or 6:00–6:30 PM CT
Format: Virtual (Join from the comfort of your home or office) Cost: Free
Close out the year by reviewing wins, challenges, and lessons learned in 2025. This planning-focused session offers practical ideas and mindset shifts to set you up for a more impactful year ahead.
Unmasking Crisis Pregnancy Centers
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025 Time: 9:00–11:00 AM CT
Format: Virtual (Join from the comfort of your home or office) Cost: $150
Learn about what Crisis Pregnancy Centers are and how they work to mislead individuals seeking reproductive care, often using purity culture and misinformation. Gain tools to educate students and clients on accessing medically accurate, unbiased services.
Myths & Misconceptions Series: December Session
Topic: “Cuffing Season Confusion”: Relationship Myths That Sneak in Over the Holidays
Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025 Time: 12:00–12:30 PM CT
Format: Virtual (Join from the comfort of your home or office) Cost: $20
Why do people “settle down” in the winter? What messages do young people get about relationships during the holidays, and how can we help them navigate the pressure to couple up? This session dives into myths about attachment, romantic timelines, and more.
Who should attend EOI Trainings & Events?
School and organizational administrators involved in overseeing sex education programming
Youth-serving adults
Social workers
Public health specialists
College students
Individuals passionate about learning more about sexual health education
Curriculum leads
Community-based educators
Clinic-based educators
Health teachers
Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) teachers
School nurses
Physical education teachers
School counselors
Not Finding the Training Opportunity You're Looking For?
New trainings are always being added to our calendar! Subscribe to our newsletter to get training announcements straight to your inbox at the beginning of each month.
Looking for custom trainings or professional development opportunities for your group?
Check out our Book a Training or Speaker page to learn about our customized training options.
How Do Lunch-N-Learns Work?
Professional development in bite-sized chunks…on us!
While Lunch-N-Learns are typically held on the first Tuesday of each month from 12:00pm-12:30pm CT and from 6:00pm-6:30pm CT, dates & times may vary.
Our Lunch-N-Learns are dynamic, concise Zoom sessions packed with valuable education related to adolescent sexual health. They're designed to empower youth-serving professionals, educators, healthcare workers, college students, and any adults passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people.
Each session is offered at two convenient times:
Afternoon session: 12:00 to 12:30 PM CT
Evening session: 6:00 to 6:30 PM CT
Both times are live, interaction-optional sessions filled with robust information. Choose the time that fits your schedule best!
Why Should I Join In?
Engaging Content
Dive into relevant topics that offer practical tools and insights you can apply immediately.Flexible and Convenient
Join us during your lunch break or catch the evening session; our sessions fit seamlessly into your busy schedule.No Cost
All Lunch-N-Learns are provided free of charge, thanks to our generous donors.Relaxed Atmosphere
Munch, crunch, and enjoy your meal! There's no pressure to contribute or have your camera on. Participation is optional; you can choose to engage or simply listen in.Professional Development
Enhance your credential; most sessions count as 0.5 hours towards Certified Sexual Health Educator (CSHE) initial and re-certification. Click here to learn more about becoming CSHE certified.
How Do I Join In?
Pre-registration is required. Scroll up to view the training calendar and select your session to get registered. You will receive a Zoom link via email.
Cancellation/Postponement Policy
EyesOpenIowa reserves the right to cancel a training or event if we do not reach the minimum number of participants to make the event viable by the registration closing date. In the event that we cancel a training, we will notify you using the email you used during registration and refund your full registration amount using the same method you used for payment.
In the event of inclement weather we will work to reschedule the training. If we must cancel due to weather, we will contact you via the information you provided on your registration form.
Full refunds will be provided to registrants who provide at least one week’s notice of cancellation prior to training. No refunds will be given after that time.
Note: Accessibility accommodations are available. Please email info@eyesopeniowa.org at least two weeks prior to your session.