Teen Pregnancy Project/ Sexual Violence Action Team

The Teen Pregnancy Project (TPP) began in 1999. In 2004 it merged with the Sexual Violence Action Team (SVAT), which began in 2001 as a community response to a rape that occurred in a Saint Paul high school. At the core of the combined project is a vibrant and diverse coalition of approximately 75 organizations, with an active core of approximately 30 professionals from throughout the county who work with youth and share an interest in sexual violence and teen pregnancy issues. The TPP/SVAT promotes healthy youth development, focusing on sexual violence and teen pregnancy.

The TPP/SVAT was formed to:

- Decrease isolation of persons working on teen pregnancy and sexual violence issues in Ramsey County communities.
- Increase their access to best practice information and culture-specific resources.
- Increase public understanding of teen pregnancy and sexual violence issues and effective prevention.
- Improve public policy related to teen pregnancy and sexual violence issues.

The program's objectives include:

- Developing and continuing to expand a community coalition for members' capacity building and leadership development.
- Increasing use of culture-specific practices.
- Increasing community awareness and understanding of teen pregnancy and sexual violence issues.
- Promoting teen health services.
- Encouraging schools to implement effective comprehensive sexuality education.

Approximately 75 community organizations have been involved with the project in various ways, such as providing input to help ensure that the project is useful to them in their work and participating in project meetings, events, and activities. Since the project began five years ago, monthly coalition meetings have been held for professional networking, resource sharing, and professional development. Each year in October for Let's Talk Month and in May for Teen Pregnancy Awareness Month, community awareness activities are conducted to promote family communication about sexuality and healthy relationships. During each of these months the health department has held community events to reach youth and parents, hosted professional development workshops, and widely disseminated information and resources through partner organizations and local media.