About the AbstinenceFirst Campaign
In an effort to emphasize abstinence as the healthiest choice for young people, the Illinois Abstinence Coalition (IAC) is embarking upon a state-wide public service media campaign designed to provide positive abstinence messages to the general public. The AbstinenceFirst public service campaign provides educational information about the issue for teens, as well as resources for parents. In addition, the campaign offers teens and parents access to this web site and a toll-free number (1.877.TEENS-IL), where they can find information on abstinence education in their local communities.
About the Illinois Abstinence Coalition
Approximately 30 state and federally funded abstinence education organizations in Illinois decided to join forces to communicate the importance of abstinence education for today's youth. This larger entity is now known as the Illinois Abstinence Coalition. Although each abstinence organization promotes abstinence within their local communities, the Illinois Abstinence Coalition has collaborated to communicate a cohesive message across the entire state via the AbstinenceFirst public service media campaign. For a list of all participating organizations, please visit the provider directory on this web site.
Goals of the AbstinenceFirst Public Service Campaign
The overall goal of the campaign is to provide informational and educational abstinence messages to the general public. With the influx of sexual imagery and messaging in today's media, this campaign communicates to teens that abstinence is the only 100% effective means for avoiding sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted teen pregnancy and many of the emotional risks that result from premature sexual activity. The campaign also helps parents to understand that abstinence can be an attainable goal for their children with the proper support and encouragement.
We hope to reach thousands of teens and parents in Illinois with the encouraging message of abstinence.
