The purpose of the Think Again campaign is to provide information and encourage teens and their friends, partners, and families to discuss relationships, decision making and other issues related to teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS prevention.
Think Again Campaign History:
This project began in 1998 to help to address the issue of teen pregnancies in Manitoba. The Manitoba Association of School Trustees (MAST) invited community agency and parent representatives to discuss a campaign concept. Other key partners in the development of the Think Again initiative included Klinic, Sexuality Education Resource Centre, and the Government of Manitoba.
A plan rolled out in four phases over the next five years, and included:
- Regional Youth Consultations across Manitoba
- Formation of a Youth Creative Team to develop campaign messages
- Campaign Development of television ads
- Community Support and Implementation including development and distribution of pamphlets, posters, TV ad videos, facilitator guides, and a website: www.thinkagain.ca
Current Status of the Campaign:
In 2005, the Think Again Committee began the process of updating the existing facilitator resource, pamphlet and website. Maintaining a harm reduction approach, and based upon feedback from youth and educators, the Committee moved toward updating the resources with a more positive, current look. The focus of information continues to be sexual decision making, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections. While the pamphlet and website do not address all information available on these issues, they do provide an introduction to key issues and information, plus referrals to other service providers for more personal support and to other sites for more detailed information.
Support for the campaign comes from Healthy Child Manitoba (formerly the Children and Youth Secretariat).
