From Vision to Practice: The Future of Body Literacy
A Justisse Webinar Featuring Laura Wershler and Chloe Skerlak
What does it actually mean to be "body literate"? Is it just a health skill, or is it a revolutionary act of autonomy?
Join us for an intimate and insightful conversation that bridges the gap between the global movement for menstrual cycle literacy and the daily reality of practicing as a Fertility Awareness Educator (FAE).
The Speakers
The "Why" with Laura Wershler:
Laura Wershler is a veteran sexual and reproductive health advocate with over 15 years of experience as a board director for various Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) organizations. While volunteering and working within the traditional SRH community, she was a constant champion for menstrual cycle education and the inclusion of Fertility Awareness Methods in all discussions and materials related to contraception. She served as a board director for Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada (later Canadian Federation for Sexual Health) and the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research (SMCR), and was the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Alberta (later Sexual Health Access Alberta) from 2004-2010.
While attending the 2005 conference of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research, she coined the term “body literacy.” The development of this concept is documented here.
The "How" with Chloe Skerlak:
Chloe Skerlak is a Full Spectrum Fertility Awareness Educator, graduating from Justisse College International in 2017. Chloe teaches fertility awareness as a tool for body literacy, sexual and reproductive sovereignty, and informed health choices. She believes body literacy is for every body at every age and focuses on supporting people through life transitions like puberty, coming off hormonal birth control, postpartum, and perimenopause.
She is the founder of the Period Positivity Collective, where she trains others to facilitate body literacy workshops for youth and their parents, and she is also the creator of the Cervix Portrait Party (yes, taking photos of your cervix!). She's here for a world where we understand, love, and celebrate our cyclical bodies!
The Conversation
Moderated by a Justisse Faculty Member, this session moves beyond the basics of charting. Our speakers will dive deep into the heart of our mission, exploring:
The Ripple Effect: How "menstrual cycle literacy" changes the world on a macro level, and how it changes a client’s day-to-day life on a micro level.
Overcoming Hurdles: Identifying the biggest sociocultural barriers to reproductive autonomy and how the FAE role provides the tools to jump them.
The 10-Year Vision: A look at how our entire healthcare systems could be transformed if body literacy became the universal standard of care
Event Details
When: July 10th, 8am Pacific
Where: Online
Who should attend: Prospective students, healthcare professionals, doulas, and anyone passionate about the intersection of health education and social change.