On this final day of 2017 I find myself reflecting on what we’ve accomplished and what we have to look forward to in the new year.
2017 marked the 10th year of the Center for Positive Sexuality. It’s hard to believe a decade has gone by. We celebrated in July, hosted by Board Member, Treasurer, and the headline act, Adrian Colesberry. Adrian’s home was the perfect location to bring together so many supporters, old friends, and new volunteers. We also raised a record $4,454 in donations, and donated to the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom to help them celebrate their 20th year.
Our Education Program continues to grow, adding the 4Cs: A Guide to Consensual Communication and What is Positive Sexuality? to our presentations, in addition to new volunteer educators. This program consistently presents to over 1000 students and professionals each year.
Our Research Program continues to grow as well, as we add Dr. Elisabeth “Eli” Sheff, Dr. Richard Sprott, and Dr. Brad Sagarin to the impressive list of Research Affiliates. Among the many amazing publications and presentations from our affiliates this year, our Director of Research, Dr. DJ Williams, stands out with his invited presentation at Cambridge University in the fall.
Journal of Positive Sexuality has completed its third year of publication. Highlights from this year include: Addiction to Porn/Sex Position Statement, which reached a worldwide audience, Experiences and Perceptions about Social Support among Black Men who have Sex with Men in Tennessee, Social Work Practice with Clients that Enjoy Participation in Consensual BDSM: Identifying and Applying Strengths, “You’re Doing God’s Work”: Reflections on Sex Ed, and many others.
As we head into 2018 we have a lot to look forward to. We already have potential interns applying for Spring and Summer semesters, as well as several interns who have chosen to extend their time with us beyond their Fall semester hours.
Associate Editor Jeremy N. Thomas will be taking over as Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Positive Sexuality, allowing DJ Williams and Emily Prior to step back into general editorial roles and work on other projects.
We are looking forward to SexPosCon in May in Burbank, CA. We have an incredible line-up of presentations around the theme of Strengths, Well-Being, and Happiness, including a keynote address by Susan Wright, Executive Director of NCSF.
We will also launch some new programs in 2018 that have been in process throughout 2017.
I want to thank our amazing volunteers and supporters for an incredible 2017 and I look forward to an even better 2018.