Rational Enquirer

The Rational Enquirer

The situation: Teen pregnancy has long been a problem in Oregon as throughout the country. In 1995, Oregon’s Center for Child and Family Health and the Oregon Teen Pregnancy Taskforce determined to address the issue head-on with a statewide publication directed to family and youth services agencies, schools, health departments, policy-makers and parents. We were commissioned to help develop the publication and serve as editor, which we did through the 2008 issue.

A publication dedicated to truth, use, and readability. From its first issue, The Rational Enquirer has minced no words about the need to reduce teen pregnancy, nor has it been afraid to discuss the full range of services and options available. At the same time, it has retained a light touch that makes it both reader friendly and helpful as an education tool. The Rational Enquirer has progressed from a 16-page, 2-color newsletter distributed in Oregon to a 24-page, 4-color magazine with a national readership. View or download issues at the Oregon Public Health Website.

From the beginning, The Rational Enquirer has addressed tough issues facing today’s teens and the people who care about them. Here’s a sampling of highlighted stories from recent issues:

Theme article from the May 2004 issue:
Those of us who work with teens, or teach them, or count them as particularly alien life forms who just happen to be related to us, often reflect back to when we were that age....

The world was, of course, much smaller then — whenever "then" happens to be....Today’s teens live in a different century, figuratively as well as literally. Their circles of influence spurn walls, international borders, and network watchdogs.... Growing up in an age of instant interactivity, they have more choices than we did, more temptations, more decisions to make day-to-day.

For teens who are also parents, those decisions increase geometrically. Most deeply love their babies and want to make the best possible life for them. And so they find ways to balance school, work, and caring for and loving their children.

When we get to know young people, we see that they are informed, wise, and, for the most part, sound in judgement.... This issue of The Rational Enquirer explores some of the ways teens are taking charge to make a difference.

C Y R A N O Writing and editorial services for business, nonprofits, and government	cyrano@europa.com
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The Rational Enquirer The situation: Teen pregnancy has long been a problem in Oregon as throughout the country. In 1995, Oregon’s Center for Child and Family Health and the Oregon Teen Pregnancy Taskforce determined to address the issue head-on with a statewide publication directed to family and youth services agencies, schools, health departments, policy-makers and parents. We were commissioned to help develop the publication and serve as editor, which we did through the 2008 issue. A publication dedicated to truth, use, and readability. From its first issue, The Rational Enquirer has minced no words about the need to reduce teen pregnancy, nor has it been afraid to discuss the full range of services and options available. At the same time, it has retained a light touch that makes it both reader friendly and helpful as an education tool. The Rational Enquirer has progressed from a 16-page, 2-color newsletter distributed in Oregon to a 24-page, 4-color magazine with a national readership. View or download issues at the Oregon Public Health Website. “Your services and expertise went far beyond what I thought an editor would do, much to my delight (and gratitude)! You really made an odd assortment of articles come alive in text and titles, and come together in a highly readable, professional and engaging publication.” —Oregon Health Services Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coordinator From the beginning, The Rational Enquirer has addressed tough issues facing today’s teens and the people who care about them. Here’s a sampling of highlighted stories from recent issues: How girls hurt each other and what to do about it Staying safe in cyberspace Teens and oral sex: How common? How safe? Is being male hazardous to your health? Taking a stand against sexual assault Facts and fallacies about teen suicide Battling mental anguish and prejudice Ten tips for parents of a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender child Helping teen mothers find a path out of poverty The brain at 15: Why we do some of the things we do Myths and facts about adoption Theme article from the May 2004 issue: Those of us who work with teens, or teach them, or count them as particularly alien life forms who just happen to be related to us, often reflect back to when we were that age.... The world was, of course, much smaller then — whenever "then" happens to be....Today’s teens live in a different century, figuratively as well as literally. Their circles of influence spurn walls, international borders, and network watchdogs.... Growing up in an age of instant interactivity, they have more choices than we did, more temptations, more decisions to make day-to-day. For teens who are also parents, those decisions increase geometrically. Most deeply love their babies and want to make the best possible life for them. And so they find ways to balance school, work, and caring for and loving their children. When we get to know young people, we see that they are informed, wise, and, for the most part, sound in judgement.... This issue of The Rational Enquirer explores some of the ways teens are taking charge to make a difference. Return to top
CYRANO Communications	cyrano@europa.com