Frequently Asked Questions

What is abstinence?

We define abstinence as no sexual activity outside of marriage.

What is sexual activity? And am I safe by doing "other things?"

Sexual activity occurs when someone comes into contact with someone's genital area in order to receive sexual gratification or stimulation. Also, sexual activity includes touching any area covered by a bathing suit.

What is "secondary virginity?"

For those of you who have already engaged in sexual intercourse, we teach secondary virginity as basically recommitting (emotionally, mentally and physically) to abstinence until married.

Why is sex within marriage so much better than sex outside of marriage?

Research has proven that people that wait to have sex until marriage physically, mentally, and emotionally enjoy sex more. A professor from the University of Chicago stated that people who remained abstinent until marriage used these five words the most to describe their sex life: satisfied, loved, thrilled, wanted, and taken care of. In contrast, people who were unmarried and sexually active described their sex life using these five words the most: scared, nervous, worried, guilty, and afraid.

Are you "abstinence-only?"

NO! Heritage is a Character-based Abstinence Until Marriage curricula that teaches about personal efficacy, responsibility (personal, relational and social), respect for self and others, self-discipline, anatomy, STDs, condom efficacy and inefficacy (again no demonstration, application or passing them out), relationship skills, benefits of saving sex until marriage and the benefits of marriage.

Do you talk about condoms and birth control?

Yes. We discuss condom efficacy and inefficacy (how effective they are and aren't).

Do you demonstrate condom application and/or distribute condoms?

We do not discuss or engage in any type of condom application processes nor do we distribute condoms. The federal law from which much of our funding is received expressly prohibits condom application exercises of any kind as well as condom distribution.

Are you a "faith-based" organization?

No. The Heritage program is largely funded by federal and state grants. This does not preclude us from receiving other private, religious or foundation grants or corporate and individual donations. However, the program is a research based curricula written to satisfy the legislative requirements of abstinence until marriage established in the 1996 Social Security Act (Welfare Reform Act), Title V, Section 510 (A-H definitions). This is a public program predominantly funded through public funds.

Why then is "Faith Training" part of you components?

The Heritage Faith Training Component is simply a training that educates and informs faith leaders (vocational and lay) in the Heritage methods, information and delivery model and does not attempt in any way to promote, proselytize or evangelize for any religion or faith.

What are Family Assets and Character Councils (FACCs)?

FACCs are organizations that Heritage helps to form within a community based on our interaction with students, parents, faith, education and other leaders in order to inform, educate and empower them to establish and maintain a voice and advocate for Character, Abstinence until Marriage, Healthy Marriages and Healthy Family Formations within their community as well as on the state and federal levels.

What standards of education/continuing education do Heritage personnel have to meet?

All full-time Heritage employees (Corporate office personnel, directors, educators) are required to have a 4 yr. college degree. All employees are trained every year in a 32+ hour course that provides for updated research, ongoing methodology and theory and continuing education on all aspects of our program and related topics regarding Abstinence until Marriage Education and Healthy Marriage Initiatives. Top professionals in the fields of Health/Medical, Education, Research, Healthy Marriages and Abstinence until Marriage administer the training. Ongoing testing is required with 80% or higher efficiency in order to show high level knowledge and application and continued growth and development. Heritage is a fully certified Abstinence until Marriage curricula and thus our training also meets the Federal standards established by the National Abstinence Clearinghouse in conjunction with the US Department for Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families.