Oregon Teen Pregnancy Task Force

The Oregon Teen Pregnancy Task Force (OTPTF) is a statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating communication and awareness about teen pregnancy prevention and teen parenting. It is the oldest such organization in the country.

OTPTF is governed by a volunteer board of directors who develop annual and long range goals, approve activities, consider new strategies, and represent regional and local issues. Quarterly meetings are held to conduct business and to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information. These meetings are open to all interested people in Oregon who share a commitment to helping young people lead successful lives.

The primary objectives of the Oregon Teen Pregnancy Task Force are to:

• support statewide efforts to delay unintended pregnancy among teens

• provide opportunities for networking among providers

• encourage and offer continuing education for people working with teens

• provide information about issues relating to teen pregnancy and parenting to state agencies, legislators, and other interested groups

Activities of the task force

• OTPTF holds an annual training event or conference for practitioners, individuals, policy makers, and teens that promotes comprehensive approaches to teen pregnancy and teen parent services. Past conferences have brought nationally recognized speakers to share their perspectives on such topics as teen pregnancy prevention, working with boys and young men, youth development, and welfare reform.

• OTPTF co-sponsors, with the Oregon Department of Human Services, The Rational Enquirer (PDF), an annual magazine that provides a public forum for creative ideas and approaches to working with young people.

• OTPTF is committed to making its meetings and special events accessible to all of Oregon's regions. In 2002-03, regional meetings and training events were conducted in four different locations around the state. Video conferencing has recently been tested in Bend and Salem to allow people to participate in meetings without traveling to Portland.

Opportunities for involvement

• Attend a quarterly Task Force meeting or other event

• Add your name to the mailing list for events and updates

• Help plan a regional or statewide event

• Participate in developing The Rational Enquirer (PDF) by writing an article, serving on the editorial committee, or suggesting a theme or article for reprint

• Become a member of the Task Force Board of Directors

For more information, contact: