Reach 10 is a group of passionate, educated, and sincere young adults who believe that everyone is worthy of human connection. We acknowledge pornography’s role in impeding such connections from forming. We also help young people combat the effects of pornography, such as secrecy, shame, fear, and mistrust.
The young adults who form the Reach 10 leadership team are motivated to seek change for their generation.
They further believe pornography is not just harmful to its consumers, but that pornography has fundamentally altered the makeup of current cultural norms and our definitions of ideal sexuality.
The goal of Reach 10 is to reverse our “pornified” culture, break down barriers between peers, and set a practical course ahead for a culture focused on optimal sexuality. This includes not just physical satisfaction, but emotional, spiritual, and mental intimacy as well. To accomplish this, we encourage and facilitate open, honest, and constructive conversations about pornography and its addictive tendencies.
Pornography- A health crisis
In March 2016, Utah’s Governor declared pornography a public health crisis and Utah was the first state to do so (Brown, 2016). Just days after this legislation passed, “Nearly 3,500 people attended the UCAP [Utah Coalition Against Pornography] conference, compared to 200 people 15 years ago. Organizers say that [this] shows more families are aware of the issue but demonstrates how big of a problem pornography has become” (Mashburn, 2016). Since that time, South Dakota and Virginia have also passed resolutions declaring pornography to be a public health crisis that has devastating effects on those who use it and on society as a whole.
But porn isn’t my problem
Whether you live in Utah or not, chances are you’ve unintentionally encountered some form of pornography in your lifetime. Pornographic images, videos, video games, books, etc. are everywhere. In fact, it’s reported that “93 percent of boys and 62 percent of girls are exposed to pornography before age 18” (Mashburn, 2016). So, why is it that there is still so much shame surrounding these encounters with pornography? More importantly, if our exposure is unintentional, why do we feel any discomfort in talking about it with those closest to us?
Pornography is not a widely discussed topic among peers, particularly when it comes to addiction.
Governor Gary Herbert of Utah said that despite its prevalence, pornography usage “thrives in secrecy and silence” (Enloe, 2016).
Sure, we may joke about the issue from time to time, but where do we turn to when we have legitimate questions about pornography and its effect on our lives? Let me introduce you to our how-to guides.
What is a Reach 10 How-to Guide?
We need tools for navigating through the tough conversations surrounding pornography with peers, partners, parents, or the public. Reach 10 creates how-to guides to help us know what to say, and when to say it.
Think about it, do you remember when your parents first sat you down and tried to give you “the talk?” Was it scarring, uncomfortable, TMI, or too vague? However awkward they may be, these talks are important, critical even. Conversations about pornography are similarly important, and how-to guides can help us navigate these sensitive and important discussions, such as:
- “How do I talk to my partner about the effect pornography has had on his or her life?”
- “I have struggled with pornography addiction for years. How do I talk to my partner about this without scaring him or her off?”
- “I suspect my friend is struggling with pornography. How can I start a conversation with him or her and still maintain our friendship?”
Share your story
When did you first realize pornography was an issue? More importantly, what are you going to do about it? Share your story with us. Reach 10 is much more than anti-porn— we are for sincere connection, healthy sexuality, respectful relationships, and open communication. Anyone can get involved in addressing the issue of pornography problems and help reverse our “pornified” culture through re-education regarding ideal sexuality. If you want to help yourself and others improve communication and create fulfilling relationships, Reach 10 is here to provide the tools you need to make it happen.
Come, join us today as we help to reverse the effects that pornography has had on the millennial generation!
