With staggering statistics of drug and alcohol use and violence in schools across the state, many Alabama Baptists are asking, “What can I do to help?”
Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP) has the answer.
ALCAP is looking for volunteers to teach students in both public and private schools about making healthy life decisions.
“You have a chance to make a difference in the lives of students,” said Joe Godfrey, executive director of ALCAP. “If your participation can save a life, can see one student that says, ‘I don’t want to get caught up in drugs, alcohol and gambling,’ it makes it worth it. We have an opportunity to be a part of shaping our whole culture.”
ALCAP’s more than 30 volunteers spoke to more than 108,000 students in 700 schools during the last school year, but more volunteers are needed to help with the increased number of school requests for the upcoming 2008–2009 academic year.
Terry Blair, pastor of Fish River Baptist Church, Fairhope, in Baldwin Baptist Association, has been an ALCAP volunteer for 18 years. He said his involvement stems from his concern for young people and his goal is to alert them to the dangers of the issues confronting them, such as drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
“I want them to understand the things that will harm them and educate them so they can understand that,” Blair said.
Volunteers are prepared for the school presentations by ALCAP Education Director Bill Day, who leads ALCAP’s education program. Day will be leading four identical training conferences in August:
• Aug. 4, Morgan Baptist Association office, 1–3 p.m.
• Aug. 5, Tuscaloosa Baptist Association office, 1–3 p.m.
• Aug. 7, Covington Baptist Association office, 1–3 p.m.
• Aug. 11, Shelby Baptist Association office, 1–3 p.m.
The conferences train participants how to address drug awareness, suicide prevention, anger management, conflict resolution, character education, gang awareness, bullying, prom preparation, school violence and driving under the influence. Two new areas are being added this year — gambling awareness and healthy living skills.
Godfrey said the conferences offer an opportunity to understand existing problems and discover ways to reduce and eventually eliminate them. He noted they are also a good place to learn about the program.
“If you have doubts or questions, just come and see what it’s about,” Godfrey said. “If you feel like you’re still not capable, Bill Day and other leaders will be happy to take you with them, let you observe them teaching a class, and they can train you one-on-one until you feel confident you can handle it.”
Once volunteers are ready to get involved, their names will be put on a list to be contacted when ALCAP needs a school presenter.
Godfrey said when a school requests a presentation, ALCAP first tries to get a volunteer from that area. If that person isn’t available when ALCAP calls, then another volunteer on the list is contacted. Volunteers can teach as often as they want and as often as schools are available, Godfrey noted.
Rayburn Reed, a member of Schultz Creek Baptist Church, West Blocton, in Bibb Baptist Association, is one who believes in the program.
After his son’s life was taken in an accident with a drunk driver nearly 25 years ago, Reed knew he wanted to be a part of teaching the consequences of such addictions. So after his retirement in 1995, he joined the ALCAP team to fulfill that goal. “I didn’t think I could do it or I was good enough or that I had the experience. But when my oldest son was killed by the drunk driver, I knew I had to try.”
Blair challenges those interested in making a difference to attend one of the conference and get involved. “We talk about wanting to make a difference in the lives of young people, but at some point, we have to step out of the church and ALCAP does this. A lot of young people have never been in a church before; the ALCAP program gives us an opportunity to go to them.”
And changing one person’s life also impacts the greater good, Godfrey noted. “We hope to see young people that will realize living a healthy lifestyle is to their advantage as well as to society’s advantage.”
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