Alabama Citizens Action Program’s (ALCAP) educational program made such great strides last year that 200 schools have been added to the program for the 2005–2006 school year, ALCAP officials said.
The growing demand presents a need for more volunteer presenters to travel throughout Alabama educating students on the importance of total abstinence and living a positive, healthy and drug-free life.
With the aid of 28 presenters, the educational program touched 120,000 students — an increase of 30,000 from the previous year — in schools, detention center programs and boot camp facilities throughout Alabama in 2004–2005.
ALCAP officials hope to train enough volunteers to grow the speaking staff to 60. With more trained presenters, the number of volunteers who currently drive in excess of 100 miles will be diminished and the program will be more effective, said Bill Day, director of ALCAP’s educational program.
The program is built around eight modules taught in grades 3–12 and at the college level — drug awareness, suicide prevention, anger management, conflict resolution, violence prevention in school, character education, prevention of bullying and driver education.
Current and prospective teachers receive continuing education at regional “drive-in” conferences, Day said. They are scheduled from 1–3:30 p.m. and give the participants a taste of what they will be exposed to, providing them with the information they need to make an informed decision and the tools to help them in working with the youth.
The 2004–2005 ALCAP speakers gave 2,200 presentations in 675 Alabama public and private schools. While each school has its own set of rules about the discussion of religion, Day said many of the current teachers are directors of missions, pastors and youth ministers.
Their involvement gives them an opportunity to interact with students who may not show up at their churches and show them Christ in accordance with the school’s rules.
“A lot of students will seek your council even when you’re not always allowed to talk about spiritual matters,” Day said. “We consider this a ministry where we can teach them how to make right choices.”
Steve Loggins, director of missions for North Jefferson Baptist Association, has been an ALCAP presenter for 24 years. Loggins said he believes the education program not only benefits the students but those individuals who give of their time.
“It keeps [presenters] informed and fresh on what’s happening with youth today,” he said. “Youth ministers especially would see this as a great opportunity to have an impact on the lives of young people … who are exploring and challenging their world every day.”
In order to be a volunteer, one must confess Christ to be his Lord and Savior, be active in a local church and have some college experience — degree not required. Retired teachers are highly encouraged to volunteer. Females are encouraged as well because there are currently no female ALCAP teachers. For those interested in teaching for the ALCAP educational program, the 1–3:30 p.m. drive-in conferences are scheduled for the following regional locations:
- Aug. 15
Morgan Baptist Association
Hartselle - Aug. 16
Bethel Baptist Association
Linden - Aug. 17
ALCAP office
Birmingham - Aug. 18
Baldwin Baptist Association
Silverhill - Aug. 19
Dale Baptist Association
Ozark - Aug. 22
Montgomery Baptist Association
Montgomery
For more information, contact Bill Day at 205-985-9062.
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