ALCAP programs making strides across the state

Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP) is making strides in its three program areas — education, legislation and consultation — according to Dan Ireland, executive director of ALCAP.

In the education arena, ALCAP is looking to improve the lives of youth across Alabama, Ireland said. Through the 2002–2003 fiscal year, ALCAP has helped Alabama’s youth learn to abstain from drug use. “We tell students if they never use a drug, they never have a drug problem,” he said.

This year alone, 1,950 drug education presentations were given in 471 schools throughout Alabama, as well as detention centers and drug alternative programs, according to the Book of Reports. ALCAP has also worked in conjunction with various student programs such as the National Youth Sports Program, Student Support Services, Talent-Search and Upward Bound. These programs have been conducted on college campuses, reaching student leaders and nonrisk students.

Along with educating students about drug use, ALCAP also helps students deal with school violence. Another program in the works is an Awareness Action Night that would involve students’ parents and could take place at local churches.

Ireland said volunteers are needed to help with the school education programs, which are headed up by ALCAP Associate Bill Day.

In the area of legislation, ALCAP helped pass a bill banning smoking in enclosed areas and a bill requiring ministers to report suspected cases of child abuse.

ALCAP’s future plans include inviting the Alabama legislators to a prayer meeting before the 2004 Legislature session begins in February and being involved in national movements.

The national initiatives include establishing prayer partners with Alabama legislators in Washington, D.C., and writing letters to U.S. Senators thanking them for banning partial-birth abortions.

Finally, in the department of consultation, ALCAP worked with other concerned citizens regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages and conducted public hearings before the Alabama Alcohol Beverage Control board. ALCAP serves with the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Alabama and Citizens for a Better Alabama as well as national organizations such as the American Council on Alcohol Problems.