FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gamma Gamma
Lambda Chapter
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.,
Coordinator:Will Gregg
email: ProjectAlpha@gglapa.org
Written by Mandy Robinson
Pictures taken Bobby Clark
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Other participating chapters:
- PI ALPHA CHAPTER, Clemson Univeristy,
Clemson, SC
- XI THETA LAMBDA, Spartanburg, SC
- RHO DELTA LAMBDA, Anderson, SC
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To
right:Last year's Project Alpha had 75 participants
(click enlarge)
PROJECT ALPHA 2007
Upstate Chapters participate
in a state-wide Project Alpha effort
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GREENVILLE, SC– Community leaders hoped
words of warning are betting than ramblings of ramification,
as the Gamma Gamma Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,
Incorporated hosted the organization’s annual Project
Alpha program on Jan. 27 at the Phillis Wheatley Center in
Greenville. The event was also attended by other update chapters
from the Spartanburg, Anderson, and Clemson areas.
Approximately 75 students from ages 12-17 attended the program intended
to strengthen the sexual and social welfare of young males. Project
Alpha consisted of a series of seminars and workshops, discussing sexual
responsibility and awareness. Area One Director and Project Alpha Coordinator
Will Gregg facilitated the program, also serving as a program presenter.
The Upstate program was a part of a larger state-wide program which
more than 450 young men attend the seminars across the state.
Stacy Mills, pastor of Mountain View Baptist Church, opened
the program with an address of motivation and inspiration,
called “Dating Rights and Responsibilities – What’s
my Role?” Gregg led one student workshop, entitled “Smashing:
The Reality of Unplanned and Unprotected Sex,” during
which the participants discussed sexual responsibility, abstinence
and self-assurance. Jeff Weston, Solicitor for the City of
Greenville, conducted a second student workshop designated, “Choices:
the Good, the Bad, the Ugly and the Law.” During this
presentation, participants were given an overview of relationships,
rape, and applicable laws.
The final presentation was rendered by Deputy T.C. Taylor, a member
of the Gang Task Force of the Greenville County Sheriff Department.
During “Meet Me in the Park. It’s Going Down – Avoiding
Gangs and Violence,” Taylor informed students and parents of
the threat of gang violence and crime.
From registration to the closing remarks, the participants acquired
constructive information while providing encouragement for the imminent
state of the community.
“Project Alpha was very inspirational,” said Gamma
Gamma Lambda president Rudy Simmons. “The turnout was
great. With the feedback we received from that group, with
regards to sexual abstinence and being more responsible out
in society, we feel that we definitely made an impact, and
that they are now going to go out in society and, not only
be responsible young men, but reach other youths who did not
come to the program.
“ They can influence them with the positive things that came from the programs,
so that others can be responsible. As we multiply our efforts in reaching young
men, we feel that we will have a much more responsible society in the next generation,
moving forward.”
Parents also attended a pair of workshops. The first, conducted by
Kelly Walker, president and chief executive officer of the Upstate
Fatherhood Coalition, was entitled, “Why is it so hard to talk
about sex?” and offered parents pointers and methods useful in
discussing sexuality with their children.
The second parent workshop was entitled “Baby Momma Drama – Who
is Responsible for Parenting?” Led by Frank Floyd, career development
specialist at Hughes Academy, this workshop provided parents a perspective
on family principles and structure.
Although pleased with the event, Simmons expects the success of this
year’s Project Alpha to foster further involvement in the near
future. “We want to reach out to the community even more,” he
said, “get the word out even more, so we can reach young men,
not just in the general area. There is no reason why we shouldn’t
have 300 or more each year. That’s our goal. That’s our
aim for the coming years with Project Alpha.”
Project Alpha SlideShow (comming)
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