ACTion Nonprofit Spotlight: Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy

What is ACAP?

It is a campaign to reduce Alexandria's teen pregnancy rate from 47.3 to 37.8 per 1000 females, ages 10-19, for a 20% reduction by the year 2015.

ACAP's Mission

To prevent adolescent pregnancy through culturally and age appropriate education, advocacy, technical assistance, direct service prevention programs and public awareness. Collaboratively, ACAP works with our young people, their families and the community to secure brighter futures.

Program Highlights

ACAP has sponsored a group of teen-advisors at TC Williams High School with various backgrounds and life experiences. These teens have formed the group Teens Talk which have utilized media, such as blogging, text message hotlines, and podcasts creates a new way to reach out to our community of teens and adults. Teens Talk is helping to create the solution to Alexandria's struggle with teen pregnancies. On October 1st, Teens Talk and ACAP hosted an event for their premiere campaign, Keep it 360, which had over 300 attendees. Keep it 360 was created to foster real, open and honest conversations about sex and teen pregnancy between teens, adults and the community. ACAP also partners with city youth, parents, agencies, and community-based organizations to provide opportunities and comprehensive prevention services for teens and their families.

Starting November 1st, the Keep it 360 campaign will be launching a video contest with a 1st place prize of $500. Details will be available once its launched.

How Can You Get Involved with ACAP?

Visit the website or email Rebecca Griesse at rebecca.griesse@alexandriava.gov.