Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Southern Regional Convention Alpha Phi Alpha and the March of Dimes Working Together to Make a Difference for Our Babies Project Alpha March for Babies

"Children's talent to endure stems from their ignorance of alternatives." Maya Angelou

Male Teen Sexual Activity In % of males had sex as a teenager 9.7% had sex before the age of % used a condom 25.5% reported alcohol or drug use prior to last sexual encounter 20.4% had sex with four or more persons Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2008). Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance?United States, Surveillance Summaries, June 4, MMWR; 57(SS-4);Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (2007). Youth Online:Comprehensive Results. Retrieved June 2008 from Atlanta, GA:

Other Factors 10.5% of teenage females have been physically assaulted by their boyfriends 13.7% of teenage females were forced to have sex without their consent In 2008 the number of reported STI’s in males ages were per 100,000 US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention (NCHSTP), Division of STD/HIV Prevention, Sexually Transmitted Disease Morbidity for selected STDs by age, race/ethnicity and gender , CDC WONDER On-line Database, November Accessed at on Feb 25, :40:55 PM Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2008). Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance?United States, Surveillance Summaries, June 4, MMWR; 57(SS-4);Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (2007). Youth Online:Comprehensive Results. Retrieved June 2008 from Atlanta, GA:

Teen Pregnancy Source: National Survey of Family Growth, 2002

Prematurity and Birth Defects The average rate of pre-term births in women under 20 was 14.9% (all women 13.7%) Very pre-term births (less than 32 weeks completed gestation) was 2.6% (all women 2.1%) Infant mortality (death within first year) was at a rate of 8.2 per 1,000 live births (all women 6.5) 7.5% of live births occurred with late or no prenatal care (all women 4.7%) National Center for Health Statistics / Average

Teen Dad’s Babies at Risk Compared to babies of fathers age 20-29, those with teenaged dads were 15% more likely to be born prematurely and 13% more likely to have a low birth weight Babies with teen fathers had a 22% higher risk to die in the first four weeks after birth 41% increased risk to die in the period from four weeks to one year 13% higher risk of a low Apgar score assessing physical condition after delivery Shi Wu Wen, Ottawa Health Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Human Reproduction, 2008

Social Factors Low income Poor education Late or no prenatal care Domestic violence, smoking, substance abuse

Attack Teen Pregnancy Above the Belt Attack lack of self respect/respect for others Attack hopelessness Attack family/community environment Attack self doubt

Focus Positive behaviors Finishing school and being a provider Dare to dream Living a life that does not include child

Impacting Behavior Preemptive programs Provide a safe environment Longitudinal in nature Relate to them on their terms

Impacting Behavior Make if fun and interactive Provide insight on teen pregnancy Legal ramifications and parental rights Create mentoring opportunities/life skills

Above the Belt Approach Sharing Knowledge – combating ignorance and fear with factual information. Changing Attitudes – providing motivation toward positive changes in sexual behavior. Providing Skills – creating a sense of empowerment and self esteem.

Above the Belt Approach Choices Decisions Consequences Responsibility

Project Alpha Responsibility, Respect and the Role of Males in Relationships Adolescent Pregnancy and Fatherhood Protecting Yourself and Your Partner Sexually Transmitted Infections Intimate Violence in Relationships

Keys to success Stable Nurturing Supportive Listen Encourage Knowledgeable Honest Sharing Sincere

Implementing Project Alpha Project Alpha Week - 2 nd Week of November Do your homework as it relates to issues facing youths in your community. Make the commitment. Develop partnerships. Facilitators vs. Speakers. Publicize your program. Implement Program. Evaluate success. File your report!!!

Implementing Project Alpha Maximize your relationship with your March of Dimes partner. Develop a grant writing team. Develop a public relations committee. Serve on your local MOD Board.

"If knowledge can create problems, it is not through ignorance that we can solve them." Isaac Asimov

Ways to Improve Newsletter to share best practices. Regional Conference Calls to stay on task. Suggestions