Youth and Community Outreach
Do you have students/youth that you feel may be at risk? Alex has dedicated his time to being available to help. He has formatted a complete multimedia presentation for maximum impact. Audiences get to see pictures of Alex as a child, pictures of his mother as he speaks about her death, pictures of his cell, news articles and videos. Each participant receives a reference guide to take with them, outlining routes for help, who to call if they feel in danger or if they need someone to talk to as well as local rehab centers.
No group is too small or too large. Alex is available for one on one meetings as well as small and large group settings. Each speech is personalized for the situation. Below are some of the topics that Alex has spoken on in the past. Even if you don't see your exact challenge below, you are encouraged to contact Alex.
Bullying blankets many different subtopics. Some of the items Alex has spoken on include "Seeing others as humans and not objects or opportunities", and "The importance of education". Bullying often occurs when youth becomes socially disconnected. With a lack of personal interaction, others are not seen as human and therefore are not treated as such. Alex puts this into perspective. Bullying can often be the first step towards crimes. Its never too early to begin reconnecting.
Young people often feel as though people of authority are "out to get them" or "not on their side". Discipline is often seen as a personal attack. Alex explains the importance of relating to each other. This goes for the adults as well as the youths. Knowing another's state of mind can open new levels of dialogue and understanding.
This philosophy can also be used to bridge the gap between Law Enforcement and at risk or minority youth.
While Alex was incarcerated his mother, whom he loved dearly, passed away. Unable to attend the funeral or be there as support for his siblings, Alex was devastated. Nobody knows the consequences of poor decisions better than Alex. He uses his life experiences to paint a clear but age appropriate picture of the possible outcomes of making poor choices. This includes the the impact on the victims, the victim's family, the youth and his or her family and friends.
Bullying
Understanding Teachers and Parents
Ramifications of Poor Decisions
"He's your boy, till he's not"
Alex helps kids understand the fickle nature of street life, the true meaning of the word snitch and the who you can really trust. Becoming disconnected and putting loyalties with the wrong people can quickly lead down a dangerous path.
With rising popularity of more and more social media websites and apps it is easier to gain access to people. Alex teaches the kids how to be safe while online, what to watch out for, what kind of information to keep safe and who to talk to in case you feel you have been victimized.
Alex shows his audience the consequences of violence first hand. The most asked question during Alex's presentation is about his scars. He talks about not only the physical scars that were left on him because of his actions but also the emotional scars of losing friends and family members because of the choices he made.
Violence
Internet Safety
Misplaced Loyalties
TESTIMONIALS
"To this day, the students who have been a part of these presentations still talk about their experience."
Andrew Overton / Dean of Students / Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program
"With his testimony, Alex could change a lot of lives and with his story there could be prevention for others...because our youth need a real life picture for them to see and understand. We need more people to tell them the truth and consequences of their decisions."
Wesley Pennington / Trooper, RI State Police / Associate Pastor, Sacred
Exchange Fellowship
"It is imperative for me to express the fact that there is no "Us against them" when it comes to law enforcement and youth. AT my greatest depth of negativity and criminals thinking any time I was faced with danger or adversity I was looking for the same law enforcement that I felt was so against me. And every time they were there. We have to erase this line that divides our community with law enforcement. It is the greatest illusion."
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Alex