Asbury Park Press (04.10.12) - Friday, April 13, 2012

Boys ages 12 to 16 are invited to a May 12 workshop in Neptune City on making better and more informed sexual behavior choices. The "Project Alpha" workshops have been presented nationwide by the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, in partnership with the March of Dimes, since 1980.

Vernon Anthony - a member of the fraternity's local Zeta Epsilon Lambda chapter, which is hosting the workshop - said the outreach tries to help educate young men about pregnancy, STDs, and fatherhood. "We give them information early in life so they can make smart decisions with their lives," said Anthony.

Topics will include abstinence and the consequences of early sexual debut, peer pressure, HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy, STDs, relationships, responsible fatherhood, and what it means to "be a man," said organizers.

The workshop aims to counter ignorance and fear with accurate information, positively affect sexual behavior, boost self- esteem, and foster a sense of empowerment. It will afford boys an opportunity to talk with black male role models who are medical professionals, community health providers, and educators.

The free workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Summerfield Elementary School, 1 Summerfield Lane. To register, telephone Program Coordinator Jay Graham, 252-521- 6461, or Richard Hill, 347-219-2986, or visit www.zel1906.com. Late registration begins at 8:30 a.m.