The Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy (ACAP) works collaboratively for and with youth to achieve lifetime success through active involvement and personal commitment. ACAP does this by:

• Creating and conducting public awareness campaigns encouraging parent-child communications, abstinence and safer sex messages
• Using innovative technology and creativity to reach out to and engage youth – Teen Text Message Line, Instagram and  Twitter
• Partnering with City youth, parents, agencies, and community-based organizations to provide opportunities and comprehensive prevention services for adolescents and their families 
• Providing resources, support and programs with and for adolescents, families, and residents of Alexandria – ACAP newsletter, Facebook and Twitter 
• Providing training and technical assistance on adolescent pregnancy and sexual health issues with and for youth, families, and professionals

Critical to our success is the ability to organize our community in pulling together – City agencies, community groups, and residents, including parents and youth. Together we can help young people see the possibilities in their lives if they avoid pregnancy and fatherhood during their teen years.

Our Mission

To advocate for and elevate youth development and to prevent adolescent (ages 10-19) pregnancy by providing comprehensive sexuality education, technical assistance, connection to services, and prevention programs; raising public awareness; and supporting reproductive rights.

Belief Statements

We believe that:

• All youth deserve a community where they are embraced for who they are.

• The ability to parent in a safe and supportive environment must be afforded to all, including young people.

• The decision if, when, and how to become a parent is a personal decision.

• Pregnancy in adolescence can occur to any young person regardless of socioeconomic status, race, religion or creed and impacts the entire community.

• Young people have the right to full, medically accurate information about sexuality and the right to safe, healthy relationships in order to protect their futures.

• Pregnancy prevention education is most effective when it is driven by youth needs and informed by youth input.

• Support and participation from our youth is a key component to successfully reducing adolescent pregnancy.

• Pregnant youth have a right to timely and comprehensive medical care, ongoing support, and education to ensure a healthy outcome and a secure future for themselves and their children.

• Adolescent pregnancy often creates additional barriers to a young person’s life. However, community and family support can empower pregnant and parenting youth.

• Caring adults, parents, and guardians can be the primary sexuality educators for their children.

• Collaboration of all sectors of the community including government, schools, businesses, faith-based initiatives, families, and community groups working with young people is essential in helping to reduce pregnancy among youth.

• Agencies, institutions, programs, and services need to be inclusive in order to be responsive to the diverse needs of young people

• Financial resources from both public and private entities show a commitment to supporting youth

Want to Get Involved?

The Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy (ACAP) needs your help. Together we can make a difference. Contact Elizabeth "Maggie" Ryan at elizabeth.ryan@alexandriava.gov.