Media Advisory

It Takes A Community

Alameda, Calif., May 2, 2008 - It takes a community to raise a child and it also takes community members to prepare a new site for its kids. That's what an Alameda-based youth organization is inviting local residents to do over the next three Saturdays.

"We're moving our three programs from Alameda Point to the former Woodstock School at 1900 Third Street this summer," reports Alternatives in Action (AIA) Executive Director Patricia Murillo. The non-profit organization has three youth-oriented programs serving 400 children and youth annually in Alameda and Oakland. These programs include a public charter high school, the Bay Area School of Enterprise; a preschool and child development program known as HOME Sweet HOME; and HOME Project's after school and summer leadership development projects for teenagers. "Our new home will enable us to expand our programs and serve more youth," says Murillo.

AIA seeks volunteers, materials donations and cash contributions to support the building renovation work. Dubbed "community build days," the three-Saturday events on May 3, 10, and 17, from 8:45 am to 3:00 pm, will include painting, gardening and building projects for the classrooms. "Anyone, no matter what their prior skills or experience can help," Murillo points out. "And working together builds community spirit. It's an opportunity to have fun, make new friends, and truly partner with our young people."

To make a cash donation, contribute materials or sign up to volunteer, email Rusty Carlson at volunteer@alternativesinaction.org.

AIA first engaged volunteers in "community build days" when they created CityView Skatepark in 1999, recruiting 800 volunteers to build the park in just 10 days. Since then, AIA reached out to volunteers in the year-long renovation of its current location at Alameda Point in 2000-2001 and in the creation of the Alameda Point Community Garden in 2002. Over 1500 community volunteers have participated in AIA's build days in the last decade. Volunteer Audrey Lord Hausman says of her prior experience, "My involvement connected me to youth and other community members in ways that I didn't expect. The enthusiasm, camaraderie, and different generations all working together was very meaningful."

The Woodstock Education Center, where AIA is moving, will also house the Alameda Unified School District's Special Education Department and the Oakland-Alameda Regional Occupation Programs. The Alameda Boys and Girls Club plans a state-of-the-art clubhouse on the campus.

Alternatives in Action is a non-profit corporation dedicated to creating innovative experiences and environments for diverse populations of children, youth, and adults that challenge them to become effective citizens who will have a meaningful and powerful impact on the world. AIA is based at Alameda Point and operates the charter high school Bay Area School of Enterprise, HOME Project, a community-oriented after-school program serving youth in Alameda and Oakland public schools, and HOME Sweet HOME Preschool, an intergenerational model of care for young children that engages high school youth as interns and role models.