Nobody Does it Alone:The Power of Connection

Forrest L. Alton, Chief Executive OfficerSC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

About Us

Our Mission

As a 501(c)(3) non profit organization, we are committed to improving the health and economic well being of individuals, communities, and the state of South Carolina by preventing teen pregnancy. (updated June 2012)

Our Progress

15-19 yr old teen birth rate DECREASED 54%

How Did We Get Here?

Together…

So that means collaboration?

Partners in Prevention

• Strong collaboration with state agencies

– Department of Education

– Department of Social Services

– Department of Health and Environmental Control

– Department of Health and Human Services

– Children’s Trust / Nurse Family Partnership

– SC Office of Rural Health

• Leadership role in leveraging federal funding for teen pregnancy prevention in SC

• Statewide focus – emphasis on high need areas

We need a new narrative!

5 Things We Can All

Do Better…

1) Identify THE Connectors

• We do PROGRAMS really, really well…

• We don’t do CONNECTION!!!

• 6 degrees of separation?

• Some agencies, and some people are better at this than others!

• Get out of your comfort zone.

Draw a picture…

2) Pay very close attention

• What are partners telling you they can contribute?

• How can we decrease duplication and work more efficiently?

• What is the community telling you they need? Want?

• ASK QUESTIONS!

3) Get a bigger table

• What do YOU need help with?

• Stay focused on the ultimate goal. Go BIG!

• The end consumers are real people in communities!

• Invite everyone to it… be more inclusive!

Connection to Poverty

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES

a child grows up in poverty if:

1) The mother gave birth as a teen?

2) The parents were unmarried when child was born?

3) The mother didn’t receive a high school diploma?

NONE

7%

Any ONE

27%

Any TWO

42%

ALL THREE

64%

4) Use pressure points…

5) Focus on WHY and NOW!

• Figure out the WHY first… the WHAT and HOW will come!

• Ya’ gotta’ believe!!! Do you believe in true social change, believe that we can make a difference, that we can change the world??

• THE TIME FOR ACTION IS NOW!

• This revolution will not be tweeted!!

For Additional Information:

SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy1331 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 140Columbia, SC 29201

tel: 803-771-7700

www.teenpregnancysc.orgwww.facebook.com/SCCampaignwww.twitter.com/SCCampaign