Who We Are
Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP), founded in 1937, is a ministry that represents Alabama's churches in the public square and educates our churches on issues concerning public policy and morality. Our legislative priorities are religious liberty, sanctity of human life, family and sexuality/gender, and destructive/addictive behaviors (such as alcohol, drugs, pornography, and gambling). We are Alabama's Moral Advocates.
ALCAP’s Beginnings
In June 1937, a group of concerned leaders from among Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians came together to discuss and organize an interdenominational temperance program. The group met at the First United Methodist Church in Birmingham and organized the Alabama Temperance Alliance (ATA) with Rev. Earl Hotalen, a Methodist minister, as the first Executive Director. Hotalen served from 1937 to 1946, followed by James Swedenburg (1946-1967), Elmer Nielson (1967-1970), John L. Smith (1970-1978), D. L. Dan Ireland (1978-2008), and since June 1, 2008, the Executive Director has been Joe Godfrey.
Along the way, the Alabama Temperance Alliance had a name change to the Alabama Council on Alcohol Problems. Later, the name was changed to the Alabama Citizens Action Program. This name is more descriptive of the ever-enlarging moral and social concerns that claim the churches’ attention. In 2010, ALCAP’s Board of Directors divided the organization into two separate entities. ALCAP became a 501c4 organization, established to lobby the Alabama Legislature on behalf of the faith community, and American Character Builders, the new name for the 501c3 organization, continues to provide evidence-based educational programs to public and private schools and churches, as well as supporting Bible studies for use in churches.
ALCAP is the catalyst around which all church denominations can unite in a consolidated effort to address moral concerns (i.e., alcohol, tobacco, and other drug issues; gambling; pornography and other promiscuous behavior; and addressing the sanctity of human life).
A Board of Directors representing eight denominations governs ALCAP. The organization operates through generous financial support from
ALCAP’s Purpose
ALCAP serves as a resource for churches, organizations and interested individuals working to make Alabama a safer state for each and every citizen. An ethical, moral and responsible lifestyle based on biblical standards is an attainable goal to benefit the entire state.
Affiliations
In addition to working alongside the churches of Alabama, there are other groups ALCAP works with and through: American Council on Alcohol Problems (ACAP), Stop Predatory Gambling (SPG), Alcohol Justice, the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Alabama, Pro-Life Interests, anti-pornography interests, and special groups formed to stand for historic church positions such as the defeat of the lottery.
How You Can Help!
Pray for ALCAP’s ministry and staff. Make a donation. ALCAP is a 501C4 nonprofit organization. Contributions are not tax deductible. Encourage your church to support ALCAP financially. Encourage local schools to use the American Character Builders drug and character education program kits.
“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ…” 1 Thessalonians 1:3