In a city where a majority of the crimes committed in the area are attributed to the youth, a fraternity chapter plans a forum to encourage wise decisions among young people.

The Alpha Academy of Delta Pi Lambda chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has a “Making Good Choices” forum planned for March 8 at Selma-Dallas County Public Library at 1p.m. The forum is designed to help middle and high school students stay on track for a successful future.

“They are more wrapped up in today as opposed to looking to tomorrow,” Joseph Bumbrey, Selma High School volunteer and Alpha Academy of Delta Lambda chapter president, said. “Hopefully this program will create an interest and raise an awareness in their minds that they need to start thinking about what they are going to do when they leave Selma High.”

During the forum, District Attorney Michael Jackson will discuss the consequences that follow choices; retired prison warden Constance Reese will give an overview of prison life and Education Specialist Willietta Ellis-Conner of the Alabama State Department will talk about high school career tech.

Rev. Otis Culliver, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church, will preside over the forum.

Bumbrey suggested youth get more involved in productive activities that would benefit them. Bumbrey said access to more churches, community groups, Boy Scouts and Girl Scout Troops and other positive programs are necessary in the Dallas County community if the children here are to improve.

“Bottom line, too many of our youth have too much time for negative activities,” Bumbrey said in a press release.

Jackson said young school dropouts take part in some of the most violent crimes in the area.

“What I’m going to try is keep these kids in school, keep them focused on their lesson and being productive citizens,” Jackson said.

The forum is also meant to help parents guide their children to the correct lifestyle.

Jackson said parents are partially responsible for their child’s behavior problems.

“There’s no adult giving them structure in the homes, so that’s causing all kinds of program at the school and also kids dropping out,” Jackson said.

The “Making Good Choices” forum is free and open to the public.