Those living in housing projects can better the life of residents by organizing programs that teach skills and build friendships.

That was the message Saturday when The Alabama State Resident Association held its annual meeting in the ballroom of the St. James hotel.

Resident Councils from housing projects across the state converged to discuss issues and learn how to improve their neighborhoods.

Members of Selma’s Rangedale council already have several programs in the works in order to help their community.

Carol Sanders, council president, said her organization offers an after-school tutoring program, computer classes, and a weekly bible study.

According to ASRA chairperson Willie Hereford, the people who join resident councils do so

because they are determined to make changes.

The ASRA meets once a year at different areas across the state. This was the first time the organization has come to Selma.

Mayor James Perkins, Jr. was on hand to present a key to the city of Selma to Hereford. A distinguished service award was also given to Johnny Moss of the Selma Housing Authority.

The Rangedale Resident Council met with other organizations from Huntsville, Gadsden, and Birmingham to learn ways to educate the children of their community.

The president of a Huntsville

Resident Council also gave a short workshop on how to teach children the basics of reading and math.