FOLEY, Alabama — The virtually dormant Baldwin County Chapter of the NAACP membership has grown from 22 to nearly a hundred since Foley resident Alec Barnett took over the reins in early June and launched a survey of community and youth needs, social and political assessments.

Barnett, first vice president A.C. Ulmer of Bay Minette and other representatives met July 6 with Baldwin County Commission Chairman Bob James and Baldwin County Probate Judge Tim Russell in far-reaching discussions focusing on education, the problems of single-parent families, assisting the Red Cross and community organizations, as well as becoming more involved in boards which impact land use and other community issues.

 “We are just getting started,” Barnett said. “People are just hearing about us and want to be involved. We are meeting at churches because we don’t have a place of our own.”

 Barnett said the chapter will make more definite plans after the assessment. He also is encouraging input from the community and volunteers.

 “We see kids struggling,” he said. “Parents need to get more involved. We must work together to strengthen and promote our youth and help them get to college and pick up the torch. There are too many kids with nothing to do.

 “This is not about race, and we want to emphasize that. The NAACP is for everyone in every community.”

Barnett said many grandparents are raising children in dysfunctional families, and due to age or infirmities are unable to go to PTA and PTO meetings. He is calling for stewards to assist struggling students by working more closely with school boards and elected officials.

He and his wife volunteer regularly during the week at Foley Elementary School, and spend a full day there each Friday. Russell noted that about 10 blacks serve on municipal boards throughout the county, and that a large number of the 457 county election officials are black and Hispanic.

However, there are currently no blacks on the Baldwin County Board of Education or county commission. Barnett, James and Russell agreed that more efforts should be made in public schools to recognize and nurture alternative skills.

Russell and James were both were sparked by vocational classes. James said he discovered an interest and knack for working on engines and equipment which led to a successful career as a contractor. James said learned educators dictate strategies that filter down to staffers for implementation, but often may not be in the best interest of students.

 “We all are wired differently,” James said. “Teachers must recognize that, and that some students are not going to college. There are too many seams and we forget the individual. Their needs are often not met. We must recognize that and make adjustments. “But we all must remember that everything starts with a mother and father and keeping the family unit together.”

For more information about the Baldwin County NAACP chapter, call Barnett at 251-543-6476, or email barnettalec35@yahoo.com.