Faith-based program "espouses values that clearly delineate right from wrong"
CINCINNATI, Feb. 24, 2014 /
Christian Newswire/ -- Alveda King, niece of civil-rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and director of African American Outreach for Priests for Life, has endorsed American Heritage Girls (AHG), an international faith-based character-development program for girls ages five through 18.
King, a Christian minister, published author and pro-life activist, cited AHG's emphasis on a Biblical worldview, traditional Christian values and critical thinking as key reasons for her endorsement. She also was impressed by the organization's recent announcement of a Respect Life Patch, which reinforces AHG's commitment to honoring life from conception to natural death.
"American Heritage Girls is a wonderful faith-based alternative to the Girl Scouts. It promotes a life-honoring culture, stresses the importance of service and espouses values that clearly delineate right from wrong," King said. She also writes about many of these same values in her new book, KING RULES, a Thomas Nelson release.
Girls in AHG participate in a wide array of badge programs, service projects, leadership opportunities and outdoor experiences. Troops representing more than 30,000 girls in 48 states can earn the Respect Life Patch by participating in an event that brings attention to respecting life or by providing a service project for an organization whose mission/purpose demonstrates a desire to respect life, such as pregnancy resource centers, pro-life groups and hospices.
"When my Uncle M.L. spoke about his dream for a day when his children 'will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character,' the character he had in mind was founded on the teachings of the Bible, which include respect for life," King said. "With all the talk we hear today about choice, it seems that the choice of life is often overlooked and undervalued. I'm gratified that American Heritage Girls stresses the value God places on each individual and the importance of living a life that is pleasing to Him."
"We are honored to have Alveda's endorsement and support," said Patti Garibay, AHG executive director and founder. "She has been a tireless advocate for the unborn and a person whose life is dedicated to glorifying God in everything she does."
Founded in 1995 in Cincinnati, Ohio, AHG currently has more than 30,000 members across the globe, with more than 720 troops in 48 states. For additional information, visit
AHGonline.org.
