Drum Rhythm Unification Movement.

Mission

Our mission is to provide educational experiences of West African drum and dance that serves to develop Social- Emotional Learning Skills. We reach to serve diverse groups in our community through youth and adult programming. DRUM the Program is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit that provides services in Alabama that builds community, and improves cultural awareness while providing engaging experiences of folkloric art to support positive identity development.

Vision

Our vision is for DRUM the Program to be used as a template for the design, development, and implementation of sustainable community cultural arts programs serving at-risk youth populations. DRUM the Program anchors itself to these three pillars:

Develop

Develop Grit by teaching students to understand the process of setting and achieving goals.

Teach

Teach Self-Management skills benefiting emotional stability, thoughts, and behaviors.

Provide

Provide an experiential service of Cultural Arts that fosters a Sense of Belonging.

Positive Affirmations

Our teaching platform is delivered through the mindful intention of a Positive Affirmation. Our affirmation serves to align the subconscious with a paradigm shift that builds self-esteem, celebrates cultural diversity, and speaks to community. Our sense of Self Respect is found in knowing and celebrating our Cultural heritage. Because Culture provides us with our Identity…  the value of Diversity is essential to each of us.

I Have Self Respect.

My Culture Is Unique.

Community Is Unity.

Diversity Is Cool.

Meet The Visionary…

Elvie Schooley, LMSW


Elvie Schooley is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She was born and raised in Alabaster, Alabama. Elvie left her hometown in 1986 when she joined the US Navy. She returned to Alabama after thirty years launching a nonprofit to serve those who have been underserved in the arts. 

Elvie is the Executive Director of DRUM the Program which is a nonprofit organization serving Central Alabama. Their Mission is to provide an experience of West African drum and dance coupled with artistic and written self expression that prime students to develop social-emotional skills for improving self-management, and a sense of belonging. 

Elvie also serves as a Holistic Transformational Coach for professional women of color. The Jewels Inside is a collective approach to adopting a lifestyle toolset that supports healing, growing, and discovering one’s purpose.

For more information about joining the next cohort of women please visit: The Jewels Inside

-Barry Johnson

I have had the opportunity to work with Sister Elvie and this amazing program! The exposure to cultural diversity coming together is spectacular!”

-Jamizi

“Words can not express how grateful I am for this experience.
You have really impacted and inspired me to learn more and to be more open to learn about culture.”