Drum Rhythm Unification Movement.
Mission
DRUM The Program is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing culturally grounded West African drumming and dance education to advance social-emotional learning and community health outcomes. Through our programming, participants demonstrate increased self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social connection, along with reduced stress and improved overall well-being. By serving youth and adults across Alabama, we preserve folkloric traditions while cultivating positive identity development, cultural awareness, and inclusive community engagement.
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