Welcome to our Mentoring Program for Melanated Young Men, where our goal is to empower young individuals with the guidance, skills, and support they need to become successful leaders in their communities. Our program's objective is to establish a social contract with accomplished men, creating a network of positive male role models who reach out to two youths in need of guidance. Through mentorship, our mission is to foster personal growth, promote self-sufficiency, and create a ripple effect of positive change. As each mentee progresses, they will pay it forward by mentoring four others, shaping a stronger and more resilient community.
Commitment and Integrity: Our gatherings commence with the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance, a
prayer, and a recap of previous meetings. To ensure the safety and well-being of all
participants, we uphold a rule that no mentor will ever be alone with a mentee. Two adults
must always be present.
Continuous Support: To foster strong mentor-mentee relationships, our Godfathers
maintain regular contact with their godsons, engaging at least once a week. We also invite
guest speakers to address a range of topics, enriching our mentoring experience.
Inclusivity and Collaboration: While our focus is on empowerment, we want to emphasize
that our program is not exclusionary. While it serves melanated individuals, we welcome
collaboration with individuals of all backgrounds. This partnership will take form through
events and specific objectives.
Traditional Values: This particular program operates within traditional principles, providing
a safe space for personal growth. We address sensitivities and encourage collaboration with
all.
Understanding Rights and Responsibilities: We educate our young men about their rights
and how to interact with authority figures, equipping them with the tools they need to
navigate challenges effectively.
Financial Literacy: Our program offers comprehensive financial literacy education,
covering aspects such as understanding credit, stock investment, real estate investment,
and more.
Civic Engagement: We educate our participants about the political process and the
importance of voting, encouraging them to become active and informed citizens.
Respect and Family Values: We emphasize the importance of respecting women and
promoting traditional family structures as a foundation for strong communities.
Navigating Family Court Systems: Our program addresses the complexities of the family
court system, empowering participants with information about father's rights, child support,
and custody matters.
Pathways to Success: We provide mentorship in college and career planning, business
creation, incorporating, and other pathways to achieve personal and professional goals.
Cultivating Gentlemen: Our program teaches essential life skills, including tying a tie,
shaving, maintaining good hygiene, and dressing appropriately for job interviews.
Wealth Building: We instill principles of wealth building, encouraging participants to read
books like "Rich Dad Poor Dad," "Think and Grow Rich," and "Millionaire Mindset."
Promoting Black Excellence: We promote cultural awareness and intellectual growth by
studying influential figures such as WEB DuBois, Marcus Garvey, Booker T. Washington, Dr.
Claud Anderson, MLK, Malcolm X, Fredrick Douglas, and others.
Join us on this journey of empowerment and growth as we work together to create a better future for our communities.