Table of Contents
Introduction
Program Overview
The Leadership Program: Who We Are 1
Boys 2 MENtors™ Curriculum Overview 1
Facilitation Tips
Our Process: The Experiential Learning Cycle 4
Preparation Essentials 6
Inside the Activity 8
Section 1 Lead Up / Introduction
Objective: To create a socially and emotionally cohesive, safe, and positive peer group
Elements of Leadership
Values to Stand On 12
Setting Expectations 18
The Ideal Role Model Leader 24
Section 2 What's Up? / Identity
Objective: To examine the diverse characteristics of identity among young men
Heritage
Why I Am the Way I Am 30
Around My Way 36
My Heritage: Giving Meaning to Culture and Tradition 41
Who Am I?
Body Positive 47
Me in the World
Which Me Do You See? 52
Inside the Outside 57
Section 3 Step Up / Interacting
Objective: To develop a sense of collaboration among the group and to hone interpersonal relationship skills
Communication
Active Listening 62
What's on Your Mind? 67
Our Society
Perception Is Someone's Reality, Parts 1, 2, and 3 73
Family/How I Contribute at Home
In the Zone 84
My Many Roles 88
Healthy Relationships
What Is a Relationship? 93
Who's the Man? 96
Building Healthy Relationships 101
Section 4 Own Up / Personal Responsibility
Objective: To develop a sense of pride and accountability regarding life choices
Respect for All/Diversity
Message Mayhem 110
Compassion, Olympic-Style 115
When the Sky Turns Green 120
Respect for Women, Parts 1 and 2 124
A Web of Opinions 133
Investment in Education
What's My Style? Parts 1, 2, and 3 139
Directing My Own Education 158
Citizen Me
Home Is Where the Help Is 164
Doing the Right Thing 169
We're All in This Together! 174
Section 5 Man Up / My Roles as a Man
Objective: To determine and develop the characteristics of a positive male role model
Fathers and Fatherhood
Father Figures 178
Stepping into My Vision 183
What It Means to Be a Successful Man
Channel Success News 189
The Successful Man, Parts 1 and 2 194
Navigating the Dynamics of Power Relationships
Authority Figures 202
Life Is a Marathon 207
Respect and Authority 212
Section 6 Rise Up / Future Plans
Objective: To create a vision and actionable plans for the future
Problem Solving/Facing Challenges
Failure as Growth 218
Making Decisions
Decision Making 222
Choices, Decisions, Consequences 228
Goal Setting
Sounds like a Plan! 235
Stepping Up to Success 241
Future Me/College, Career, Legacy
Seeing Myself in College 245
Qualities of a Career 252
Leaving My Legacy 268
Virtual Interviews 271
Final Project
Young Men Rising 277
Reference
Theoretical Rationale 281
Reference List 285
Credits 288