In April’s Palo, ‘A cup coffee with Rosa Julia’ got me thinking about the rites of passage we offer our young men. Or, more correctly, the rites of passage we often fail to offer our young men. How can we expect our boys to become the men we know they can be if our community does not give them the tools they need to realize their potential?
This question made me think of aBerks Teens Matter partner organization that works to do exactly that – offer young men a place to build a healthy understanding of what it means to be a man. At Olivet Boys and Girls Club boys age 8-17 have the opportunity to participate in “Passport to Manhood.” Built upon 3 pillars (sense of self, the importance of family, leadership and responsibility in the community), the “Passport” program seeks to counter unhealthy stereotypes of manhood promoted by the media in popular culture.
Small groups, under the guidance of a male staff member/mentor, are given the space to explore topics like identity, personal values, decision making and relationships. In this all-male space, with positive role models, members grow to understand themselves and build bonds with one another. The groups are broken down by age (8-12 and 13-17), so topics can be addressed at differing maturity levels and club members can repeat the program at different developmental stages. During the last year, 93 OBGC members participated in the “Passport” program, and 65% demonstrated measurable positive growth.
From ancient times, family and community-oriented cultures have recognized the importance of honoring a young man’s initiation into adult life. By engaging our youth in programs like “Passport” we respect the wisdom of our ancestors while building a healthier community for the 21st century. For more information contact us at www.berksteensmatter.org
By Nadine Smet-Weiss