STRENGTHEN YOUR COMMUNITY
All throughout the state, we as Alaskan men are doing countless things that help create happier, healthier communities. Coaches, mentors, role-models, and friends are already playing a crucial role in strengthening our communities, even if we do not realize it. By highlighting the good that we as men are already doing, the Strengthen campaign wants to inspire other men to get more involved, while also increasing the impact of this involvement. If we connect our efforts and increase our understanding of how simple, small actions can have enormous effects (like decreasing our rates of domestic and sexual violence, bullying, suicide and child abuse) then we can make lasting positive change. How do you strengthen your community? What are things that you have learned that you could share with others? Below are a few resources that you can use to strengthen your community.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) mission is to "create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth".
Big Brothers, Big Sisters seeks to establish matches between youth (Littles) and volunteer adults (Bigs) that result in consistent interaction and a high level of relationship quality, marked by friendship, bonding and trust. Risks are diminished through supportive adult involvement; the caring adult volunteer focuses on the youth’s interests, strengths, and resources rather than the youth’s deficits or the deficits in their environment.
The Boys & Girls Club of Alaska
The Boys and Girls Club(BGC) mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need them most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Youth connect with caring adults and mentors who help support them in a safe and stable environment. Club staff help youth to achieve academic success, good character, citizenship, and healthy lifestyles by supporting, inspiring and empowering them. Our Club members thrive when the Clubs ensure safety, fun experiences, supportive relationships, and recognition.
Find out more here
Tools for Mentors
Click on these toolkits to view the full version and download
Ways to become a youth mentor
Boys Run
i toowu klatseen
Boys Run I toowú klatseen is a ten week program, with a place-based curriculum. Topics include: sense of self and knowing one’s worth; healthy communication and relationships; and positive decision making, teamwork, and community. Each lesson has a theme and incorporates Southeast Alaska traditional values.
“[Before Boys Run] I would have said a strong man is a man with muscles but now I say a strong man is someone who cares for his community.”
– Participant, Sitka.”
Find out more here
Mentorship makes a difference
Most of us are already playing mentorship roles in the lives of young men, whether it is as an uncle, a parent, a coach, or simply as a positive adult when your kids’ friends are over, or for the kids in your neighborhood.
This positive adult role is one of the most important protective factors in a young person’s life, and has the potential to make a huge difference in the lives of young men and boys. We, as adult men, also benefit hugely from being mentors. This experience allows us to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves,our values, and our purpose as we guide and support young individuals, not to mention building connections, finding fulfillment, sharing our hobbies and passions, and having fun!
“Being a good mentor is about getting out of your own way to learn who your mentee really is and where they come from let them show you the person they need you to be in you’ll learn a lot about yourself in the process” - Shyam Jordison, Big Brother Big Sisters Mentor
Here are some ways to strengthen your role as a mentor, either by using these tools, joining one of these formal mentorship programs, or informally by reaching out and interacting with youth in your community.