Hi Friends and Family,
As most of you already know, I grew up without a dad. I know the hardships I faced as a teenager were tough. I taught myself how to swim, ride a bike etc. I had awesome people in my life to help guide and direct me. It was hard on my mom as well. I only wish I would have had a program like Boys To Men Mentoring.
Every week, volunteer mentors show up at middle schools, high schools, and community centers to give teenage boys a community of men who listen, encourage, and empower them. Approximately 40% of the boys participating in Boys to Men programs are growing up without a father.
Our community-based mentoring approach gives boys a variety of positive male role models who show up consistently, tell the truth about their struggles as men, ask the boys what kind of man they want to be, praise them for their gifts, support them when they mess up, and encourage them to become the man they want to be. The boys begin to trust the men and soon begin to open up themselves creating a circle of brotherhood that I’ve seen change lives.
It is our responsibility to do the work necessary to change the course of our society’s future prosperity.
I’m not saying Boys to Men is “The Answer”, but we certainly are an answer. When we show up, listen, accept, and encourage these boys finally feel safe. When they feel safe they share the truth. When they get honest about their lives, they become aware of options they had not considered. They make better choices, and they feel better. When they feel better they do better. Their grades go up, their attendance goes up, and their disciplinary issues virtually disappear.
So, what am I doing? I will be catching 100 waves in ONE DAY to raise money for BTM, which is the surfing equivalent of running a marathon!
What can you do to support me and the boys who need Boys to Men Mentoring in their lives? You can make a donation to my page and help me get the word out about this event and the good we are doing!
Every dollar helps, so please give what you can to help me reach my goal!
~John