New Program Teaches Leaders to Guide Young Men

Kayla Desroches/KMXT

The model of masculinity is one that changes decade by decade and an upcoming program wants to teach youth leaders how to talk about what it means to be a man.

The Kodiak Area Native Association will host a three-day workshop called Compass between August 17 and 19. Prevention Grants Coordinator, Joe McGee, has been busy planning the event over the last few months and says the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault designed the program.

“It takes these guys who are in these leadership and mentorship roles and it equips them with tools so they can do activities with the kids,” says Mcgee. “They can take them out hiking, they have different activities, and within these activities, they weave in messages that teach the boys about good decision making.”

A packet outlining the program lists categories such as knowing your emotions, respect for others, and conflict resolution. McGee says the program redefines masculinity.

“In the world that we live in today, there’s a lot of definitions of masculinity, and it’s easy for a boy to get confused. And so this just takes good, core principles and it makes them very relatable so they can grab onto them and keep them,” says McGee.

McGee says the program is open to men in leadership roles over boys ages twelve through eighteen and is free of cost. He says the application deadline is July 17 and that KANA will cover the transportation fee from Kodiak villages as well as breakfast and lunch during the workshop, which will take place on Near Island. You can call 486-9847 to request an application. For more information, email joseph.mcgee@kanaweb.org or amcr@andvsa.org.