The Real Men Program
Empower Young Men of Color to Succeed

"By being honest about their struggles, and explicit about the things that helped them, these young men show what it takes to change." —Geoffrey Canada, CEO, Harlem Children's Zone, in his foreword to Real Men

Help young men:
—recognize their strengths
—improve their skills
—learn how to seek help

It’s no secret that young men, and young men of color in particular, are in crisis. The statistics on graduation rates, employment, and crime are shocking. Furthermore, it can be very difficult to reach young men, who are often alienated and resistant. This curriculum will help you gain the trust of teens by showing that you value their experiences.

The persistence of the young men in these true stories will inspire your teens, and their practical strategies will help your students succeed at school, work, and in caring relationships.

The Real Men Program includes an anthology of 32 true stories by teens, a detailed Leader’s Guide—with 36 lessons, and a short DVD to spark discussion.

Plus, you get professional development to give your staff the skills and confidence they need to implement the program at the highest level.

Read a review of Real Men from Youth Today [pdf].

MATERIALS The Real Men Anthology An anthology of 32 true stories by male teens on how they have overcome challenges to success, such as negative self-image, unstable family life, difficult emotions, and dropping out of school. And more stories to grab the attention of teens. [See the table of contents]

The Leader’s Guide to Real Stories The Leader’s Guide includes activities for every story, plus the full text of every story with suggested questions for each session. Each session focuses on a theme and includes: 1. An opening activity to introduce the theme; 2. Reading a true story by a teen with facilitated discussion; 3. An experiential learning activity that helps participants connect the themes in the story to their own lives; 4. A closing reflection Plus bonus material on running groups, icebreakers, building trust, dealing with sensitive issues, and more. [See sample lesson 1] [See a sample lesson 2] [See the table of contents]

Alternative High: The Shawn Welcome Story A film based on the true story of Shawn Welcome, who went from high school dropout to high school principal. Watch the Alternative High trailer.

The Complete Real Men Program The Real Men Kit includes 20 copies of Real Men (for participants), 1 copy of A Leader’s Guide to Real Men, 1 copy of Alternative High: The Shawn Welcome Story-DVD.)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FROM DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT LIMITS Development Without Limits can provide staff training and follow up technical assistance in half-day, full-day, and two-day sessions. • DWL staff can help your staff rehearse the format and activities of the Real Stories program so they feel completely comfortable with the style, and pacing of typical sessions. • Staff training workshops cover many other topics as well, including facilitating successful group activities, discussing sensitive topics, and incorporating youth development activities like service learning, media production and the arts. • Coaching and technical assistance provide programs with ongoing support in effectively implementing Real Stories, including extending the activities into service learning, media production, and arts projects. PHOTO CREDIT: Steven Lembark