NextGen Pathfinders is a transformative initiative designed to support young men (ages 18–25) in navigating their identities and roles in today’s evolving social landscape. The program focuses on redefining masculinity, building life and relationship skills, and fostering respectful, informed engagement with women and feminism. With rising concerns around mental health, gender-based violence, toxic masculinity, and social disconnection among young men, this program aims to offer an empowering and fun alternative rooted in dialogue, education, mentorship, and community.
There are a limited number of openings in the program and a waiting list is expected. Contact us to learn more about this exciting and life-changing program.
Sample Workshop Topics
1. Redefining Masculinity in the 21st Century
Objective: Deconstruct harmful stereotypes and explore healthier, more inclusive definitions of masculinity.
Activities:
- Icebreaker: “What does being a man mean to you?”
- Timeline of masculinity in media and culture
- Group brainstorm: “What do we keep? What do we leave behind?”
Takeaway: Masculinity is not a fixed identity — it can evolve, expand, and heal.
2. Emotional Literacy: Identifying and Expressing Emotions
Objective: Build skills around emotional recognition, regulation, and communication.
Activities:
- Emotion vocabulary game: “Name that feeling”
- Journaling prompt: “When I felt something but didn’t say it”
- Role-play: expressing frustration without anger
Takeaway: Real strength includes emotional fluency and expression.
3. Feminism 101: What It Is and Why It Matters
Objective: Demystify feminism and understand how it benefits everyone, including men.
Activities:
- Myth-busting game: “Feminism is…”
- Discussion: “What do men gain from gender equality?”
- Explore feminist allies and male advocates
Takeaway: Feminism is about fairness and liberation for all genders.
4. Consent and Communication in Relationships
Objective: Teach the principles of clear, respectful, and ongoing consent.
Activities:
- Consent scenarios and red/yellow/green light game
- Communication practice: how to ask, how to check in
- Debrief: “What makes me feel respected or disrespected?”
Takeaway: Consent is about respect, clarity, and care — not just legal boundaries.
Objective: Unpack how financial pressure ties into identity and mental well-being.
Activities:
- Reflection: “What were you taught about money and success?”
- Budgeting basics + career vision board
- Discussion: Redefining success beyond income
Takeaway: Worth isn’t measured in wealth — it’s about values and impact.
6. Power, Privilege, and Accountability
Objective: Introduce concepts of social power and how to use it responsibly.
Activities:
- Identity mapping activity
- Group dialogue: “When have you had power?”
- Case studies: handling privilege with humility
Takeaway: Power can be used to uplift others — awareness is key.
7. Healing from Trauma and Building Resilience
Objective: Normalize mental health struggles and teach coping tools.
Activities:
- Guided reflection: “What’s a scar I carry?”
- Grounding techniques and resilience-building tools
- Optional share circle
Takeaway: Healing is strength — and you don’t have to do it alone.
8. Leading with Integrity and Purpose
Objective: Inspire youth to lead authentically and ethically.
Activities:
- Leadership values exercise
- Capstone planning: “What change do you want to lead?”
- Group affirmation circle
Takeaway: Leadership starts with living your values out loud.