While the program usually starts for boys in third grade, this workshop, “How to be a ‘G,’” is for the older kids.
DCF Executive Director Torahnique Coleman said when the organization formed in June 2009, its key priority was to provide programs for young men because they were constantly left out of the many empowering activities set up for girls.
“We saw a need for interaction,” Coleman said.
The goal of the Dreambuilders workshop is to explain four ‘g’ terms: gangs, girls, grades and goals.
Gangs are not always bad, Coleman said; even churches have gangs like choirs and youth groups. The organization hopes to promote positive gangs to the young men.
“There’s nothing wrong with saying no to bad gangs,” she said.
The workshop will also promote positive relationships with the opposite sex. Coleman said boys don’t want anyone to treat their mothers and sisters badly, so they have to learn to treat other women with respect.
DCF continuously promotes academic achievement. The grades and goals portions of the workshop will help make the young men aware of their surroundings and teach them that if their grades must match their goals.
Coleman said if a young man hopes to become a doctor or lawyer one day, he has to prove it now by investing time and energy in his grades.
The organization expects about 50 attendees at the workshop, but is happy to have more. The best part: no girls allowed. Coleman said while women will help register boys for the workshop, they are not allowed to go into the meeting room.
This helps them connect with presenters and makes them more comfortable about asking questions.
The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.
The DCF organization hopes to open individual mentoring to young men this summer. They will also eventually offer individualized tutoring, where students can get help with specific sections of subjects. There is a book club in the works as well.
“We’re looking to do big things,” Coleman said. “We just have so many big dreams for them.”
Since the first monthly workshop in the series September 2009, the organization has seen major changes in the young men who have attended.
Coleman said many boys show more respect for their parents’ time and money and they have improved in behavior. She said the workshops offer the boys confidence and direction to find whom they are in life, which has led to some trying out for school sports for the first time and setting goals.
“We look forward to making changes in young men so they can be positive members of society instead of statistics,” Coleman said.
The organization has nearly 20 volunteers currently that complete about 10 hours of service each month, but is always looking to grow its family. If you would like to donate or volunteer, call DCF to set up an appointment. After a background check, Coleman said volunteers can be ready to get to work in about an hour.
Upcoming events in the Dreambuilders Workshop Series:
Apr. 24 – Anger Management
Jun. 12 – Camping Trip
Jul. – Health Fair Fundraiser
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