Journeymen

The Aims and Methods of the Journeymen Chapter of the Boys to Men Intenational Mentoring Network

Journeymen of Asheville is a nonprofit organization created by men for the specific purpose of mentoring boys 12-17 years of age through their passage into manhood. We believe it is the responsibility of the men in the community to guide our boys through play and work into self actualization, leadership, community service and emotional literacy. In doing so, these boys will get more essential tools to get through the epic transition into adult life.

Peer Processing J-Groups

Journeymen specializes in creating safe circles where boys can talk about the events, emotions, and experiences of their lives. It is a place where Journeymen get to practice being a fully alive and communicative man among men.

Our groups meetings are structured opportunities to explore aspects of healthy masculinity. We start our groups getting in touch with our feelings in an effort to expand emotional literacy. We then explore what it means to be accountable by identifying the agreements that we have honored or broken since last we met. Of course, these opportunities lead to rich discussion and at this point a boy may touch on something new that we will explore as a group.

If everything goes according to plan (which, lets be honest, teenage energy typically doesn't allow for this so we adjust) we will then move on to a group activity that addresses specific aspects of the boys' experience. We deliver focused activities concerning:

• Values Clarification
• Clear Communication
• Healthy Relationship
• Violence / Bullying
• Stereotyping / Discrimination
• Sexuality and Gender Identity
• Practical Life Skills
• Taking Action for Social Justice

By way of this delivery system we emphasize: Character development, Positive Self image, Personal values, Interpersonal Skills, Boundary setting, Emotional Awareness, Language of feelings, Stress management.

 

Rites of Passage Adventure Weekend (RPAW) >>

We have a three-day adventure training that is designed to let boys discover who they really are and what they want to become.

The transformations possible for boys (and men) are amazing! Many boys come into a passage adventure emotionally shut down. Often, the only emotion that has been okay for them to show externally is anger or "flatness."

• We have simple processes that put them in touch with all of their feelings and emotions.
• We work to set up situations that let them experience their anger, fear, sadness and joy.
• We let them decide for themselves what values they want in their lives.
• We teach and model accountability and integrity.
• We dig with them as they discover a mission to guide them in their everyday actions.

Most importantly the Passage Adventures are an intensive wherein boys play and do deep work with mature men forming & deepening bonds that are the foundations of healthy individuals and communities.

 

The Mentor Program >>

Any eligible boys that come into our program have the option of being matched up with trained mentor. Although we emphasize the group model, boys and men are permitted to form one-to-one pairings, provided there is consent from the family system.

Journeymen has developed it's own Inner Mentor Awakening Opportunity. The group and individual mentors who take this special training learn at a deep level how to listen, accept, admire and love their young men and to be there for them. Moreover, our mentors form a community that meets quarterly to discuss our lives, share best practices, attend personal growth workshops, and to provide feedback for organizational growth. Our mentors have the opportunity to continually work on themselves within the program structure, which is a unique aspect of our effort.

 

Community Activities >>

Journeymen hosts regular events which can be an introduction to or follow up support for a Passage Adventure. We also work with other community organizations that have ongoing activities to integrate their specialty programs seamlessly with our program and activities.

We've found that much of a boy's real transformation occurs in these ongoing circles where trust and depth are always available for boys and men. In short, we come together every two weeks to play, eat, and talk about what's going on in our lives.

Many of the young men who complete a Journeymen Passage Adventure weekend participate in the community activities. This tells us that the Journeymen activities offer something that young men want in their lives. Everyone has a chance for fun and to feel the fulfillment of service work too.