Our co-founder David Gilkey began the Brotherhood program (formerly Do You Want To Live Or Die?) in 2005 as a mentoring and gang prevention program for high school aged men in Wichita. It provides a path forward for the young men who have nowhere else to turn.
Brotherhood helps young men find a clear purpose in life. Our staff helps them look at their lives, examining what helps them achieve their purpose and what doesn't. We guide them through the changes they need to make. Together, they develop plans to become accountable adults and find their way to the rest of the world.
Brotherhood helps young men find a clear purpose in life. Our staff helps them look at their lives, examining what helps them achieve their purpose and what doesn't. We guide them through the changes they need to make. Together, they develop plans to become accountable adults and find their way to the rest of the world.
“To educate, motivate and encourage young men to
graduate high school and choose healthy life style behaviors.”
graduate high school and choose healthy life style behaviors.”
|
|
ProgrammingMEETINGS
Weekly meetings form the core of the Brotherhood program. The young men gather with our staff to discuss various topics and hear from outside speakers. Discussions are designed to make the young men think about their options and encourage them to be active in becoming real men with real futures. Topics include respect, responsibility, attitude, work ethic, loyalty and positive thinking. WORKSHOPS Once a month, all students are invited to a workshop conducted by a positive role model from our community. Outside speakers underscore and highlight the program's core values. The group sessions create a sense of community and partnership among the participants, so critical to these young men who often feel marginalized and alone. |
OpportunitiesCOLLEGE TOURS
College tours give young men the opportunity to truly see the opportunities that exist for them. Many of these young men do not know anyone who has gone to college; they cannot imagine what a college is. These trips make it real and help them focus their school efforts. Visits have included Butler Community College, Cowley Community College, Hutchinson Community College, and WSU Tech. SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAMS In addition to weekly sessions, our staff organizes service learning projects. These projects cultivate the sense of self-worth and self-esteem that comes from helping others. The young men read to younger students, work at the Kansas Food Bank, conduct food and clothing drives, and develop and participate in events to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. |
TESTIMONIALS
When Jamaal started high school, he had already been involved with gangs for over a year. Like so many young men around him, being associated with a gang was a rite of passage. Jamaal’s affiliations began to cause him trouble at school, having to fight to fend off others. A friend of his suggested he attend a group at school. Jamaal accepted, wanting to get out of class. This group was the Brotherhood program. Here Jamaal met adult men and other boys who shared his experiences. He also learned practical skills.
“Mr. Gilkey was a great support. When I first started going to the Brotherhood, I was still getting into trouble. He would come to the school and the problem would get solved. He talked to me and taught me other ways to handle situations and be more respectful.”
Participating in Brotherhood gave Jamaal the confidence to speak to people, taught him how to respect women, and gave him the skills to respect himself and plan for his future. Most of all, it gave him a proper support network. Jamaal graduated high school and received a full scholarship to WATC.
“Mr. Gilkey was a great support. When I first started going to the Brotherhood, I was still getting into trouble. He would come to the school and the problem would get solved. He talked to me and taught me other ways to handle situations and be more respectful.”
Participating in Brotherhood gave Jamaal the confidence to speak to people, taught him how to respect women, and gave him the skills to respect himself and plan for his future. Most of all, it gave him a proper support network. Jamaal graduated high school and received a full scholarship to WATC.
