Event Toolkit

Brotherhood Walk & Talk: Stories on the Move

Theme & Purpose

This walk invites young men to move together and share stories that matter—about their lives, families, schools, and communities. Walking side by side creates a relaxed atmosphere where conversations flow more naturally.

By blending movement, reflection, and the simple yet powerful Million Mask activity, we build brotherhood, deepen empathy, and see our neighborhood as a place of belonging, pride, and possibility.

Materials

  • Comfortable walking route (sidewalk, park path, school yard, community street)

  • Water bottles

  • Mask Cards & supplies: paper mask cards or devices for digital masks; pens/markers

  • Mask links: paper – millionmask.org · digital – millionmask.org/drawboard

  • Box or envelope (to collect/shuffle masks)

  • Optional: small notepads for reflections

  • Camera/phone for photos (with permission)

Group Size

6–20 participants (young men with mentors or supportive adults).

Time Needed

~90 minutes total

STEP-BY-STEP Program

Young Men’s Voices Circle: Our Future, Our Voice

1. Welcome & Purpose (5 minutes)

Host Script:

“Welcome to the Neighborhood Walk & Talk. Today we’re walking together not just to move our bodies, but to share our stories. This is about brotherhood, curiosity, and connection. As we walk, you’ll have a chance to reflect on your journey and listen to someone else’s. The goal is simple: to leave today feeling seen, heard, and connected.”


2) Walk & Share (30 minutes)

Split into pairs or small groups; switch partners halfway.

Prompts while walking:

  1. Share one positive memory from your neighborhood or school.

  2. What’s a tradition, value, or practice from your family or culture that matters to you?

  3. How have you connected with people who are different from you?

  4. What makes you proud to be part of your community?


3. Create a Mask (20 minutes)

  • Hand out mask cards (paper or digital).

  • Invite each participant to draw or write:

    • Front (outside): what they show the world.

    • Back (inside): what they often carry but don’t always show.

  • Mask Links:

  • Have all participants place their completed masks face down in a box or envelope. Shuffle and redistribute.

  • Invite reflection: “Look at the card you’ve received. Notice how much we all carry. We are often more alike than different.”


4) Group Reflection (10 minutes)

Gather at the end point. Invite volunteers to share:

  • “One thing I learned today about someone here…”

  • “One thing I’d like to see more of in our community…”


5) Closing & Positive Action (10 minutes)

Reflection Notes:

  • One insight from today’s conversation.

  • How walking and talking changed the way you see your community.

  • One action you can take to strengthen connection or brotherhood in your neighborhood.

Share Back:
Post notes on a wall, snap photos (with permission), or record a short video to share with the GYMC community.

Host Closing Script:
“Walking through our neighborhood, we see more than streets — we see the stories that connect us. Thank you for sharing yours, and for helping strengthen our brotherhood and community.”


6. SHARE MASKS POST EVENT (10 minutes)

Take pictures of each mask and send them to millionmask@everforwardclub.org to join our #MillionMaskMovement and help us reach 100,000 people by this November!


Optional Add-Ons

  • Photo Map: Pin where stories took place and share with the GYMC community.

  • Community Stops: Pause at local landmarks (murals, schools, businesses) to spark reflection.

  • Family Version: Invite parents, siblings, or mentors to join for an intergenerational connection.

 

For any questions, please contact millionmask@everforwardclub.org

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