Event Toolkit

Young Men’s Bazaar: Passions Into Action

Theme & Purpose

The Young Men’s Bazaar: Passions Into Action creates a safe and empowering space for young men to bring their passions forward — art, music, sports, tech, or anything that excites them — and showcase them with pride.

The event begins with the #MillionMaskMovement, where participants reflect on their outside self (confidence, strength, humor) and their inside self (fears, doubts, or dreams they usually don’t let others see). This reflection becomes the foundation of the Bazaar: when young men step up to present their passions, they aren’t just showing polished talent — they are bringing forward the whole story of who they are, including the courage it takes to share what’s real.

This activity builds authenticity, confidence, and connection. When adults and peers affirm what’s behind the mask as well as the skills on display, young men experience the power of being fully seen.

Benefits for Young Men

  1. Authentic Courage – Share passions rooted in both their outside and inside selves.

  2. Leadership Growth – Take initiative by presenting and explaining what matters to them.

  3. Affirmation & Support – Receive recognition for their full identity, not just surface-level talent.

Materials

  • Mask Cards: millionmask.org or digital millionmask.org/drawboard

  • Box or envelope for mask shuffle

  • Tables or poster boards for booths (1 per participant or pair)

  • Art supplies (markers, poster paper, tape, scissors)

  • Access to music, laptops, or tools for passions (if applicable)

  • Feedback/affirmation cards for adults to write notes of encouragement

Group Size

10–25 participants, plus adults/mentors as audience

Time Needed

90–120 minutes

STEP-BY-STEP Program

Young Men’s Bazaar: Passions Into Action

1. Welcome & Purpose (5 minutes)

Host Script:
“Welcome to the Young Men’s Bazaar: Passions Into Action. Today is about celebrating your skills, dreams, and passions. We’ll start with masks to reflect on the difference between what we show the world and what we usually don’t let others see. Then, you’ll set up your booths to showcase your passions with pride.”

2. Create a Mask (10 minutes)

  • Hand out mask cards.

  • Invite participants to write/draw:

    • Front (outside): the positive qualities they usually show the world (e.g., hardworking, funny, confident, athletic).

    • Back (inside): the “real stuff” they usually don’t let others see (e.g., fear of failure, stress, sadness, family pressure).

  • Collect masks

  • Facilitator note: Emphasize that today’s Bazaar is not about perfection but about courage — bringing both the outside self and the inside truths forward.

3. Bazaar Setup (20–25 minutes)

Each participant sets up a mini booth:

  • Poster, drawing, or display of their passion (artwork, fitness demo, tech project, music playlist, etc.).

  • Short explanation of why it matters to them.

  1. Adults can help with materials, but youth lead the setup.

4. Bazaar Walk & Share (30–40 minutes)

  • Adults, peers, and mentors circulate through booths.

  • Each young man presents for 2–3 minutes:

    • “This is my passion.”

    • “Here’s why it matters to me.”

    • “Here’s what it means for my future.”

  • Adults ask questions, encourage, and write affirmation notes for participants

5. Group Reflection (15–20 minutes)

Prompts:

  • “What was it like to share your passion after reflecting on your mask?”

  • “What fears came up — and how did you push through?”

  • “What did you learn about your brothers’ passions that you didn’t know before?”

  • “How did it feel to be affirmed and celebrated for something that matters to you?”

6. Closing & Positive Action (5–10 minutes)

Each participant writes down:

  • One step they will take to grow their passion in the next month.

  • One way they can support another brother in pursuing theirs.

Host Script:
“Every booth today showed courage. When you bring your passions forward — even the ones you usually don’t let others see — you build not just your future, but a stronger brotherhood. Keep growing, keep sharing, and keep lifting each other up.”

7. SHARE MASKS POST EVENT (10 minutes)

Each participant writes down:

  • One takeaway about leadership or problem-solving.

  • One small action they’ll commit to this week.

Host Script:
“Real leaders don’t just solve problems — they face the truth, then create change. Tonight you built solutions not just with your minds, but with your honesty and your brotherhood.”

Optional Add-Ons

  • Mentor Booths: Invite adults to share their passions in mini-booths, showing that growth never stops.

  • Bazaar Awards: Fun recognitions like “Most Creative Booth,” “Future Entrepreneur,” or “Most Courageous Share.”

  • Follow-Up: Create a community showcase where youth present their passions to a wider audience.

 

For any questions, please contact millionmask@everforwardclub.org

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