Event Toolkit

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

Theme & Purpose

This circle gives young men the chance to hold the mic — literally or symbolically — to speak from the heart about what matters most to them. Whether it’s their dreams for school, their community, their families, or the world, this space invites them to share their voice and vision.

The circle is more about listening than speaking. Caring adults, mentors, and peers practice hearing without judgment, creating a bridge of respect across generations and cultures.

By centering the voices of young men, we highlight their leadership potential, honor their lived experiences, and spark ideas for how they want to shape a future rooted in connection, respect, and brotherhood.

Materials

  • Chairs in a circle

  • Optional small microphone or talking stick to signal whose turn it is to speak

  • Paper & pens for youth to jot ideas

  • Camera/phone for capturing moments (with permission)

Group Size

6–20 people (mix of youth and adults encouraged).

Time Needed

60–75 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 Young Men’s Voices Circle. Today is about giving participants the space to share their ideas, hopes, and experiences. Your voices matter — and they shape not only your own future, but the future of your schools, families, and communities. This is part of the Global Young Men’s Conference, where young people all over the world are stepping forward to be heard.”

2. Icebreaker (5–10 minutes)

Invite everyone to introduce themselves and share:

  • Have everyone check in from a scale of 1 to 10 (1 = low energy, 10 = high energy).

  • One word that describes how they feel about the future.

  • One thing they appreciate about their community, school, or culture.

3. Create a Mask (5 minutes)

Hand out paper or digital mask cards.

  • Invite each participant to draw or write what they show on the outside (front of mask) and what they often carry inside (back of mask).

  • Download a FREE Mask Card here: millionmask.org

  • You can also create masks digitally at: millionmask.org/drawboard

  • Have all participants place their completed masks face down in a box or envelope. During the next 5 minutes, the leader can remove, shuffle, and redistribute the cards, showing that we are often more alike than different.

4. Participant Sharing (25–30 minutes)

Guidelines:

  • Participants take turns sharing while others listen without interruption.

  • Encourage honest voices and respectful listening.

Prompts (choose several):

  1. What did you notice from reading your mask card and others?

  2. What is one thing that surprised you about the activity?

  3. What’s one change you’d like to see in your school or community?

  4. What makes you proud to be part of your culture, background, or brotherhood?

  5. How do you want to contribute to the future — locally or globally?

5. Adult Reflection & Response (10–15 minutes)

Caring adults, mentors, or community members share what they heard, express gratitude, and name ways they can support the participants in their ideas and actions.

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

Step 1 – Reflection Notes
Participants write down:

  • One action they want to take.

  • Their first step to move toward it.

Step 2 – Share Back
Encourage participants to share their ideas (on sticky notes, a whiteboard, or a group chat). Circles may also choose to record short videos or group reflections to share with the larger GYMC community by emailing your pics and video clips to millionmask@everforwardclub.org.

Host Closing Script:
“When participants speak, the future comes into focus. Your ideas and voices matter — not just for today, but for generations to come.”

Optional Add-Ons

  • Idea Wall: Post sticky notes of participant ideas for everyone to see.

  • Mentor Match: Pair participants with adults who can guide or support their next step.

  • Story Video: Record short clips of participants responding to the prompts to share with the GYMC network.

For any questions, please contact millionmask@everforwardclub.org

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