Do’s for the Global Young Men’s Conference

• Create spaces for real connection. Encourage boys to share openly about their experiences, challenges, and wins—whether in circles, activities, or casual conversations—without fear of judgment.

• Center food, fun, and brotherhood. Build community through shared meals, playful activities, and authentic bonding that remind young men they’re not alone.

• Integrate a mask-making activity. Use the #MillionMaskMovement tool or paper mask cards to spark reflection on what young men show on the outside versus what they hold inside.

• Lift up free and accessible tools. Highlight simple practices like journaling, breathing exercises, movement, or peer support that don’t require money or special access.

• Amplify local and cultural voices. Partner with mentors, educators, and organizations who understand the unique needs of the young men in your community.

Here are key considerations for what to avoid when crafting messages and content for Young Men’s Gathering:

• Don’t make it a lecture. Keep the focus interactive and youth-centered instead of long speeches or one-way presentations.

• Don’t overlook food, fun, and brotherhood. Avoid making the event feel like “just another program” without joy, laughter, and connection.

• Don’t skip the mask-making activity. The mask is a core experience—without it, the depth of reflection and conversation can be lost.

• Don’t assume one-size-fits-all. Avoid generic messaging; tailor activities and language to the cultural and community context of the young men you’re serving.

• Don’t center adults over youth. Adults are guides, but the real power comes from giving young men the space to lead, share, and inspire each other.

Guiding Principles for Storytelling and Content Creation

Here are our guiding principles for how we'll portray young men's wellness throughout this campaign:

• Lead with Authenticity. Share stories that feel honest, unfiltered, and true to young men’s lived experiences—so their voices guide the narrative, not adult assumptions.

• Celebrate Diversity. Feature voices and faces from different races, cultures, identities, and backgrounds so every young man can see himself reflected in the movement.

• Center Brotherhood and Belonging. Highlight the role of food, fun, and shared experiences that create authentic bonds and remind young men they are not alone.

• Model Reflection and Action. Show the power of mask-making, storytelling, and simple wellness practices that help young men open up and take steps toward growth.

• Uplift Community Voices. Partner with mentors, families, and culturally rooted organizations to tell stories that are grounded in trust, belonging, and lived experience.