Welcome Back, G-Tribe

Welcome to the G-Tribe — our Growth Tribe.
It’s the community of parents, mentors, and young men committed to growing every week through guidance, leadership, and real-life lessons.

G.R.O.W. stands for Guidance Redefines Our Way.
It’s the weekly newsletter from A Few Good MENtors, Inc. designed to support boys, families, and mentors with structure, clarity, and consistent direction.

If you’re new, you’re joining a community that believes growth doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens when people show up and stay consistent.

January is National Mentoring Month.
That makes this conversation timely — and necessary.

And the movement has officially begun.

Growth Spotlight: Why Mentoring Still Matters

Mentoring is not a nice-to-have.
It’s a stabilizer.

Research consistently shows why guidance matters:

• Youth with mentors are more than 50% more likely to enroll in college than those without mentors.

• Mentored youth are significantly less likely to begin using drugs or alcohol and are more likely to make positive choices during adolescence.

That’s not motivation.
That’s a measurable impact.

When boys have consistent guidance:

• Confidence improves

• Decision-making sharpens

• Accountability increases

• Identity becomes clearer

Mentorship works because it’s relational.
It’s not a program you attend once.
It’s a commitment you live out over time.

That’s why AFGM exists.
And that’s why January — National Mentoring Month — matters.

Michael’s Hot Take: “You’ve Got To Want This.”

Let me talk to you from the other side of mentoring for a moment — the mentee side.

Mentoring only works when the person being mentored wants it.

Not when they’re forced.
Not when someone else signs them up.
Not when they show up halfway.

You’ve got to want this.

Here’s a truth people don’t always say out loud:
No one succeeds alone.

Not at 8.
Not at 18.
Not at 38.
Not at 80.

Every person who’s grown, led, or accomplished something meaningful had guidance somewhere along the way.

Someone who challenged them.
Someone who told them the truth.
Someone who helped them see what they couldn’t see on their own.

That’s mentoring.

And from the mentee’s perspective, it starts with humility.

You have to be willing to say:

• I don’t know everything

• I can grow

• I’m open to learning

• I want better for myself

Mentors can open doors.
They can share wisdom.
They can walk with you.

But they can’t want your growth more than you do.

I’ve spent years developing people, leading organizations, and watching the difference between those who grow and those who stay stuck.

The ones who grow ask questions.
They listen.
They apply what they learn.
They show up consistently.

The ones who stay stuck wait for motivation.
Or blame circumstances.
Or think they’ll figure it out later.

Here’s the reality.

Mentorship is not about being told what to do.
It’s about being willing to be coached.

It requires discipline.
It requires patience.
It requires effort.

And that’s why National Mentoring Month matters — especially in The Year of Movement and Momentum.

Movement starts when a young man decides, “I want more for myself.”
Momentum builds when he stays committed even when growth gets uncomfortable.

So whether you’re a young person reading this, a college student, a professional, or someone later in life — hear this clearly:

If you want to grow, seek guidance.
If you want to lead, learn first.
If you want change, be open to correction.

Mentoring isn’t about age.
It’s about desire.

You’ve got to want this.

And when you do, the right guidance can change everything.

Parent Insight of the Week

Ask your son who he listens to most right now.
Then ask why.

That answer tells you a lot about where influence is coming from.

Try This With Your Mentee

Ask him this question:
“What’s one thing you want to improve this month?”

Write it down together.
Check in on it weekly.

Progress starts small.

Watch & Learn

A short video on why mentorship changes outcomes over time.
Watch together.
Talk about consistency.

Upcoming Events

Coffee with a Mentor

Saturday, January 24, 2026
11 AM – 12 PM
Located at The Culture Cup
8002 Crescent Park Drive
Gainesville, VA

For parents, mentors, and community members.
Learn. Connect. Inspire.
All are welcome.

New Mentor Training Course (NMTC 26-01)

Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 9 AM – 1 PM
Format: Hybrid (Virtual + In-Person)
Who: All new mentors

Start the year strong.
This training prepares mentors to lead with clarity, structure, and confidence.

Register here:
https://afgmentoring.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/mentor-volunteer-form

Join us for the Super Bowl

AFGM Signature Events for 2026

These events mark our year of movement and momentum.

• Boys Becoming Men Youth Summit — April 11, 2026
  Includes dedicated sessions for parents.

• AFGM 5K Run/Walk — June 27, 2026

• AFGM Brotherhood Awards Luncheon — September 12, 2026

• AFGM Annual Gala Celebration — November 7, 2026

Saturday, March 14, 2026
Mulligan’s Pub on the Green
3700 Golf Trail Ln, Fairfax, VA 22033

AFGM Engagement Hour: 6:00–7:00 PM (21+)

Join us for a fun, relaxed evening that brings people together while supporting our mentoring mission.

What to expect:

• Music Bingo with prizes

• Meet and mingle with AFGM mentors and leadership

• Learn how to enroll a young boy or young man in your life

• Explore ways to become a mentor or support the mission

Light appetizers will be available for purchase

Tickets available now:

• Early Bird: $25 (limited availability)

• General Admission: $30 | $35 day of event (if available)

• All-In Bingo Bundle: $45
  Includes admission, one raffle ticket, one extra bingo packet, and one bingo dauber

Get tickets or donate:
https://givebutter.com/AFGMBingoFUNraiser

This is a great way to connect, learn more about AFGM, and support boys becoming strong men.

Sponsorship Opportunity

We are seeking sponsors and partners for all 2026 signature events.
If you know a business or organization that invests in boys, families, and mentorship, connect them with us.

Email: [email protected]

That’s it for this week.

This is the Year of Movement and Momentum.
Every step matters.
Thanks for moving with us.