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Issue #113 — December 9, 2025

Welcome Back, G-Tribe

Welcome to the G-Tribe, our GROW-Tribe.
It’s the community of parents, mentors, and young men committed to growing every week through guidance, leadership, and real-life lessons.
If you’re new, you’re part of the family now.

We’re closing out 2025 with clarity and gearing up for a stronger, sharper, more intentional 2026.

A new year means a new standard.
A new rhythm.
A new level of responsibility — for us, for our mentors, and for the boys we serve.

January kicks off a full shift in how G.R.O.W. guides our community.
We’re leveling up.

Growth Spotlight: What’s Coming in 2026

Here’s what you can expect as we step into the new year:

• A monthly S.H.I.E.L.D.S. value cycle

• A cleaner and tighter newsletter design

• A stronger connection to the AFGM mentoring program

• A new weekly Parent Insight section

• A new weekly Try This With Your Mentee activity

• More stories, more real talk, more action

• A weekly Watch & Learn spotlight to help families grow together

The goal is simple.
Prepare boys to lead.
Prepare men to guide them.

January is the start of something bigger.

Stay ready.

Success Spotlight: Our Community Is Growing

This fall, we’ve seen:

• More parents requesting mentors than in any other season in 2025

• Strong turnout at AFGM events across the DMV

• New mentors preparing to begin training in January

• Increased partnership interest through the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce

• Higher engagement rates from G.R.O.W. readers

These numbers reflect one thing:
Families are hungry for guidance, and our community is stepping up.

Michael’s Hot Take: “Stop Waiting for the New Year to Become the Leader You Claim You Want to Be”

Let me talk to you straight, because December brings out the funniest behavior in grown folks.

Right now, half the world is about to make a list of New Year’s resolutions they won’t even remember by January 9th.
Gym memberships.
Vision boards.
New planners that will collect dust by March.
And don’t worry, I’m not judging. I’ve bought the planners too.

But leadership, real leadership, doesn’t wait for a date on a calendar.

I say this as someone who has spent 36 years in the FBI developing others, training leaders, interviewing people, studying human behavior, and watching organizations rise and fall based on discipline, consistency, and culture.
I also say this as a nonprofit founder who has seen families thrive when a solid man steps into a boy’s life, and fall apart when no one does.

Leadership is not seasonal.
It’s not a January project.
It’s a lifestyle.

And here’s the hard truth:
Most people don’t lack goals; they lack follow-through.

They don’t need inspiration; they need instruction, accountability, and systems.

That’s why G.R.O.W. is leveling up.

Not because it looks good…
Not because “new year, new me” sounds cute…
But because the young men watching us don’t need us to feel motivated, they need us to be consistent.

Too many boys have been failed by adults who promise them everything and deliver nothing.
Too many mentors think showing up once makes them a hero.
Too many leaders in our community think having a title means they actually lead.

Let me help you with something:
Leadership isn’t about titles.
It’s about habits.

Here are three fundamental reasons we’re leveling up G.R.O.W. in 2026:

1. Boys need structure — not speeches.
   Structure creates safety.
   And safety creates growth.

2. Men need systems — not inspiration.
   Trust me: I’ve trained enough leaders to know discipline beats motivation every day of the week.

3. Families need consistency — not chaos.
   Parents cannot build strong young men alone.
   Mentors cannot guide boys without tools.
   Communities cannot thrive when everyone is waiting for someone else to step up.

So no, we’re not waiting for January to get serious.
We’re starting now.

By the time 2026 hits, the G-Tribe will already be moving.
Already stronger.
Already clearer.
Already leading.

We’re not raising boys who crumble under pressure.
We’re raising boys who become men capable of handling life, with integrity, with faith, with discipline, and with purpose.

And if that means raising the standard for mentors, leaders, and fathers in our community…
Good.
It's long overdue.

Let’s set the tone now — not later.

Parent Insight of the Week

Ask your son what he wants to get better at before the year ends.
Not in January — now.
Help him set one simple goal he can complete in the next 21 days.

Small wins build momentum.

Try This With Your Mentee

Write down three habits you want to leave behind in 2025 and three you want to start in 2026.
Share yours first.
Let him see your honesty.
It builds trust.

Watch & Learn (Optional)

A short clip on how small habits create long-term transformation.
Watch it together.
Use it as a spark for a real conversation.

Upcoming Events

New Mentor Training Course (NMTC 26-01)

Date: January 17, 2026
Time: 9 AM – 1 PM
Format: Hybrid (Virtual)
Who: All new mentors

This is the perfect way to start the year strong.

Mentors will learn:

• How to set expectations, boundaries, and structure

• How to use the SHIELDS values in weekly sessions

• How to build trust with a young man from day one

• Communication skills, problem-solving, and check-in systems

Register here:
https://afgmentoring.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/mentor-volunteer-form
Invite someone who would make a strong mentor.

You still have time to register for the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce event. Click the image to learn more.

AFGM Signature Events for 2026

These are our primary areas of impact, community, and celebration.
Mark your calendar — and share with families, mentors, and partners.

Boys Becoming Men Youth Summit

Date: April 11, 2026
A transformational day for boys across the DMV focused on confidence, leadership, and manhood development.
We will also offer dedicated sessions for parents to support their son’s growth, communication, and character development.

AFGM 5K Run/Walk

Date: June 27, 2026
Our summer health and wellness event promotes physical strength, community unity, and youth engagement.

AFGM Brotherhood Awards Luncheon

Date: September 12, 2026
Honoring mentors, leaders, fathers, educators, and partners who make a difference in the lives of young men.

AFGM Annual Gala Celebration

Date: November 7, 2026
Our premier fundraising event celebrates growth, impact, and the families we serve.

Sponsorship Opportunity

We are actively seeking sponsors, partners, and supporters for all 2026 signature events.
If you know a business, organization, or leader who wants to invest in boys becoming strong, responsible young men, connect them with us.

Email: [email protected]

Support builds strength.
Partnership builds legacy.

Join A Few Good MENtors

• Become a mentor

• Enroll your son as a mentee

• Volunteer at events

• Share this newsletter with one new family

Real growth starts with one decision.
You're part of something bigger — and we're just getting started.