OUR THEORY OF CHANGE (5 M's)
Concerned Christian Men have designed our programs around our intentional change theory. We work hard to ensure that our programs have the ability to transform students by using what we call the 5 M’s. The 5 M’s are used to design, implement, and evaluate all Concerned Christian Men programs.
1. Modeling: We show the boys what successful men look and act like by modeling the behaviors that we want the boys to emulate.
According to intentional change theory, the first step to individual change is being able to identify an ideal version of oneself. The Concerned Christian Men use rigorous training and selection processes to identify men that can serve as holistic examples of manhood for the boys that participate in our programs. In addition to this, we also challenge every student that participates in any of our programs to envision themselves as successful men.
2. Mentoring: We help boys determine where they need to grow and develop!
The second step for intentional change theory states that individuals must evaluate themselves in order to understand their strong and weak points. CCM trains our mentors to help walk our program participants through reflective writing and discussion activities. These activities are designed to help students identify areas where they would like to grow in regards to their behavior and academic performance.
3. Mastering: We help participants develop plans to become successful!
The third step requires individuals to develop a plan to close the gap between their ideal self, and one’s current self. Here CCM works hard to help students build goal setting skills with our 4G framework*. We also provide students with several competitive programs that help them evaluate their growth.
4. Motivating: We encourage and reward young men for their efforts!
The fourth step requires individuals to execute their plan by applying the new behaviors and attitudes discussed in their plan. Concerned Christian Men has integrated several incentives into our programs to reward students for their positive behavior outside of our mentoring programs. Students who improve their grades and conduct in school will be rewarded with additional program points for earning good grades in school and maintaining perfect attendance.
5. Momentum: We strive to give participants access to support systems and resources in order to achieve their long term goals.
The final step of intentional change theory suggest that individuals develop supportive relationships that encourage the new changes to increase the individual chances of persevering in order to achieve their new goals. With this in mind, the Concerned Christian Men work hard to engage parents and chaperones in the mentoring process. We also create opportunities for program participants to build positive friendships at our events. Finally, students are exposed to long term pathways for success this includes high school and college tours to institutions that will continue to help students succeed.
*The Concerned Christian Men 4G Framework is used to help young men understand how to set goals and make realistic plans to achieve those goals. There are four requirements to a 4G goal. Students will learn how to:
1. Set Goals that are God Fearing
I will get better at forgiving my enemies this month.
vs.
I will never forgive them!
2. Seek Guidance to Achieve Goal
I will talk to my school counselor about the best ways to deal with my anger and desire to get revenge.
vs.
I can solve this problem by myself.
3. Get Started ASAP: I will start today by forgiving my brothers and sisters as soon as I get home.
vs.
I don’t know what I can do now to achieve my goal.