Are you tired of all the violence going on in the world?  What about right here in our communities?  Have you ever wondered “What can I do to help?”

We encourage you to help us stop violence in our community before it starts, by becoming a mentor/volunteer with The Portland Police Bureau’s BoyStrength Program…

It’s a known fact that men outnumber women as perpetrators of violence.  Boy Strength is trying to interrupt the cycle of violence by providing free, community based education to young men through their local schools and community centers. 

The BoyStrength program offers a curriculum for young men between the ages of 8 and 18 led by volunteer instructors, where open discussion is encouraged.  We cover topics from personal health and safety, to gang violence and bullying, to trusting their feelings and knowing when to ask for help.  At BoyStrength, we know boys that are nurtured and empowered are more likely to succeed. The young men that participate in our program learn how to build upon their intellectual and personal strength to gain the confidence needed to succeed in their lives without the use of intimidation or physical violence.  Our hope is that the boys who participate in our program go on to become leaders of non-violence in their neighborhoods and schools. 

As a volunteer with BoyStrength you will have the opportunity to meet new people and make a difference in a young man’s life.  We are looking for a diverse group of volunteers from all backgrounds to be instructors/mentors for our boys.   If you are worried that your  background is a little less than desirable, that’s okay, we still encourage you to reach out.  We can share your story of overcoming past situations and teach our boys the valuable lessons you wish you had learned when you were young.  If being an instructor or sharing your story is not the right fit for you, we can always use volunteer help with fundraising and arranging/setting up community activities. 

If you wish to volunteer or, if you cannot volunteer, but still wish to support The Portland Police Bureau’s BoyStrength Program please call our Program Specialist Monae Elliott at 503-823-7467 or you can send us an email at boystrength@portlandoregon.gov

#ThinkSmartThinkBoyStrength