Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. While family support helps keep Rooted Futures going, we are committed to making our programs accessible to all boys and young men. Click the registration link, and pay what you can -- no one is turned away for lack of funds.

The calls are a mix of experiential activities (movement, breath, nature connection, etc.) and conversation. While mentors often show up with potential discussion topics, priority is given to whatever the boys want to talk about, and anything is fair game. Sessions include check-ins around life events, victories, challenges, and aspirations, with mentors offering questions for self-reflection and deeper inquiry. We also make a point of weaving in some  time for fun and games.

While our programs aren't a substitute for therapy or professional support, we have seen many boys thrive and grow by participating. Being in an affirming group of mentors and peers can do wonders for a boy's self-esteem, confidence, and sense of belonging. Feel free to reach out to schedule an initial Discovery Call with one of our team members.

Yes! Mentoring is relevant for all boys as they come of age and begin to look outside their family for healthy role modeling. Being rooted in a positive community can provide a valuable experience of what's possible, in terms of how young men and men behave, and relate to one another.

Yes, all young people need support. We're currently limiting our scope to boys and young men for a few reasons. Boys encounter a set of challenges that is in some ways unique to them. And so many current social issues can be traced back to problematic beliefs, practices, and attitudes toward masculinity and manhood, and the ways boys and young men are enculturated. Just trying to address that is a tall order! That being said, we are looking ahead to future collaboration with other youth organizations including those that serve girls, young women, and nonbinary youth.

We value, welcome, and celebrate diversity, and that includes not being limited to narrowly-defined expressions of what masculinity, boyhood, and manhood can look like. The calls are open to any young person who identifies as a boy or young man, and we do all we can to create a welcoming environment.

One of our core agreements is "no bullying or put-downs," and we get buy-in from everyone at the start of each call. If something comes up on the call that seems like bullying or shaming, we pause to address it, and make it a learning moment for all.

We are actively working to expand our reach, and this means getting more boys and young men into our programs, along with parents and new mentors. We can also use support with outreach and networking, fundraising, grant writing, social media, webpage design, and expertise related to running a non-profit (including legal, bookkeeping and tax preparation assistance), as well as potential board members.