About Us
Our Mission
Our mission is bringing local gangs together to open the lines of communication between all factions to help prevent violence in our community, foster open communication, prevent minor issues from escalating into street violence, and safeguard our children and community from gun violence. To actualize our mission, MOI has developed five pillars that serve as Lines of Effort (LOEs):
Events
We organize meaningful events such as Christmas in K-Land,
Thanksgiving dinner, Mother's Day celebrations, and Teen Night, fostering
unity and belonging while providing safe spaces for gathering, recreation,
and personal growth.
Education
MOI is dedicated to nurturing the intellectual and emotional development of students at all levels by offering tutoring, coaching, mentorship, and support to school administrators and parents. We believe in the power of education to transform lives and strengthen our community.
Empowerment
Through strategic partnerships, we actively work towards job creation and skills development, engaging at-risk youth in organized sports and activities that foster discipline, teamwork, time management, and balance, ultimately empowering them to make positive choices and reach their full potential.
Community Engagement
Our efforts in Events, Education, and Empowerment are fortified by building strong relationships with community
churches, local politicians, and business owners. This collaboration not only strengthens our presence but also allows us to effectively mobilize resources to address the needs of our community.
Societal Reentry
MOI believes in the power of redemption and is committed to providing pathways and resources for reentry into society for those who have made mistakes. We utilize our community partners as tools to support rehabilitation, skill development, and successful integration back into the community.
What We Have Learned
Fostering open lines of communication between local gangs is not just about immediate conflict resolution; it's about building a more harmonious and safer community for everyone, especially our children. When community members actively engage in solving localized issues, it can have a domino effect on other societal problems like:
- Racial inequality
- Economic disparity
- Food insecurity
- Equitable education opportunities
- Employment opportunities
- Mental health.
Clear, communal channels can lead to increased awareness and resource-sharing, creating environments where individuals are less prone to violence in the home and more likely to seek mental health support. A community that communicates is a community that thrives, tackling both overt and underlying issues head-on to create a safer, healthier environment for all.
Why Community Involvement is Essential: Join Us in Making a Difference
Community involvement isn't just a feel-good activity; it's a powerful mechanism for meaningful, grassroots change. At The Men of Influence we're tackling deeply-rooted societal issues that disproportionately affect BIPOC and marginalized communities—from street violence and domestic abuse to systemic racism, economic disparities, and much more. When you volunteer with us, you become part of an ecosystem of change-makers, united by a shared vision of a safer, healthier, more equitable society.
Our holistic approach means that every effort you make has ripple effects, helping not just one person but an entire community. Whether you're mediating conflicts, participating in mental health awareness campaigns, or helping to create equitable opportunities, your involvement directly contributes to a transformative agenda.
We are investing in a future where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can move from dialogue to action, and from awareness to lasting impact.
