100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. Real Men Magazine November 2022 Issue

MEMBER

ENGAGEMENT

MEANS A LOT TO ME

By James W. Wade III Editor

In the 2000s, I first heard about the 100

Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc., and I wanted to wear a white tux coat like them every year. Many had asked me to join, including the late Larry Hines, Franklin Martin, and Judge Michael Nelson, but I was too busy to participate. I felt because of my work schedule, I could not commit how I wanted to or how they needed me to, so I would pass every year. Finally, in 2004 I started volunteering to be on the annual Gala Committee, which is how I learned about the 100 Black Men. Since I joined, I have given 110% to help my organization go to the next level. I was committed to becoming a proud member of The 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc.

I have no regrets about officially becoming a 100 Black Men and joining the Greater Cleveland Chapter. The experience of working with and mentoring young people is gratifying. 100 Black Men is about volunteering and being accountable. 100 Black Men of America, Inc. developed the programmatic platform, Mentoring the 100 Way Across A Lifetime; this platform provides a comprehensive structure through which the organization’s volunteer network provides community-wide youth programming

and services, face-to-face mentoring, online mentor training, facilitated virtual mentee curriculum that includes a Health & Wellness module, and post-secondary scholarships. In addition to youth, the schools and communities served by 100 Black Men of America, Inc. reap tangible benefits, and through their mentoring classes, I have a certificate of completion.

I remember the days when Luther Towers would tell me he was going to my High School to mentor students and watching Franklin Martin and Larry Hines be the background for the chapter. Those look like fun days, but in 2022, some of us have been committed to returning to those good old days our way. Watching my fellow brothers who came through with me, we had a bond; we earned our pin by volunteering at various events. Over the years, and even in our class, a few have been pinned for doing nothing. We are on a mission to have committed people to give their TIME, TALENT, and RESOURCES to help us grow.

One mentoring program I enjoy is Walk A Mile With A Child. During almost 18 months of dealing with COVID-19, which caused the closing of the schools, the 100 Cleveland Chapter

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conducted our mentoring programs. This was the brainchild of one of our founders, Chief Magistrate Gregory Clifford. “I wanted to design a new outdoors mentoring program that would be safe and healthy while maintaining mentoring opportunities. I created a vision of an alternative mentoring concept that I labeled “Walk a Mile with a Child,” said Clifford.

The Cleveland Chapter of 100 Black Men has combined the Mentoring, Education, and Health and Wellness Committees to form this program and connect a nature walk in some of our local public parks with a health and wellness, science, and environmental education component to the mentoring experience. With Clifford’s idea, 100 Black Men chairs Darian Johnson and Dr. Ernest Smoot led the summer program. Each walk is unique. “All mentees are encouraged to know and live by the 100 BMOGC Mentoring Program Affirmation principles - being ethical, excellent, proud, and united,” said Smoot.

During the walks, the 100 Mentors and Mentees discuss essential life skills such as self-care and hygiene, educational success, finance and economics, and peer relations. Youth have time to discuss as a group and in 1-on-1 mentor/ mentee pairings during the walks. This program comprises two components, the walk and the talk/mentoring. Walking, like hiking, running/ jogging, etc., is a weight-bearing exercise. And like all weight-barring exercises, there are numerous physical health benefits. These results include body fat reduction, increased strength and endurance, and improved cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness, significantly reducing health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.

100 Black Men of America is a men’s civic organization and service club aiming to educate and empower African-American children and teens. The organization has 110 chapters and over 10,000 members in different cities in the United States and worldwide. The mission is “to improve the quality of life within our communities and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all African

Americans.” The organization’s motto, “Real Men Giving Real-Time,” and “What They See is What They’ll Be,” describe the organization’s goals of providing positive role models and leaders to guide the next generation of African Americans and other youth. The members are predominantly African-American professionals, businessmen, civic leaders and administrators, educators, and other occupations.

In the 100, we believe in Membership Engagement. In simple terms, member engagement is the ongoing interaction between a member and an organization in exchange for meaningful value. This means keeping in touch with your membership, often posting on social media, creating meaningful content, and inviting participation, among other approaches. Regularly communicate. It’s essential to keep communication channels open. The 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. has improved with communications, and in the future, we plan on having various events to keep our members engaged. You should already know building a loyal member base takes time and requires the focus of each person on the team to provide some member service. What turns out to be crucial for boosting engagement and loyalty.

Before testing new member engagement ideas, it’s helpful to know exactly what we mean by member engagement. Member engagement is the frequency and style of how you connect with your members. From newsletters, Real Men Magazine, and other communications to event planning and networking opportunities, member engagement is about building and nurturing relationships with your target audience. The ultimate goal is to gain and retain more members for your organization by demonstrating the value your membership offers them.

My question to anyone who joins boards or organizations is, why did you join? Did you enter to brag about a position you hold? Or do you commit to giving back?

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