At the core of our organization’s mission is Guide Right, our National Service Initiative that encompasses all of our youth-oriented programs. Guide Right is more than just a program; it’s a commitment to uplifting our young men and preparing them to lead with integrity and purpose. Our Flagship Initiative, the Kappa Leadership Development League (Kappa League), embodies this mission, providing a structured program focused on educational and occupational guidance. As members and leaders, we strive to place our training, experience, and commitment to success at the disposal of our youth, helping them develop leadership skills, cultivate an achievement mindset, and benefit from impactful mentoring. For me, this mission is deeply personal, a commitment to be the kind of role model I needed when I was young.
A Shared Mission of Leadership for Community Strength
Every day, I see the critical need for principled male leadership in our communities. This need isn’t abstract; it’s one we encounter in our work with young people and in the questions from parents and community members. Through Guide Right and the Kappa League, our purpose is to inspire and inform, helping young men understand what it means to achieve and contribute. Leadership must go beyond titles; it should be about consistency, integrity, and a dedication to creating stronger, more connected communities. If we want real change, we must model it (Rhodes & DuBois, 2008).
The Power of Community, Parental, and Organizational Buy-In
For Guide Right and the Kappa League to be successful, the involvement and buy-in from the entire community, parents, fraternity, and partnering members are essential. It truly takes a community to nurture strong leaders, and the work we do in these programs relies on everyone being engaged and supportive. Parents, as the first mentors in a young person’s life, help reinforce the values we teach. Their involvement strengthens the message that leadership, discipline, and respect are foundational to personal growth and success.
In addition, support from our fraternity members and community partners enhances our reach and the impact of our initiatives. Fraternity members and partners bring a wealth of experience, wisdom, and additional mentorship that broadens the perspectives and opportunities we can offer young people. Together, we create a village in the truest sense, ensuring that these young men have a comprehensive network of support. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” This verse speaks to the power of collaboration and mutual support—a truth at the heart of community involvement in our programs.
Continuous Development for Mentors and Leaders via Guide Right
To achieve this mission, our mentors and leaders must continually invest in their own growth. Effective leadership and mentorship are not static skills; they evolve with experience, training, and the willingness to learn. As an organization, we recognize that developing better programs, building strong alliances, and fostering meaningful connections with the community require that our mentors stay committed to their own training and development.
This isn’t just about us—it’s about creating a sustainable “village” of support that benefits the community as a whole. Not all mentors are at the peak of their mentorship journey; many are still learning, guided by older, more experienced mentors who help shape them. This pipeline of mentorship, with guidance at every level, strengthens our mission and equips us to create more effective leaders and mentors who will better serve our communities.
Why This Personal and Organizational Commitment Matters Now
In a world where “it takes a village” can sometimes feel like a distant memory, Guide Right helps reestablish that concept. Today’s youth face cultural pressures that often prioritize fame and self-interest over community responsibility. For young men, this shift can lead to isolation and self-centeredness rather than a focus on growth and giving back (Putnam, 2000). Guide Right aims to restore the essence of collective accountability, showing our youth that success isn’t a solo journey; it’s about lifting others as we rise.
The Kappa League, as the flagship initiative of Guide Right, provides a clear path. By placing our experience and insights at the disposal of young men, we create opportunities for them to achieve, thrive, and lead with purpose. Personally, I am grateful for the chance to serve in a role that allows me to model these values and support a vision of success that extends beyond individual accolades.
A Culture of Respect, Responsibility, and Etiquette
Guide Right is designed not just to educate but to instill values that shape character. Through our focus on developing leadership, creating an achievement mindset, and providing mentorship, we reinforce the importance of respect, etiquette, and responsibility. These are not just skills for professional success; they’re the foundation of strong, honorable men who contribute positively to society. As leaders, we understand that respect isn’t demanded; it’s earned, and it’s shown through how we treat others and ourselves (Vogelgesang et al., 2013). “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4), a verse that encapsulates the spirit of respect and collective responsibility that Guide Right aims to teach.
From a personal perspective, working with Guide Right has allowed me to connect deeply with young men and other leaders who are equally committed to integrity and ethical responsibility. Together, we strive to be the consistent examples these young men need, providing them with a framework to navigate life meaningfully.
Mentorship and Modeling: Personal Responsibility as Collective Action
Mentorship is at the heart of Guide Right, and we recognize that true mentoring is a commitment, not a task. Whether we realize it or not, our actions teach constantly, shaping the values and behaviors of those who look up to us. Through the structured mentorship provided by the Kappa League, we give young men a safe, supportive space to learn what it means to be dependable, compassionate, and honorable. Research supports the impact of intergenerational relationships in promoting positive youth development and preventing issues like depression and delinquency (DuBois & Karcher, 2013).
Through Guide Right, we ensure that every young man has a trusted network of mentors who prioritize his growth and provide real-world guidance. This work isn’t just about creating successful individuals; it’s about fostering resilient, responsible citizens who contribute to their communities with purpose. Personally, I am honored to play a role in this mission, knowing that the mentorship we provide has the potential to shape lives in lasting, positive ways. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17), a reminder of how we, too, are strengthened and refined through our interactions with others in mentorship.
The Call for Leadership Beyond Ego and Self-Promotion
At a time when fame and personal achievement often overshadow community contribution, Guide Right reminds young men that true leadership lies in humility and shared purpose (Twenge & Campbell, 2010). The values of ego and self-interest stand in contrast to the selflessness we seek to foster through Kappa League and our Guide Right programs. Every leader, volunteer, and mentor involved in Guide Right is committed to promoting responsibility, diligence, and resilience, modeling these values in a world where they are sorely needed.
By upholding the principles of Guide Right, we show young men that real accomplishment is not about standing apart but about standing for something greater. Success isn’t found in attention-seeking or self-promotion; it’s found in giving, teamwork, and genuine respect for others.
Building a Foundation for Stronger Communities, Together
As members of this organization, each of us is committed to being better individuals, to embodying the values we want to see in our communities. Through Guide Right, we work to bring back the spirit of the village—to be that village. We strive to create a foundation of support, guidance, and principled leadership for every young person who enters our programs.
The future we envision depends on the investments we make today, in both words and actions. Guide Right is more than a program; it’s a legacy of service, honor, and integrity. Together, let’s commit to building communities where these values are not just ideals but lived realities. This is our collective mission, and I am proud to do my part to ensure it endures. “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6), a promise that reflects the lasting impact of our work through Guide Right and the Kappa League.
References
The Bible. New International Version.
DuBois, D. L., & Karcher, M. J. (2013). Handbook of youth mentoring (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
Karcher, M. J., & Nakkula, M. J. (2010). Youth mentoring with a balance of structure and support. In D. L. DuBois & M. J. Karcher (Eds.), Handbook of youth mentoring (pp. 13-32). Sage Publications.
Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. Simon & Schuster.
Rhodes, J. E., & DuBois, D. L. (2008). Mentoring relationships and programs for youth. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 17(4), 254-258.
Rhodes, J. E., Spencer, R., Keller, T. E., Liang, B., & Noam, G. (2002). A model for youth mentoring. Society for Research in Child Development, 13(3), 5-9.
Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2010). *The narcissism epidemic: Living in the age
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