The Crucial Role of Community for Young Men: Fostering Support, Connection, and Growth

Today, young men and teens feel more isolated than ever. With the prevalence of social media and video games, many have created unhealthy habits that isolate them from the community support they need. According to a study by the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, one-third of adults report being online “almost constantly,” and the number of teens who report the same has doubled since 2015. 

In addition to the overuse of technology, substance use can also contribute to feelings of isolation among young men. And the number of men experiencing loneliness is only growing. These feelings of loneliness have negative impacts on your overall health – including a higher risk for health conditions and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

So, what can we do to combat the growing problem of loneliness among young men and teens today? Community support can play a key role in providing the support they need to connect with peers, receive mentorship, and build self-confidence at a pivotal time in their lives.

The Importance of Community Support

Community support can serve as an anchor for young men and teens in today’s society – especially when they’re navigating life’s changes. It can surround them with peers to relate to about the challenges they may be facing. Being able to talk with peers can help your son feel less alone and develop social skills he can take with him throughout his life.

Let’s take a look at some of the key areas that community support can positively impact:

Self-Esteem and Confidence

By navigating relationships within a community and understanding the role they play in it, young men develop a greater sense of self within the group. As they receive encouragement and positive feedback from others, they become more confident in who they are and the ways they can contribute to society outside of their group.

Social Belonging

One of the paramount benefits of community support is being known and accepted for who you are. When young men find true community support, they’ll know that they have a safe space that will be there for them during the good and bad times in life.  

Community Involvement

Being in a group setting can help broaden young men’s perspective on needs in their community and ways they can rise to meet those needs. They’ll learn to shift their perspective outward and understand how they can serve those around them. Bottom line: a sense of ownership and involvement in a community encourages young men to take better care of it.

Interpersonal Relationships

Let’s face it, being a part of a community can also come with challenges. Your son won’t always see eye-to-eye with his peers – and that’s okay. A community gives your son a training ground to learn how to successfully interact with others who have different perspectives and build mutual respect. They’ll also learn how to build trust with others and lean on their peers when times get tough.

Personal Integrity

A community setting can instill positive values in young men and give them a framework for making decisions in life. It offers a space to receive advice about challenges they’re facing with peers or mentors. What they learn in this positive group setting can serve as a compass for navigating decisions with integrity.

Leadership Development

Young men need a place to learn how to become leaders in a safe and supportive environment. As they start to find their voice and develop a stronger sense of self, they may have the opportunity to guide younger or less experienced peers. With the help of mentors, they can strengthen their ability to lead others in a positive way and think beyond themselves.

Positive Role Models

Many times, being a part of a community can introduce boys and young men to a positive male role model who can help guide them. In turn, they’ll feel more equipped to take on the next steps in their life with confidence – having a better idea of what it looks like to successfully take on the challenges of young adulthood. These types of positive social influences can also demonstrate what healthy masculinity looks like and how to act with integrity in every facet of life.

Discover Community Support and Healing at The Carpenter Shed

Community is the cornerstone of what we do at The Carpenter Shed. During our six-month program, young men work together with peers and mentors to heal from past traumas and develop purpose, meaning, and direction for their lives. Learn more about how we help young men find a better version of themselves.

How Young Men Can Find Community

While the benefits of being a part of a community are clear, many young men struggle to find the support they need. If they are struggling with feelings of isolation and loneliness, they may not know where to turn for help. Remind them that while making new friends and trying something new may seem daunting, it’s not impossible.

It’s important to take a collaborative approach when helping your son develop their community. Talk with him about their favorite hobbies, sports, or anything new he’d like to try. Keep in mind that community can take many forms, starting with the family unit and extending to schools, clubs, sports teams, and religious institutions.

Family Support

 The family unit is often one of the first places individuals find community in their lives. By interacting with other family members, they learn the difference between right and wrong and how to navigate social dynamics. As parents model behaviors for their children, they serve as their child’s first role model.

While family support plays a crucial role in your child’s development, being a part of a community should expand beyond it. This is where other types of community support, like sports, clubs, mentor programs, and religious institutions come into play.

Mentorship Programs 

If you’re not sure where to start, a mentorship program can be an excellent first step to helping your son find the community support he needs. This type of program can be especially helpful for boys who would benefit from a positive male role model in their lives. A good place to start is to talk with your son about any particular interests he has and identify any mentoring programs centered around what he expresses interest in.

Community Activities

Joining a sports team or a club at school can be another avenue for your son to get involved and build friendships with peers who share similar interests. But if he is having trouble finding ways at school to get involved, you may want to look beyond and find organizations in your community.

Volunteer Opportunities

Research shows that teens who volunteer are less likely to have behavioral problems or experience anxiety. Consider volunteer organizations that match up with your son’s strengths. For example, if your son enjoys getting involved with construction projects, an organization like Habitat for Humanity may be a good fit. If you’re involved in a religious institution, encourage your son to seek out opportunities there to get involved and give back.

Skill-Building for the Future  

Many times young men can start to feel stuck in their current situation and have trouble grasping the opportunities outside their current circumstances. Educational workshops and networking events in your son’s particular area of interest can introduce them to others who share the same passion. It can also expand their perspective of what’s possible and the opportunities in a certain field.

Finding Community Through Transitional Programs  

Even with all of the opportunities to get involved in the community, your son may still have trouble finding his place and developing the skills he needs to thrive. This trouble adjusting to life’s current challenges may manifest itself in different teenage behavior problems, like mental health issues and substance abuse.

If your son is experiencing a “failure to launch” syndrome, long-term transitional programs can help rewire their thinking and behavioral patterns. They can provide your son with a strong community of peers who are going through similar struggles and mentors who can help implement positive change. This transformation can propel your son to find more purpose for the rest of his life.

Connect With Our Team at The Carpenter Shed

At The Carpenter Shed, we’ve created a space for young men to receive the practical skills and support they need to develop purpose-driven lives. Our six-month program helps young men work through past traumas – while caring for substance abuse and mental health disorders – providing the tools needed for independent successful living.

To learn more about how we help young men find purpose and transform their lives, schedule a call here.