Kansas nonprofit teaches boys leadership skills

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Real Men Real Leaders is a group in southwest Kansas that aspires to shape boys to play major roles in their community.

Emanuel Madera joined the group when he was in fifth grade. He is now in seventh grade

“The atmosphere is very fun. Like everyone’s in a great mood,” he said.

The Garden City nonprofit focuses on molding boys into young men.

“We’re here to help them, you know, be productive, be positive, you know, and step up to the plate when asked to do so,” Reynaldo Mesa, Real Men Real Leaders executive director, said.

Members meet after school three days a week. Two years ago, the nonprofit launched its outdoor program.

“These young men are under a lot of stress and anxiety, and just to get out in the environment, it makes a big difference,” Jonas Cruz, Real Men Real Leaders program director, said.

Since it started, nearly 60 boys have gone through hours of training to get hunting certified.

“We got to talk more about what we’re doing and how to hunt them and more gun safety, obviously,” Reyes Hinojo, IIi, eighth grader, said.

The young men gain self-pride with each trip.

“The second time I went turkey hunting is when I actually got it, and that was like a great feeling, that I actually did something, that I did something good,” Madera said.

Real Men Real Leaders also has a volunteer program that has poured over 1,000 hours into the community.

The nonprofit needs more volunteers. Click here for more information.

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