Young Men Find Mentorship and Purpose at IMOGUL Workshop
- The Chronicle News
- 13 hours ago
- 5 min read
On Saturday, my son Liam and I attended a parent and youth workshop hosted by the IMOGUL Mentoring Group at the Delta Township District Library. What we experienced was far more than an informational meeting. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, community, and positive male role models in the lives of young people.
Founded and led by James E. Jackson Sr., IMOGUL, which stands for I Motivate Others to Give Unconditional Love-is dedicated to helping young men develop character, confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose. Through its Polished Young Gentlemen’s Character Club, the organization teaches boys practical life skills while emphasizing compassion, responsibility, volunteerism, leadership, and education.
Throughout the presentation, Jackson shared the vision behind the program and explained how IMOGUL was created after observing that many young people entered adulthood academically prepared but lacking critical interpersonal and professional skills. While many have diplomas and degrees, he noted that too few are taught the fundamentals of communication, eye contact, professional presentation, accountability, and relationship-building.
“We want our families to already have what it takes,” Jackson explained. “How do you know how to make eye contact? How do you know how to shake a hand? How do you know how to communicate effectively? Those things matter.”
Jackson also shared some of the personal experiences that helped shape his passion for mentoring. Growing up, he witnessed his mother navigate both schizophrenia and dyslexia, experiences that taught him resilience, compassion, and the importance of strong support systems. Those early lessons, combined with his professional and community leadership experiences, inspired him to create a program that equips young people with both practical skills and strong character foundations.
Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement, Jackson believes young people should be prepared for life. He often emphasizes the importance of communication, confidence, presentation, leadership, and relationship-building skills that help young men succeed at home, in school, and eventually in the workplace.
A central theme of the workshop was intentional family engagement. Jackson introduced families to the concept of “Phones Down, Futures Up,” encouraging parents and children to set aside distractions and engage in meaningful conversations. Through guided discussion exercises, participants practiced active listening, respectful communication, eye contact, and expressing thoughts that often go unspoken.
The workshop moved beyond discussion and into action. Rather than simply lecturing participants, Jackson engaged the young men and their parents in interactive exercises designed to strengthen communication and understanding within families. Boys were encouraged to practice active listening, maintain eye contact, and engage in meaningful conversations with adults.
One exercise focused on respectful communication and helping young people express thoughts that often go unspoken. Jackson challenged participants to discuss topics such as, “What I wish adults understood,” creating opportunities for honest conversations between parents and children.
“A lot of times parents don’t really understand the things you’re thinking in your head,” Jackson told the group. “If they understand your point of view, they can help you.”
The goal, Jackson explained, is simple but powerful: create opportunities for parents and children to better understand one another. By strengthening communication at home, families can build trust, accountability, and stronger relationships that support long-term success.
Throughout the session, Jackson emphasized that success begins with systems, structure, and responsibility at home. Using examples such as completing chores, keeping bedrooms organized, and helping with household responsibilities without being asked, he demonstrated how discipline and consistency become the foundation for future leadership.
He also challenged participants to think critically about effectiveness and accountability, introducing concepts that many young people may not typically encounter until much later in life. During one activity, students explored the concept of efficacy, the ability to accomplish a task and produce a desired outcome, while learning how responsibility and follow-through impact success in school, at home, and in the community.
The lesson reinforced one of IMOGUL’s core beliefs: character development should happen intentionally, not accidentally. The workshop also introduced families to several mentors who will be supporting the program. Among them were community leaders and men who shared personal stories about overcoming challenges, learning from mistakes, and finding purpose through mentorship, faith, and service. Their message was consistent: young people thrive when caring adults invest in them and provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the workshop was seeing the community that has already formed around the program. Parents, mentors, church members, and community leaders gathered together with a common goal, helping young men become the best versions of themselves.
For Liam, the experience was especially meaningful. Over the past several months, he has developed a special bond with Jackson, whom he affectionately considers a mentor and friend. The two even share a secret handshake, something Liam proudly demonstrates whenever he sees him. Watching that relationship develop has reinforced the value of positive male mentorship and the confidence it can build in a young child.
Liam listened attentively throughout the workshop and eagerly participated in the activities. As a mother, it was encouraging to watch him interact with mentors and other young people in an environment focused on growth, character, and purpose.
The IMOGUL model extends beyond the young men themselves. The organization intentionally includes parents, mentors, schools, churches, and community partners in its approach, recognizing that raising successful young people requires a village working together.
The program’s guiding philosophy centers on helping young men develop identity, confidence, language, leadership, and trust. According to Jackson, polished young gentlemen are not created through activities alone. They are developed through intentional relationships, practical experiences, and consistent opportunities to learn and lead.
As a mother, I left the workshop encouraged. In a time when many families are searching for positive outlets and support systems for their children, programs like IMOGUL offer something invaluable: a place where young people are seen, challenged, encouraged, and prepared for life.
The organization’s creed, “Be Somebody. Help Somebody,” was evident throughout the event. It wasn’t simply a slogan. It was reflected in every conversation, every testimony, and every effort to invest in the next generation.
For Liam, the day ended with smiles, a few laughs, and time spent with his mentor. For me, it ended with gratitude and hope. The future looks brighter when organizations like IMOGUL are helping to shape it.
As families left the Delta Township District Library, one message remained clear: IMOGUL is about much more than mentoring. It is about building character, strengthening families, and preparing young men to become leaders in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. In the words of James Jackson Sr., “We are not just shaping better students. We are helping build better sons, leaders, and citizens.”
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