Join the MBK Network by registering with the MBK Alliance
Are you an MBK *backbone organization or interested in becoming one? Join the MBK Network that includes backbone organizations across the country and become a Certified MBK Community with the MBK Alliance.
Joining the MBK Network is the first step towards becoming a Certified MBK Community which gives you access to technical assistance, resources, coaching and funding opportunities.
*A backbone organization must be a designated community-based organization, public/private partnership, a governmental appointed agency, or tribal designated entity. There can only be one MBK backbone organization in a jurisdiction. To learn more about building a backbone organization, watch our video below.
Please reference the Definitions and FAQs on this page for key terms and questions as you complete the registration below. The registration process is approximately 3-5 minutes.
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Building a Backbone – MBK Leadership Forum
Definitions
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MBK Network
A national network of organizations and entities focused on supporting positive life outcomes for boys and young men of color in their communities. The MBK Network is managed by the MBK Alliance at the Obama Foundation.
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MBK Community
A jurisdiction who has made a public commitment to be an MBK Community, has a backbone organization or entity, a coalition of organizations, agencies, and individuals working on a set of shared goals that positively impact the life outcomes of boys and young men of color in their communities.
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Backbone Entity
An existing staffed organization serving as the financial and organizational lead entity of a community’s MBK efforts. This entity coordinates MBK’s local action plan and affiliated local MBK stakeholders. A backbone entity must be a public/ private partnership, designated community-based organization, governmental appointed agency, or tribal designated entity.
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Certified MBK Community
Certified Entry: MBK Community has accepted the MBK Community Challenge, registered and is in the early stages of creating a community program.
Certified Emerging: MBK Emerging Community has completed the four steps of the MBK Community Challenge and is implementing its community plan.
Certified Sustaining: MBK Sustaining Community has been implementing its strategy for more than three years, demonstrating impact and measurable progress. This community has consistent leadership, infrastructure and using data to support its work.
Certified Systems Change: MBK Systems Change Community has made strong impact in its community and has steady progress in its Local Action Plan performs at a high level. It has strong and consistent leadership and infrastructure, including dedicated staff and a collective table. The MBK Community demonstrates the balance between program and policy.
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MBK University
MBKU is an online learning platform that offers curated learning opportunities to equip MBK leaders with the skills and resources needed to transform their communities and build safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color, specifically. Entry and Emerging MBK community leaders and decision-makers will have exclusive access to specialized “master-level” courses designed to build competency and capacity in the BYMOC space.
FAQs
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Who is able to apply for certification?
The MBK Alliance certification process is designed for appointed MBK Backbone organizations or entities. Each MBK Community has one backbone entity who should complete the certification process.
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What is the definition of a backbone organization?
An existing staffed organization with a specific set of skills serving as the financial and organizational lead entity of a community’s MBK efforts. This entity coordinates MBK’s local action plan and affiliated local MBK stakeholders. A backbone entity must be a public/ private partnership, designated community-based organization, governmental appointed agency, or tribal designated entity.
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What if I am a non-profit that has been leading the work outside of government?
A non-profit organization may lead a jurisdiction’s MBK efforts, serving as the backbone organization.
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How often do we need to do the certification?
Certification is a one time process but includes multiple levels of certification. Once all minimum certification requirements are completed, you receive the title of Certified Entry. As you move through the MBK Alliance Equity Framework and complete the suggested actions, you will receive a new certification level:
Certified Entry: MBK Community has accepted the MBK Community Challenge, registered and is in the early stages of creating a community program.
Certified Emerging: MBK Emerging Community has completed the four steps of the MB Community Challenge and is implementing its community plan.
Certified Sustaining: MBK Sustaining Community has been implementing its strategy for more than three years, demonstrating impact and measurable progress. This community has consistent leadership, infrastructure and using data to support its work.
Certified Systems Change: MBK Systems Change Community has made strong impact in its community and has steady progress in its Local Action Plan performs at a high level. It has strong and consistent leadership and infrastructure, including dedicated staff and a collective table. The MBK Community demonstrates the balance between program and policy.
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How long will it take for me to hear from MBK Alliance after I have submitted documents for certification?
An MBK Community Coach will reach out to you after reviewing your certification documents. Outreach is generally made within one week of submission.
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What support is available to me in the certification process?
Once you begin your certification process, you will have access to an MBK Community Coach who will support you as you matriculate through the MBK Alliance Equity Framework. In addition, you will have access to MBK University, an online curriculum that supports the MBK work of backbone organizations and will receive invitations to join special MBK events including MBK Townhall events and other networking opportunities to further the work of MBK in your jurisdiction.
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How long does my community have to get certified before losing our status?
Communities who have not completed the certification within one year may need to restart the certification process and will be reviewed on a case by case basis. MBK Community Coaches and staff will work to support the individual needs of your community.
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How do I get started if my community is new to MBK Alliance?
The first step is to get registered with the MBK Network. If there is an existing MBK Backbone entity in your jurisdiction, we will connect you to them. If there is not an existing MBK Backbone organization, we will work with you to establish the components of an MBK Community.