Join the MBK Network by registering with the MBK Alliance

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A non-profit organization may lead a jurisdiction’s MBK efforts, serving as the backbone organization.

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.

An MBK Community Coach will reach out to you after reviewing your certification documents. Outreach is generally made within one week of submission.

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.

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.

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.