About Boys Run I toowú klatseen
We want boys to grow into men who celebrate cultural diversity while promoting healthy relationships, nonviolence, and gender equity – and who will, in turn, demonstrate and teach those values to the next generation of boys.
Our Vision
To instill healthy relationship and life skills in boys through running and cultural lessons, empowering them to create a community of nonviolence and respect.
Our Mission
Boys Run I toowú klatseen envisions boys and men possessing “strength of spirit.” Through our ten-week program, composed of running, discussion, and culturally based activities that honor Southeast Alaska traditional values, participants will gain the skills they need to build healthy relationships and create a community of respect for self and others.
Elementary aged boys will learn to use healthy communication to resolve conflict, resist peer pressure, and challenge bullying. Participants will practice setting goals, working together as a team, and making positive decisions to promote healthy lifestyles. Through peer role-modeling and with the mentorship of men and women in the community, boys will incorporate these values into their lives.
Boys Run I toowú klatseen piloted its first season in the fall of 2014 with great success and support in Juneau and Sitka. From there it has grown to more schools and new communities, such as Kake, Alaska.
Our Program
Boys Run I toowú klatseen is a ten week program, with a place-based curriculum. Topics include: sense of self and knowing one’s worth; healthy communication and relationships; and positive decision making, teamwork, and community. Each lesson has a theme and incorporates Southeast Alaska traditional values.
Our Impact
“[Before Boys Run] I would have said a strong man is a man with muscles but now I say a strong man is someone who cares for his community.”
– Participant, Sitka.
Read more about the impact we’ve had on boys and in communities.