Letter from the Executive Director:
The Importance of the Barbershop Conversation:
Brother,
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Barbershops have always been the heartbeat of our community—a place where we not only get a fresh cut but also share ideas, concerns, and aspirations. The "Shape It Up" program is more than just a conversation. It’s a movement designed to elevate the voices of Black Men and ensure our concerns are heard.
Every conversation we have in this space is critical. Every conversation we have in this space is necessary. Every conversation we have in this space is timely.
Let’s use this time together in our sacred place to build our brotherhood, unity and political power.
This is our fight. This is our future. This is our moment.
Together, we WILL win.
Thank you for standing with us and for making history in the pivotal moment.
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In solidarity,
Khalil Thompson
Executive Director, Win With Black Men
www.winwithblackmen.org
How to Use This Toolkit
Use this toolkit as a guide. Allow the toolkit to help put together a Win With Black Men - Shape It Conversation Barbershop event. Win With Black Men encourages you to use this as a roadmap to engage and invite other brothers in your networks, community and neighborhoods to come together for a lively conversation about how this election can and will affect our lives. We must stand tall and be one together so our voices can be heard.
This toolkit aims to make these conversations focused, action-oriented, and impactful while fostering an environment where Black Men feel heard and empowered.
Follow the outline below. See what happens next.
Setting Up the Barbershop Event
Planning is the backbone of any event. Use the information contained below to start building the event in enough time to create the setting for an impactful conversation.
Location
Recommended Staging
Timeframe
Choose a community-centered barbershop that is accessible and familiar to Black Men in the area. Ensure the space can accommodate the expected number of attendees and has room for a small stage or speaking area.
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Chairs arranged in a circular or semi-circle format to encourage open conversation.
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Audio equipment (microphones, speakers) if the event will have 20+ attendees.
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Branded banners and signage for Win With Black Men.
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Printed handouts outlining the key points of the Win With Black Men's Black Male Agenda.
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Digital equipment area for live streaming or recording the event for broader distribution.
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Schedule the event for late afternoon or early evening when barbershops are active and Black Men are more likely to attend after work.
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The event should last 1 to 1.5 hours, with an additional 30 minutes for informal networking and discussion afterward.
Roles and Tasks
It is not easy planning an event alone. Invite other brothers from your network to assist with the planning and execution of the event. Doing this will ensure the event has buy in from others and far reach outside the barbershop itself.
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Roles and Duties
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Barbershop Ambassadors: Barbershop owners, local leaders or advocates for the Win With Black Men's Black Male Agenda who can guide the conversation.
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Moderators: A person with event facilitation skills to ensure the conversation stays focused.
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Volunteers: Ensure guests sign in, distribute materials and assistance where needed.
Producing the Conversation
The goal of the Shape It Up Program is to engage Black men in conversations about the issues that matter most to them. The best way to have a thoughtful conversation is by sending meaningful invites to those who should be in the room guiding the talk. From invitations to questions, every word matters from start to finish.
Who to Invite
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Community Leaders: Pastors, activists, advocates, fraternity leaders (Divine Nine fraternal organizations).
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Local Business Owners: Black Male entrepreneurs to discuss topics such as economic challenges and jobs.
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Youth and Mentors: Generation Z and Alpha generation Black men and their mentors to discuss concerns such as student loan debt and leadership.
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Media Representatives: Black media outlets, bloggers and social media influencers to capture the audience’s words and imagery.
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Political and Policy Experts: Local professionals familiar with the Win With Black Men Policy agenda to break down the issues as it relates to Black Men.
Invitations
Sample Invite to Community Leaders
Subject: Join Us for an Important Conversation on the Black Male Agenda!
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Dear [Name],
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We would be honored to have you join us for the Win With Black Men "Shape It Up" Barbershop Series at [Barbershop Name] on [Date] at [Time]. This event is designed to create an open dialogue about issues impacting Black Men, with a focus on economic justice, healthcare, criminal justice reform, and more.
Your leadership and voice are critical to the success of this conversation, and we hope to have you participate.
Please let us know if you are available. We look forward to building with you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Time to Get Real
Now that the planning is done, roles and task are distributed and invites are sent, it's time to have the talk. From setting the agenda to the questions to ask, the vibe will be set by the Black Men gathered in the room.
Sample Agenda
Welcome and Introductions
(3-5 minutes)
Opening Remarks by Barbershop Ambassador (3-5 minutes)
Local Official Speaks
(3–5 minutes)
Facilitated Discussion Using Key Questions
(30-40 minutes)
Audience Q&A
(20 minutes)
Closing Remarks and Next Steps (5 minutes)
Networking and Informal Discussions (15–30 minutes)
Ask the barbershop owner or event host to open with greetings to the audience; the person can also introduce the Barbershop Ambassador.
The Barbershop Ambassador should provide opening words to welcome everyone, recognize any local officials and community leaders and set the tone for the pending discussion; at the conclusion should turn the talk over to the host or begin the discussion.
If there is a local official present, provide the official with a few minutes to speak prior to the start of the discussion.
Use the sample questions below to start the conversation or to keep the talk moving forward.
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How do you think the policies of the current administration would address the challenges Black Men face in economic empowerment and business ownership?
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What steps do you believe the administration should take to reform policing and criminal justice to create fairer outcomes for Black Men?
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How can we ensure that Black Men benefit from healthcare access initiatives, particularly around mental health services?
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What role should Black Men play in the development of education reform, including HBCU funding, job training, and vocational programs under this administration?
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In your view, how can the current administration improve Black Male voter participation and increase our influence on policy-making?
Use this time to thank everyone for their participation in the discussion. Also, give a call to action.
Social Media Tools
In today’s world, social media is one of the most powerful tools we MUST have to mobilize, engage, and inspire action. As we have these conversations, we are not only understanding each other’s differences, but making an effort to flood the digital platforms with a unified voice—empowering Black Men to take control of their narrative and amplify the importance of their vote.
Choose the Right Format
Photos: Capture moments from your canvassing efforts, such as team activities or interactions with the community.
Videos: Create short clips discussing your experiences, sharing testimonials, or encouraging others to get involved.
Engage Your Audience
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Ask Questions: Prompt followers to share their thoughts or experiences related to your message.
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Tag Relevant People: Mention team members, local leaders, or organizations to encourage shares and interactions.
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Respond to Comments: Engage with your audience by responding to their comments and messages promptly.
Craft Engaging Captions
Share: Share your personal experiences and feelings about canvassing.
Incorporate Calls to Action: Encourage your audience to take specific actions, such as registering to vote or joining the next canvassing event.
Use Hashtags: Include relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
Share Success Stories
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Highlight Impact: Share stories of positive interactions or feedback from the community.
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Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your team’s achievements, such as reaching a certain number of registered voters.
Utilize Visuals
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High-Quality Images: Ensure your photos are clear and well-lit.
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Branding: Incorporate our organization’s colors in graphics to maintain brand consistency.
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Diversity: Showcase the diversity of your team and community in your visuals.
Post Consistently
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Create a Schedule: Plan your posts to maintain regular engagement with your audience.
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Mix Content Types: Vary content between photos, videos, and text posts to keep your feed interesting.
Social Media Accounts to Follow
Social Media handles are how a person is identified on any social media channel. Once a person is found on a platform, you should follow them hear what they have to say or tag them to engage in conversation. Below are a few social media accounts Win With Black Men recommend to follow and/or tag when you are posting across social media.
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Don’t forget to ask those on the bus for their handles so you can follow and tag them during your canvassing activities.
Hashtags
Hashtags are a powerful way to connect our message across platforms and create a digital footprint for the Win With Black Men movement. As you post updates, share stories, and engage others, use these hashtags to unify our voices online. They will help us reach a broader audience, spark conversations, and keep the momentum going as we mobilize Black Men to vote and empower our communities.
#WinWithBlackMen
#BlackMenLead
#BrothersForChange
#OurFutureOurVote
By using these hashtags, you’re joining a larger conversation, showing solidarity, and making it easier for others to find and engage with the WWBM initiative.
Let's Get
Social
