The BroSis Rites of Passage (ROP) Program is the foundation of the organization.

Our goal is to empower youth through discovery and discussion of history, culture, social problems, and the political forces surrounding them. We establish partnerships with public secondary schools to develop gender-specific (Brotherhood or Sister Sol) chapters, each consisting of 12 to 20 youth members and two adult Chapter Leaders. The Chapter Leaders facilitate weekly sessions and serve as mentors, supporters, confidantes, counselors, teachers, and more. They build trusting relationships and offer guidance to the chapter members as they face the challenges of young adulthood.

During the intensive four- to six-year ROP process, members learn critical thinking and global awareness skills through leadership development, drug awareness, conflict resolution, political education, community service, and other activities. Each chapter develops a Mission Statement and collectively defines what it means to be a sister/brother, woman/man and leader. Members also create individual Oaths of Dedication–personal testimonies to how they will live their lives. The program is structured around our twelve curriculum focus issues, incorporating topics such as Pan African and Latino History, Sexism and Misogyny, LGBTQ Rights & History, and Political Education and Social Justice.

Our Objectives

• Develop a personal self-definition that encompasses respect for themselves, their family, and the larger community. 
• Gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for their cultural and historical legacy  
• Develop into critical thinkers who can analyze personal and societal issues and who are committed to self and community development.  
• Broaden knowledge of social issues and increase participation in community activities.  
• Find their creative voice. 
• Develop a powerful sense of self-worth and belief in their ability to achieve.  
• Improve their academic performance and develop a lifelong love of learning.  
• Increase their involvement in the workforce, internships, and travel.  
• Learn the life skills essential for survival and success. 
• Create a personal testimony of their values, beliefs, and goals that reflects an understanding of their moral responsibility to others. 
• Refrain from addiction, avoid incarceration and teenage pregnancy
• Graduate from high school, attend college, or secure long-term employment.

ROP is Split Into FOUR Components

Phase One:

Brotherhood/Sisterhood Building

Chapter Leaders facilitate weekly two-hour Chapter sessions. They create a safe space where members learn about and discuss topics related to our ten focus areas and other themes relevant to Black and Latino youth. Each Chapter selects a name, develops a Mission Statement, and collectively defines what it means to be a sister/brother, woman/man, and leader.

These statements become core values each member strives to achieve, and they help members recognize the power of their Chapter to provide unconditional love, guidance and support for them. Members have 24/7 access to their Chapter Leaders, which is essential to building long-term, meaningful bonds.

Phase Two:

Critical Thinking/Knowledge of Self/Global Awareness

The ultimate goal of this stage is to help youth develop the ability to analyze complex issues and make informed, sensitive decisions. These skills are essential for our members to fully understand themselves and the world they have inherited. Guest speakers, literature, and multi-media presentations during sessions help youth sharpen their creative problem-solving skills and increase their self-awareness.

Chapter Leaders take youth on cultural outings, conferences, wilderness retreats and college tours in order to broaden their experiences and world-view. A key component of our youth’s creative expression is their writing. In 2003, we published Voices of The Brotherhood Sister Sol, a collection of our youth members’ poetry, writings, Mission Statements, Definitions, and Oaths of Dedication. This collection affirms their creative visions and further validates their struggles, while inspiring other youth who are uniquely engaged by the writing of their peers.

Phase Three:

Rites of Passage

Within the third phase members engage in an intensive process of self-reflection and analysis. This results in the creation of an individual “Oath of Dedication” describing the core values that each young person will strive to live by – a personal testimony of their beliefs, goals and lifetime commitment. The Oath of Dedication Ceremony is a symbol of entering young adulthood. Members who complete the process take on a leadership role within the chapter and organization. 

Phase Four:

LIFETIME COMMITMENT

In the final phase of the program students begin to “give-back” to their younger Brothers and Sisters by organizing their own community service activities, often assisting with facilitation of younger member’s chapter meetings and providing new members with support and guidance.  As they are preparing to graduate and move on to college or the workforce, they are also “lifting  as they climb”, serving as examples and role models for younger youth.