The Knights of Pythagoras Mentoring Network meets on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Atlantic High School , 2455 West Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach .

During these meetings, the boys ages 12-17 participate in seminars led by professional speakers. Among these seminars are: Conflict Resolution, the Importance of Having a Savings Account and How to Conduct Yourself when Confronted by Authorities.

The boys, ages 7 to 11 , participate in Honor Guard training with members of the Atlantic High School JROTC unit during this time.

Each boy is paired with a mentor, who will then work with his little brother in an individual setting. We encourage at least three contacts, either via telephone, face-to-face {or in person} or by mail, between the mentor and Knight each month.

Regular contacts are essential to making a difference. Ideally, it takes two to three years to build enough trust and understanding to impact a young person's life. Many of them resist adult relationships until they are sure it will last. At a minimum, we ask each mentor for a one year-commitment.

We also meet on the second Wednesday each month from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Delray Beach Public Library, 100 West Atlantic Avenue . This is our business meeting when the mentors, parents and Knights address matters pertaining to the organization.

In addition to the monthly meetings, there are other planned activities and events as scheduling permits.

Young Men Of Distinction: This six-month fast-paced, finishing program prepares our boys between ages 12-17 for finer manhood. Tailored off the African-based “rites of passage,” and similar in intent to a Jewish bar mitzvah, the Young Men of Distinction program features seminars and field trips. These young men tackle everything from proper etiquette - the proper usage of cutlery to making informative decisions. Each month, invited speakers address various topics including Choosing Friends, Career Preparation, Basic Study and Life Skills, Public Speaking, Values and Ethics, Character Building, Self Discipline and Conflict Resolution, Staying in School, Leadership Skills, Decision Making, and Avoiding gangs, drugs and alcohol.

Our Four Basic Precepts

Academic Excellence: KOPMN provides homework assistance for its members. Knights are also enrolled in a virtual math-tutoring program. In addition, KOPMN sponsors the annual Black History Brain Bowl in February which challenges students from dozens of elementary and middle schools in the local area in quiz-show style competition testing their knowledge of African-American History.

Honor: Comprised of Knights ages 7 to 11 , the Knights of Pythagoras Honor Guard is not just for show. Members teach and share what they have learned about precision teamwork in military drill but mostly what they have learned about themselves. Participation on the Honor Guard is earned. Members must maintain satisfactory academic grades and good conduct and possess a positive attitude.

Civic Duty: The Knights understand the importance of giving back to the community and are always seeking ways to help make a difference. They pick up litter along a local street as part of the city's Adopt-A-Street program, collect non-perishable and serve food to the needy at the Annual Keith Straghn Thanksgiving dinner. Knights collected school supplies and toys for kids in three Florida cities that were destroyed by the hurricanes in 2004. The organization sponsors the Annual KOPMN Santa drop, where students in a local after-school program are treated to a party with food and gifts.

Teamwork: The lessons learned at an early age are carried with us throughout our lives. The KOPMN feel that athletics are a way to educate kids in life.  We encourage Knights to utilize leadership, teamwork, responsibility, a positive attitude, and most of all, respect for others.  For us, this is what sportsmanship is all about.  Frankly, the development of these virtues takes precedent over the competitive aspect of sports, though we also teach the graces of winning and losing.  Realizing that the Knights carry the lessons learned at an early age throughout their lives, the organization encourages teamwork. To demonstrate their leadership skills, the Knights are sponsoring Making it Happen, by any Means Necessary.