Jackson councilman’s 'Men on the Move' greets students, aims to build mentors

Johnny Dodd, Jackson City Councilman, described Men on the Move as a community-driven mentoring effort that greets students as they arrive at school and builds relationships that leaders hope will reduce risk and increase engagement.

"I look at it as a purpose," Dodd said, explaining that volunteers — "men from all walks of life" including police officers, pastors, military veterans and city employees — stand at school entrances to say, "Good morning," give high fives and connect with young people before classes start. Dodd said the program began with visits at several schools and aims to expand to more campuses over time.

Dodd recounted a visit to JCM Middle School where volunteers rolled out a red carpet and about five men spoke to middle-school boys in a small assembly. He said the goals are simple: encourage students to "stay focused," understand that "your future has a clean slate" regardless of past mistakes, and help them choose supportive friends. "We look at this as prevention," he said.

Dodd credited local mentors from his own school years and framed the initiative as part of a broader community effort rather than a school-only program. "We want our kids to know this is for you," he said. He added that the presence of consistent, caring adults helps children later when staff or volunteers can tie faces to names inside school programming.