The National League of Young Men (NLYM) is a non-profit organization for young men in grades 9 through 12, which promotes the development of young men into community leaders through leadership involvement, cultural experiences, charitable and community service, and protocol education. This past year was the inaugural year of the Greater Tacoma Chapter of NLYM, in which more than one of our neighborhood’s promising youths has participated. 

 

Something unique about NLYM is that it promotes the bond between mothers and their sons. The parent and the child take part in NLYM’s activities together. More often than not, these activities are charitable in nature. In this one year, the Greater Tacoma Chapter contributed more than 800 hours of community service, Chapter President Suzi Talarico said. Local organizations that the young men and their mothers helped included the Tacoma Rescue Mission, Shoes for Children (Greater Tacoma School District), Raising Girls, St. Leo’s Food Connection, and Camp Seymour. As is evident from the breadth of nonprofits assisted, the young men of NLYM learn compassion for all of our community members through their outreach.  

 

“I am filled with immense gratitude and pride,” Suzi said of the first year. “What began as a vision to bring this exceptional organization to our community quickly became a thriving chapter built on service, leadership, fellowship, and meaningful connections.” 

 

NLYM prepares our South Sound soon-to-be adults for multiple aspects of life, both now and later. Class of 2027 member, Colin Cooper, mentioned exploring diverse skills such as the art of conversation and etiquette, while also preparing for college applications and the SAT. Class of 2028 member Noa Tsuneyoshi talked about learning practical skills such as automotive maintenance and time management, as well as how to tie a tie or write an RSVP. If you thought the social arts were dying, look no further than NLYM. They prepare their young men to be savvy and capable movers and shakers wherever their goals and dreams may take them. 

 

All the while, NLYM supports their young participants’ connections not only with NLYM instructors and community leaders, but importantly, with their mothers. Along with meetings and service activities, the parents and their children take part in cultural and other engaging, fun events that help strengthen their bond. “One of the joys of our inaugural year was creating opportunities for our young men and mothers to come together,” said NLYM Vice President of Culture, Marisa Ranes. This past year, the Greater Tacoma Chapter attend a production of The Lion King and visited the famous LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma. 

 

A highlight of the year was the Annual Etiquette Dinner, held at Fircrest Country Club and led by 

renowned etiquette coach Connie Welkie. “The evening gave our young men a unique opportunity to put their protocol skills into practice in an elegant and supportive setting,” they said. As the Vice President of Protocol, Sally Houghom, explained: “Protocol is about much more than learning proper etiquette—it is about building confidence, showing respect for others, and developing the character and social skills needed to thrive in life.” 

 
The inaugural year was finished in celebration with the Annual Compass Dinner at Tacoma Country and Golf Club. On this special evening, young men and their mothers and extended families came together to reflect on what they had accomplished throughout the year. NLYM leaders shared “successes and memorable moments” and nonprofits who benefited from NLYM’s assistance came forward to thank NLYM for its community impact. The dinner was a “lovely and joyful evening filled with gratitude, celebration, and tremendous pride,” NLYM leadership said, and a “beautiful reminder of what can be accomplished when young men and their families come together in service, leadership, and fellowship.” 

 

Service awards were given out for those exceptional members who stood out for their involvement over the past first year of the Chapter. The Commander Award, which recognizes 60 hours of community service, was given to Sage Tran, Hayden Vance, and Cruze Vance. Cruze Vance also earned the Anchor Award. The accolades, which are distributed according to number of hours of service during the year, also include the Lieutenant Award for 35 hours and the Ensign Award for 20 hours. “I am so proud of all that our young men accomplished and look forward to watching them grow into thoughtful, confident, and capable leaders,” said Suzi. 

 

This past year, our neighborhood’s youth showed up and showed out. We can’t wait for what the next year of the Greater Tacoma Chapter of NLYM will bring.