Hi Guys,
It's been a while, Victor and Hardy have been away for months, but we are back in full flight. So newsletters will come more frequently from now.
In this edition:
- Funding for rural men's groups approved
- International Men's Open Day 19/11/2023
- Men's website
- Social evening for men's groups 26/8/2023
- Other events
Men's Work in Rural Centres - FUNDED
We have been granted funding to run groups – up to four – in rural centers between Nelson and the West Coast!
This to us is a huge vindication of the work we are all doing in men's groups. The government deems it a credible format to provide support to men. And they are funding it! I'd like to think that this is a milestone on our way to make men supporting men in positive communities available to anyone who wants or needs it.
The plan is to talk to stakeholders in these communities (Tapawera, Murchison, Reefton, Westport) and get their support and referrals. We intend to run a smaller version of the men's open day in Reefton where available services are showcased, speakers address interesting subjects and we introduce men to mens group work/ circle work.
We will let you know when this event is on and it would be amazing if some of you could show up and help us model the work we do. ( And - not least - dispel ideas of what kind of men we might be)!
If you know people who do any type of work with men in these areas (district nurse, cops, parole officers, counsellors, priests...) , let us know.
International Men's Open Day
The Victory Community Hall in Nelson is booked, It's all on!
We are very keen for the open day to become not only a permanent part of every man's calendar, but also to be actively supported by the existing men's groups. It is supposed to reflect the philosophy and agenda of our movement and thus all men's group men should ultimately identify this event as theirs. Therefore anyone's input is welcome.
Talk to us, we are keen to hear suggestions for program content, speakers, workshops, entertaiment, topics for a panel talk, organisations to approach or anything else that you might find relevant. If you want to run a program item, come forward.
We would like to invite you – YOU – to consider bringing yourself into this project by meeting with us maybe once a month and chew the fat about how this event is shaped, what we are trying to achieve and how to make it successful.
Last years event was a ripper, especially because it had no precedent or experience. I'd like to think that this years event will be bigger and even more varied.
Let's cut to the chase:
We all do our work in the groups and on retreats, thats why we are doing this. If that's where it stops for you, thats great. No contest.
However if you feel that this work should be more visible and available to all men, then it's up to us to develop a public understanding of what we do, of what issues are concerning men, of healthy ways to sort your stuff, of how central men's groups can be for men's wellbeing.
I'm sure you have noticed that in the media (from the Press to the New York Times) it's women who write articles about men's issues. Often with great advice on what we should be doing.
It seems like most counsellors are women servicing men. If we want an authentic representation of what men are all about at least towards other men, we need to grab the microphone.
There are many opportunities to further our cause. The men's open day can act as a focal point. We are still wide open in our ideas. Is this something that you can see yourself involved in? Talk to us!
Website
We will focus an a more robust management of our website, aiming at interesting content and better representation of existing men's groups. If you have ideas about content (podcasts, articles etc) bring it on. Flick me a link if you have found an interesting article or podcast.
Social gathering Sat 26 August 2023
81 Halifax St Nelson (other side of the river in the residential part of Halifax)
Let's meet again and bring men from all the various groups together for a beer or a sherbert or a cuppa tea or a traffic light or a kombucha, whatever loosens you up (BYO of course). Swap some gossip, enjoy the community, talk about mens stuff, or just hang out. We will also be available to talk about upcoming events and our work.
Come at 6pm with Takeaways or 7ish fully fed.
Bring a chair if you can.
Events calendar
Social Gathering - 26 August 23
Rotoiti Men's Retreat - 20-23 October 23
International Men's Open Day - 18 November 23
If you want any anouncements in this newsletter and/or on our website like events , vacancies in your group or whatever, contact us. We will however decide if it's relevant here. We don't want to spam people.
Hardy
moc.liamg@spuorgsnemnoslen
021 213 2299
Victor
022 326 4157
