Challenges in Recent Years

In the last number of years, the socio-political views of the world have become very challenging, particularly in relation to gender relationships. The #MeToo campaign has been the primary movement reflecting on this particular issue with developments all across the globe.  This is where the Men’s Development Network (MDN) looks to not only support men but challenge them to reflect on their attitudes, behaviours, actions, and world view. The MDN is aware of the need for them as service providers and men to source opportunities and methodologies that will support other men in these difficult times for both sexes and all genders.  The New Conversation with Men is one method identified by the MDN to help support men and their wellbeing.

MDN New Conversation with Men for Service Providers

There are many types of groups; support groups, issue-based groups, groups addressing addiction, discussion groups, activity based groups, unemployed men’s activation groups, organic gardening groups, woodwork groups, men’s sheds, breakfast clubs, boat building workshops, therapy groups, lobby groups, groups based on background, ethnicity, sexual orientation and so on. There is an opportunity in any of these groups to work out:

• How the group will assist men to get their lives the way that they need them to be;
• How it will enhance their lives and the lives of those around them;
• How to help men develop the skills that they need to do this.

These groups can be an effective way into men’s lives, their relationships, their personal and collective goals, their vision and development. The New Conversation with Men can be used as a reflective resource for supporting men towards better health and wellbeing and living to their full potential. This approach helps men to develop a greater understanding of the complexities of life, strengthen their relationships and finds the keys to creating a better life.

A New Conversation with Men Process and Methodologies

At a Men’s New Conversation Group meeting the following roles are defined at the beginning or overtime as the group develops:

• Facilitator: Main listener; asks the questions, responds to the answers and manages the overall time available.
• Mentor: Supports the facilitator; facilitator can refer to mentor if necessary.
• Speaker: Each man takes a turn to speak and listen when it’s not his turn, including the facilitator and mentor.
• Timer: Each man who can tell the time takes a turn at timing the speaker and letting them know when their time is up. Time is shared to achieve peer or equal relationships and balance.

There are a number of questions which are helpful to ask in a men’s development group which can help a man to become self-aware. They are as follows:

1.  Why are you here?
2.  What do you like/love about men?

2.1.   While it’s important to engage participants in a process of connecting positively with men and themselves, it’s equally important to engage them in a process of exploring the challenges they experience with their relationships with men. So it’s important to follow this question up with: What is it about men that you find challenging, difficult, offensive or even harmful about men?

3.  Is there anything you need to address or do?
4.  What support do you need?
5.  What’s your next step?
6.  What did you get out of engaging with the new conversation?

These questions are designed to positively address issues which may impact men’s lives and to map out the steps which need to be taken in order to have a better life for themselves and those around them.