Men's Journeys is a publication of MACHS, ( Men Accessing Community & Health Services) and is committed to improving and highlighting men and boys physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual well being issues within the community.
Access to additional copies of this publication can be attained through the following:
1. For printed copies write to The Editor Men's Journeys, MACHS, PO Box 769, Noarlunga Centre SA 5168.
2. Electronically as an .rtf, rich text format file document attachment. For details and copies E-mail: [email protected], attention Men's Journeys in subject box.
3. Original electronic publication format Adobe 3.0 - Pagemaker 6.5 software.
4. Downloaded from the MACHS web site http://au.geocities.com
/machsmen5. We can also forward a 3.5 Floppy disk in MS Word 2000.doc.
6. Contributions or articles for publication see editorial information details below.
Welcome to the second edition of the Men's Journeys publication. We would like to take this opportunity of wishing all our current and future readers a prosperous, healthy, productive & spiritual rewarding 2001.
On behalf of the MACHS committee may we extend our sincere appreciation for your positive & constructive feedback and comments following our first edition, published in September 2000.
As a community it is extremely important that we both recognise and value the important contribution made by thousands of men and women volunteers who contribute their time and energy towards improving the lives of other members of our community. This often occurs on a daily basis.
Volunteering activities are actively carried out without individual participants seeking formal financial compensation or rewards beyond the satisfaction of assisting other people in their local area.
In an ever-changing society volunteering is an important component of community development and well being. The South Australian Council of Social Services, SACOSS suggests that 'Community development is based on the principle that sharing information, ideas, strategies, and resources, builds cooperative and collaborative relationships at the community level which in turn leads to a broader social development.' - Sacoss News 2000.
On Thursday 22nd February 2001 a volunteer expo is being held at the Noarlunga Theatre Foyer, Ramsay Walk, Noarlunga Centre from 10 - 4.00pm. Look for the MACHS stall.
For more information on becoming a community volunteer contact the Fleurieu Volunteer & Resource Centre at Noarlunga on (08) 8384-9202.
Men frequently experience social isolation in the community and are often reluctant to participate in many community activities for a variety of reasons.
These might include previous (or current) relationship break ups, loss of employment, family living in another area, and the masculine myth of being able to cope with anything life presents.
The challenge for many men is to positively reconnect with other men in the community. Men's support & discussion groups offer one positive alternative to social isolation.
Many of the groups usually consist of between 8-15 people from all ages, cultures and backgrounds. Meetings may take place on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. There are no hidden rituals, codes of belonging, member initiation or similar activities that has been associated with some men's organization in the past.
However respect and confidentiality for the other men in the group is important. The benefits of participating in these groups are often personally rewarding, mentally stimulating, and provide an opportunity to share ideas. Importantly men's support groups also provide a sense of real social connectedness with other men who are on similar journeys in the community.
Margret Ryan is a project officer for Child & Youth Health Services, CYHS. CYHS is a South Australian government health service that offers free parenting and child & youth health services to parents.
It is recognised that limited numbers of men have been able to access these services regarding concerns for their children. The fathers project outline states 'CYHS do value the role of fathers, and how could the organisation better support access by fathers'.
Magret's appointment brief is to investigate how CYHS could provide services to be more inclusive of fathers in the community, and would like to hear from individual fathers in the community, and agency workers who work with men.
Please contact Margret Ryan at Child & Youth Health Services on (08) 8329-8300.
Grahame 'Bonny' Gibson Men Engaging NewaysFacilitor's Resource Manual
On December 8th 2000 over eighty people attended the public launch of this new & innovative men &boys health & well being resource kit at the Adelaide Central Mission's Way Hall, Adelaide SA.
Grahame 'Bonny' Gibson is a social worker, men's support group facilitator and peer educator based at the Byron Place Community Centre in Adelaide. He is the author and publisher of this innovative, practical, grass roots program.
The core program contains 21 individual sessions that focus on the everyday issues which impact on all men & boys.
These
include: Male Mentoring, Grief & Loss, Stress, Spirituality, & Men & Violence.
Grahame will
be a facilitator at the MACHS Common Ground Conference on April 19/20th
at the SEM Centre.
For details of how you or your organisation can obtain a copy of the Men Engaging Neways Facilitor's Resource Kit please contact
'Bonny' Gibson on
0418-842-619. E-mail: [email protected],
or write to
M.E.N. PO Box
1170, Mount Barker SA
Content
Double click on the item of your choice
Editors:
Philip Crouch
(08) 8381-9408
philip.crouch@
senet.com.auMick Piotto
(08) 8384-9266
piotto.michael@
saugov.sa.gov.au
Albert Jamae
(08) 8327-3363
albertambrae
@one.net.au
Web Design:
Monika Baker mobak@ozemail.
com.auMen's Journeys
PO Box 769
Noarlunga Centre
SA 5168.
machsmen
@senet.com.auPrinted by
Joe's Print Barn
Tel. (08) 8384 4731
Conference Format
The Common Ground Men's Conference is being held at the SEM Centre, Grand Boulevard, Seaford SA on the 19/20th April 2001.
The current proposed format is as follows. Look at our conference flyer.
Day one, opening session by the keynote speaker; workshops, a panel on the diversity of masculinity and concluding with a social BBQ.
Day two activities include the Prostate Awareness Kit launch, workshops, and a final interactive panel session.We are fortunate enough to have Professor Gary Dowsett agree to be the keynote speaker. Gary is from the Australian Centre of Sex Health & Society based at the Latrobe University in Victoria. Gary will focus his address on the diversity of masculinity, which is a key theme throughout this conference.
Interactive Focus
As indicated earlier a considerable component of the conference has been allocated to extensive workshop participation. The purpose of this is to ensure that all participants have enough quality time to discuss ideas and formulate strategies that are aimed at achieving the core conference outcomes.Proposed Workshop Streams
The complete workshop titles will be displayed in the registration of interest brochure, and in the April issue of the Men's Journeys publication.Current core streams include:
- Work, Stress & Good Health;
- Parenting & Fatherhood; Work,
- Unemployment & Volunteering;
- Gambling;
- Spirituality;
- Grief & Loss;
- Engaging Men,
- Gender Health Issues.
The conference convening committee believes we have attracted a substantial range of quality workshop/conference facilitators. The outcome will ensure that all participants can be certain of experiencing an invigorating, informative, challenging, exciting, and creative conference.
Common Ground Men's Choir
In retaining the conference theme of interactiveness we are pleased to present a community men's choir. The choir meets fortnightly on a Thursday night at the Noarlunga Community Arts Centre.We are still looking for additional new members with or without previous singing experience.
100 Word Project
An important project for this conference is the development of a 100-word project that reflects the views and opinions of what it means to be a man in today's society. These have been drawn from men who live in the southern region of Adelaide SA.Other Activities
An art exhibition, poets corner, trade/information resource tables, video display, and men's information resources.Conference Registration: To register click here!
A formal conference registration brochure will be mailed to all recipients of the Men's Journeys mailing list during February. However, please feel free to photocopy and distribute this publication to your friends, networks and other interested peopleFor more detailed information please contact any of the following conference convening committee members.
- Jules Van Kekem (08) 8325-8100
- Gaynor Hallows (08) 8329-1700
- Philip Crouch (08) 8381-9408
All correspondence to:
Common Ground Conference
MACHS PO Box 769,
Noarlunga Centre SA 5168.
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On November 23rd 2001 the Men's Journeys Theatre Production, an event featuring men from the south, will be held at the Noarlunga Community Arts Centre SA.
Rehearsals begin in June/July and for all those men (regardless of age or experience) who would like to be a part of this exciting 'grass roots' production please contact
Albert on (08) 8327-3363, E-mail: [email protected]
Mick Piotto
About thirty people gathered at the Adelaide Central Mission, Adelaide on November 29th 2000 for the "resurrection" of the White Ribbon Campaign.This venue was organized by a new group called the 'Men Against Family Violence Action Group.
Presentations were given by David Tully, (counsellor at the ACM), Alan Jenkins (Psychologist with the Sexual Offenders Treatment & Assessment Program), Andrew Dundon and Daniel Mckenzie (Peer Educators with Brook Friedman's -Relationship Violence No Way Project).
The presentations focused on why it is important for men to be actively involved in helping to end family violence. The main thrust of the talks was to say that most men are not violent towards their intimate partner, but that men have been silent about this issue.
It was suggested that the White Ribbon Campaign could be successful in breaking men's silence on men's violence. A highlight of this forum was Andrew and Daniel's presentation on the work they do in schools as young peer educators.If you would like to know more about the International White Ribbon Campaign or the Men Against Family Violence Action Group, please contact
Mick Piotto at the Noarlunga Health Village on
(08) 8384-9266
or via E-mail : [email protected]
Did you know?
That there are over 2 million carers in Australia, 60% of male caregivers cared for a partner and 49% of men provide care for someone over sixty in the same house. The average age of the male caregiver is 55.
Carer Support & Respite Centre, Bedford Park SA
(08) 8277-0333.
Please accept me for who I am
After all I mean you no harm
We are almost alike, you see
I too prefer it calm
We may share different points of view
On things we see or hear
But please don't step away from me
There's nothing here to fear.
If you're brave enough to open your heart
You'll see the real me there
I also have feelings just like you I too know how to care.
Then why would you disrespect me?Why mock my new ideas?
I don't understand your critical words
That pierce my soul so dear.
Could it be you just misjudge me?
Think I'm here to step on your toes?
Does it threaten you to share my space?
Do I make you feel your woes?
For if my truth offends you
Makes your water burst it's dam,
I'm sorry for the way you feelBut not for who I am...
Albert is a poet and scriptwriter, and lives at Seaford SA with his wife Ambrae & their three young children.
Use the Men's Journeys to have your say in the community.
We want your poems, stories, thoughts & ideas on the issues that impact on men & boys health & well being today.
This is an opportunity to share with other men in the community was has impacted on your life; you can write as much as you like or as little - it's up to you.
If you prefer to state your thoughts, ideas, comments over the phone then please ring Philip Crouch on (08) 8381-9408
or E-mail: on [email protected]
We welcome your thoughts, ideas, contributions or poems, letters to the editor, articles, which can assist this publication in raising the level of awareness of men & boys health & well being.
It is publicly recognised that majority of sole parents in the community are women , (although men also provide this role) who provide a supportive parenting role. However recent public debate and comment suggests that many children and adolescents frequently have little or no contact with positive supportive males, who can provide a mentoring role or 'father figure.
For many men the image of being stoic, the permanent provider, being devoid of real feelings, and maintaining a 'just getting on with life ' attitude remains a myth left over from the pioneering masculine image of the past. Within the community there are many professionals, voluntary workers, and peer support activities provided by both men & women that are contributing towards improving the overall health & well being of all men & boys in our society.
Future publications of Men's Journeys will feature and include constructive and open comment on the issues raised earlier.
We welcome letters to the editor, community information or organisation's calendar events, articles of 50 -100 words, poems, short stories, and more formal submissions which address the social, political, spiritual, educational, & general health & well being of men & boys in the community. All correspondence should be forwarded no later than 20th November 2000 using any of the following:
-Typewritten,
-Rich text file, rtf format
-Floppy disks,
Disclaimer-The views expressed in the Men's Journeys publications do not necessarily reflect the views of MACHS, it's members and supporters, editorial team or other contributors. No guarantee is made of the accuracy of information as presented in contributing articles. Men's Journeys is published in good faith and makes no apology for raising issues which stimulates discussion and action towards improving the health & well being of all men & boys in the community.
SA Seaford Men's Journeys Group
Thursday January 18th 7:30pm Where to now discussion? Thursday February 15th 7:30pm Heart circle meeting
Thursday March 22nd 7:30pm Male suicide
Thursday April 19th from 5:00pm MACHS Conference activities Thursday May 17th 7:30pm Spiritual leadership?
Thursday 21st June 7:30pm Social night-Lonsdale Motel
We meet at the SEM Centre, Grand Boulevard, Seaford SA, and welcome of all ages, cultures & backgrounds. For more information contact Malcolm Ellis (08) 8326-5588, Philip Crouch (08) 8381-9408.
Noarlunga Downs Southern Men's Group
meets at the Eleanora Centre, Kalitz Court, Noarlunga Downs
on Wednesday nights at 7.00pm.For further information contact Mike Parton (08) 8326-1255.
Hackham Men's Support Group & Men's Network Breakfast
is an activity of the Hackham West Community Centre, Warsaw Road, Hackham West SA.Meetings are held on Tuesdays from 12.30 - 2.30pm and involve informal discussion on men's issues.
For further information contact Tim Deslandes on (08) 8186-4177
The Southern Community Project Group Inc. "The Shed"
is located at 268 Beach Road, Hackham West SA. Part of this group's activities involves providing access to 'hands-on' training for men in the community who want to learn woodwork & metal work skills, facilitated by volunteers.For more information contact Jack Ellis or Jack Bonner on (08) 8386-2187
Goodwood Men's Shed Support Group
This group has been established for over five years and meets weekly at the Goodwood Community Centre, Rosa Street, Goodwood. Topic issues are presented and there is plenty of room for informal discussion and socialising.Contact Jim (08) 8295-3840, Fraser (08) 8177-1051
The MENDS Program -Noarlunga
Commencing 7.00pm on February 12th at the Noarlunga Health Village Auditorium, Noarlunga
MENDS is a 12-week Practical Skills For Men program.It is a nationally accredited program for men who have experienced relationship break-ups, marriage issues, personal development, and other issues.
Please contact Jon Martin from Anglicare SA (08) 8342-4005 [email protected] Program cost $50.00.
MEN ENGAGING NEWAYS - FACILITATOR'S RESOURCE MANUAL Grahame 'Bonny' Gibson is a social worker, men's support group facilitator and peer educator. He is the author and publisher of this innovative, practical, 'grass roots' program. The core program contains 21 individual sessions that focus on the everyday issues which impact on all men & boys.
For more details of how you or your organisation can obtain a copy of the Men Engaging Neways Facilitor's Resource Kit please contact 'Bonny' Gibson on 0418-842-619 E-mail: [email protected] Postal M.E.N. PO Box 1170, Mount Barker SA 5251
THE MEN'S INFORMATION & SUPPORT CENTRE, MISC, is located on the first floor, Torrens Building, 220 Victoria Square, Adelaide SA. The centre provides a broad range of services for men & boys, including counselling, an extensive database, and other male resource information.
For further information contact Brenton, Colin, Peter or Joseph on (08) 8212-0331, E-mail: [email protected] or visit their web site on http://www.mens-centre.net
MEN'S HEALTH & WELL BEING ASSOCIATION OF SA, MHWBASA This group represents men's organisations & groups in South Australia, and is part of the national association of MHWBA.
For more information contact Peter Curran (08) 8296-4357. MARS@Centacare
Project The 'Men Navigating the Future' programs focuses on relationships, managing separation, and related workshops for men seeking new visions in their life.
Contact: Seamus Baker, Peter Ellis at Centacare (08) 8210-8200
WANTED - Men of all ages, backgrounds and cultures for the following: Common Ground Men's Choir which meets every 2nd Thursday at the Community Arts Centre, 22 Gawler Place, Port Noarlunga SA.
If you enjoy singing, and the upliftment it brings then come along and join this friendly group.Men's Journeys Theatre Production needs male amateur actors. Rehearsals will begin in June/July. This play will feature humour, song, & interactive drama based on the issues that impact on all men today. In this play a sense of humour and life experience counts.
VOLUNTEERS for a wide range of tasks & activities to assist with the Common Ground Men' Conference at the SEM Centre, Grand Boulevard, Seaford on the 19/20th April 2001.
For more detailed information on any of the above activities please contact: Jules Van Kekem (08) 8325-8100, Vicky Rowland (08) 8329-1700 or Philip Crouch (08) 8381-9408.
E-mail [email protected].
Write to PO Box 769, Noralunga Centre SA 5168.
