Men As Allies: Promoting Positive Masculinity A 3-day training for men & women. June 25 — 27, 2008 |9:00am - 5:00pm Springfield, MA

On June 25 – 27, MRI presented the 2^nd annual men’s leadership training at American International College in Springfield, MA. This year’s 3-day workshop was titled, “Men As Allies: Promoting Positive Masculinity.”

Nearly 40 men and women participated, representing teachers, coaches, program directors, social services professionals, youth mentors, and committed individuals. While most attendees live or work in Springfield, others traveled from Maine, New York, New Jersey, and as far as Hawaii and New Mexico.

MRI directors Dr. Steven Botkin and James Arana facilitated the workshop, which centered on connection, consciousness-raising, and experiential learning to: 

• Explore the privileges and costs of traditional masculinity
• Recognize the causes and impacts of violence in our relationships, families and communities
• Learn to engage men and boys in issues of violence and compassion
• Develop community leadership and mentoring skills
• Plan and organize men’s initiatives
• Build alliances between women and men

"We are still absorbing the profound experience of being together for the Men As Allies Training in Springfield," said Steven Botkin. "The connections, inspiration and lessons we shared will motivate us for much time to come. We thank everyone involved for helping to make this happen."

Many of the participants have expressed interest in ongoing practicum meetings, joining members of the 2007 training participants who gather monthly for continued support, consultations, and technical assistance in planning or implementing a men's initiative in a professional or community setting.

To read a personal account of the training experience from MRI intern and student activist, Aaron Buford, click here.

To learn more about MRI's work in Springfield, contact James Arana at 413.214.6797 or at jarana@mensresourcesinternational.org.