ManAlive News August 2004
Editorial by Alan Blackburn (CEO ManAlive)
Boys - No longer a mystery!!
In the media there has been considerable discussion around boys. How are they achieving in schools, and are they fulfilling their aspirations? Boys and male youth are often seen as a mystery, hard to understand and know where they are coming from. Recently at Massey University they held a conference on boy's education attended by 300 people to look at this topic.
At ManAlive we believe we have developed a huge volume of knowledge about what makes boys tick. What motivates them, where they are coming from, and how to work with boys who are displaying inappropriate behaviour.
Boys love action, they want to be involved and they want to be understood. We believe that the secret in working with boys and youth is not to focus on behaviour, and not start out with the goal to "fix" boys, but to work with them as they struggle with the difficult transition from Youth to Manhood. That is starting with the underlying cause of the behaviour and working at a level that is relevant them. This must be coupled with the appropriate teaching and engagement techniques that relate to the ways that they learn.
ManAlive's strength is in understanding how to work with men and boys, what makes them tick and what is most appropriate learning style for them.
More information on our Boys and Youth Programmes.
Big Buddy Mentoring Programme is taking a huge leap
The Big Buddy is a very successful mentoring programme for young boys that we have been providing for seven years. It has been so successful that we are now setting it up as a separate organisation so it can expand and really fulfil its potential. It is our vision that Big Buddy will in time expand outside Auckland, and become a national programme for boys that do not have a father or a male role model in their lives.
Men's Creativity Gathering
Organised by ManAlive and Big Buddy at the Prana Retreat Centre November 18th - 21st 2004.
A place for men to explore their creativity, push their boundaries and find their creative edge. There will be a wide variety of workshops and core events, including celebrations of our collective talents. The central theme will be celebrating our creativity as men and increase the awareness of our creative spirit both individually and collectively. We welcome all men to the gathering who wish to discover or expand their creative spirit, and open out their horizons
The Prana Retreat Centre is approximately two hours from Auckland, situated in native bush and a pine forest and borders the amazing surf beach of Opoutere on the lower East Coast of the Coromandel. The cost is $200 early bird special if paid by the 15th October or $245 if paid after that. The fee for Youth/Boys is $85. The fee includes creative food, your campsite and all workshop activities.
More information and registration form.
For bookings contact ManAlive or Ph 835-0509.
Warwick Pudney QSM
It is with great pleasure we congratulate Warwick on receiving recognition in the recent Queens Honours list. Warwick was the founder of ManAlive and was the Chief Executive for 5 years.
Warwick has not only made a huge contribution to the community through his men's work and leadership, but also as an author of some wonderful publications that assist very young people as they deal with anger, which are published by the Peace Foundation. So it is great to salute a man of many talents. Warwick has been a City Councillor is a Lecturer at AUT, an author, a well respected public speaker and a significant leader in the men's community. Congratulations Warwick.
Mensline
Mensline is looking for men to train as volunteer counsellors.
John Tamihere said it so well. We men need each other. What about joining our training at the end of August to be there on the telephone for men who need help. Ring Denis at Mensline Telephone counselling service, ph 524 3080. Or email: denisb@lifeline.org.nz
This is excellent training for men who want to develop a wide range of skills and help a wide range of men.
Asian Health and Wellbeing conference
The University of Auckland's Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences will be hosting its Inaugural NZ Asia Health Conference from 4-5 November 2004. Organised by the Faculty's Centre of Asian Health Research & Evaluation (CARE) at the School of Population Health (Tamaki campus), the conference aims to provide an opportunity to exchange and strengthen the knowledge base in Asian health issues for practitioners, researchers, policy makers and funders in government and private sectors worldwide.
Essentially Men
Essentially Men is a groundbreaking weekend workshop that has been helping men transform themselves for the past 12 years. At ManAlive we are proud to be in partnership with such a lively brother organisation and encourage our staff and clients to attend the workshop as a powerful personal and professional development experience. Essentially Men is a powerful complement to one-on-one counselling. A good resource with warmth and depth.
The next workshop is September 17th - 19th
Enquiries, phone 09 627 9827 to talk with Rex or Steve,
or email essentiallymen@clear.net.nz.
ManAlive is a comprehensive men's centre, dedicated to working with and supporting men, youth and boys on issues that affect their lives. Our programmes and services are designed for men, by men.
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