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Awakening the unique spirit of men to build communities that work for everyone

Man Alive News Summer 2010

Download print version of the Summer 2010 Newsletter [1 MB PDF]

Man Alive has begun 2010 with a sense of optimism as we consider new initiatives to support men
and families in our community, and a sense of loss as we come to terms with the tragic passing of
Brad Cameron, our Youth Counsellor, just before Xmas (see below).

Over the next few months we will be writing our new strategic plan. We invited the community to
Man Alive three years ago when we wrote our last strategic plan, so we could hear your views.
Those views fed directly into our final plan, which we bring to life each year through our reviews. I
guess I’m saying that our strategic plan is not a piece of paper that just gets filed away! We value
what our community has to say, we listen and we act. We have scheduled a forum on 22 April to
do this again. All people interested in contributing to the vision of Man Alive are welcome to attend
(RSVP to Anihera.Castles@manalive.org.nz).

When Man Alive transitioned to a Charitable Trust, provision was made to establish a group to be
called Friends of Man Alive. The purpose of this group is to help maintain a solid relationship with
our supporters. Friends will be invited to Annual Meetings, receive newsletters and be consulted in
the preparation of strategic plans. They may be asked their views from time-to-time to provide a
'sounding board' for the Trustees on a variety of matters, such as proposed new initiatives or
challenges the organisation is facing. Members may also be asked to provide specific expertise or
volunteer support to the organisation. If you want further information about Friends of Man Alive,
please email: Anihera.Castles@manalive.org.nz

In our last newsletter we announced collaboration discussions between ourselves, Waitakere Abuse
and Trauma Counselling Service and Western Women’s Refuge (Viviana). We have engaged a
project manager, are in the process of developing a robust project plan and are entering into the
consultation phase. I will keep you updated.

Chris Davidson, Chief Executive.

Tribute to Brad Cameron

Our Youth Counsellor and Facilitator, Brad Cameron, tragically
lost his life in a hang-gliding accident on 18 December
2009. Brad joined Man Alive in 2006.
Brad was an integral part of the Man Alive Youth Team for
the past 3 1/2 years and was a Facilitator for our Living
Without Violence programme.

Brad had a genuine passion for the work and was particularly
gifted working with male youth. He was a larger than
life character, skilled therapist and is deeply missed by the
Man Alive staff and the many men, families and youth he
touched through his work.

UPDATES

Graduation
Congratulations go to two of our Counsellors, Rick Currie and John Burnett, who graduated from the New Zealand Institute of Professional Counselling with a Diploma of Professional Counselling.

Well done!

Oxfam
Man Alive’s Zeljka Strbac will be walking in the Oxfam Trailwalker Challenge in
Taupo this coming April.

The event involves teams of four to complete 100km in 36 hours to raise money for
Oxfam.

When not working at Man Alive or completing her studies in law, Zeljka is walking!


To support her, go to:
http://www.oxfam.org.nz/events/teams.asp?
a=show_team_pages&eventid=24&teamid=3886

 

Payroll Giving
You might be aware that starting this year, Inland Revenue has introduced the payroll giving
scheme. This allows employees to have donations deducted from their payroll directly,
giving them an immediate tax deduction and not having to collect receipts and claim at year
end. For more information on how you could support Man Alive or any other donee organization,
click on the following link:
http://www.ocvs.govt.nz/work-programme/three-key-projects/payroll-giving.html


Research
Grant Thornton
The Grant Thornton Not for Profit survey for 2009-10 has been released. It contains interesting
information on the sector and can be viewed at:
http://www.grantthornton.co.nz/Assets/documents/pubSeminars/NFP-Survey-2009-2010.pdf


Families Commission
The Families Commission is running a poll asking about the support Kiwi fathers need. The
results will complement their ongoing research into fathering. If you are interested in participating
the link to the poll is: http://www.thecouch.org.nz/poll/takepoll/87

SPOTLIGHT

In this issue we turn the spotlight onto Michiel van Boekhout, Man Alive Counsellor and Group Facilitator:
Hi there, my name is Michiel van Boekhout and I’ve been connected with Man Alive since February 2005 when I joined a group as a trainee participant while studying for a Diploma in Counselling. That now seems a long time ago, but I am still really excited to be doing this important work.

The experience of significant personal growth and witnessing men making changes in their lives gave me the determination to pursue my goal of becoming a LWV group facilitator. I consider it a privilege and its inevitable
challenges are nicely balanced by some awesome outcomes for men that affect relationships, families and the wider community where these men become violence-free advocates.

I am also passionate about my relationship with my wife of 32 years, Margreet, with whom I immigrated to New Zealand from the Netherlands as a 21 year old. Margreet is a Social Worker whose studies at the time inspired me to make a midlife career change. We have two remarkable daughters, Melissa and Ilka, who both have taken on parenthood with their husbands and with no small amount of dedication and enthusiasm have gifted us five beautiful grandchildren.

IN BRIEF

MAN ALIVE OFFERS THE FOLLOWING SERVICES
Living Without Violence and Te Ara Taumata Ora
A unique approach to non-violence courses. Our programmes will not blame, shame or judge men, however they will be encouraged to take responsibility for their violence and understand there is no excuse for abuse.

Individual Counselling
All men have times when they ‘hit the wall’ … we’re here to help them move though it. Counselling for men by men and family and couple counselling.

Youth programmes
Boys Alive, an action packed group programme and one-on-one counselling. Helping youth understand and develop personal responsibility.

Men in Relationships
A 12 week course that could change your family and work life. A course designed to help you deal with stress and conflict. It will help you come closer to your family. Programmes in Manukau East and Waitakere.

Mens Change and Support Group
An open, easy-going group of ordinary guys who have had crisis and change in the past, helping men who are going through hard times now.

Room Hire
Man Alive is based in Cranwell House, situated in park like grounds in the central Henderson shopping area. There is extensive parking across the road and we are a two minute walk to Westcity, Westwave and the Henderson shops. We offer a range of room options at affordable rates to community groups, including our new ‘Garden Room’ which is separate to our main building.

For further information on any of the above, please phone us on 835 0509 or email
info@manalive.org.nz

THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS!!!

The great work our team has been doing has been made possible through the generous support of the community, including recent grants from:


DONATIONS
Thanks for supporting Man Alive. Our programmes help many men and families in our community work through some of their toughest times. Please contact us for information on how to further help us in our work.

Is there a person or organisation you think would be interested in receiving this newsletter? Point them to the ManAlive contact form, where they can subscribe.

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