Excitement is developing over the Fall Men’s Conference! The Conference is set for Oct 20 weekend (corresponding with TMC’s 25th anniversary celebration). It will deal with "Men’s Health and Well-Being." Andy Mickel is spearheading the project, and Peter Mitchell is setting up the program. Look elsewhere in Men Talk to find Andy’s article. WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS TO WORK ON ALL FACETS OF THIS CONFERENCE!
Financially speaking: Budget projections are generally being met, but support group revenues are significantly down from last year. Anger Management class revenue is ahead of schedule to offset the decline in support group contributions. Membership numbers are up to 319 from 292 as of May 1. The Board is looking at review of the space rental policy and our current associated revenue.
Program committee reported: There is concern over our slumping numbers of attendees and dollars contributed at our support groups. Wednesday presentations have had a varying number of attendees; publicity by MenTalk and faxing newspapers will be expanded to e-mailing presentation notices by this fall. Anger Management classes have had six sessions this year. Plans are to expand to a site in Stillwater for Anger Mgmt Classes. Summer party for Anger facilitators and the Board is being planned.
Outreach activities were: Planning for Pride has started, with the next meeting June 17. Also, planning for the Oct. 25 TMC anniversary Open House is underway.
The Executive committee actions were: Harold Kallio resigned as office coordinator. New phone company has been contracted for our service with extra line for internet and faxing at no increase in monthly charges.
This issue of Men Talk is emphasizing Fathers and Fathering, for Father’s Day is June 17. Please take time to read Dr. Obstaz’s article on "Forgiving our Fathers"; I was fortunate to deal with my issues directly with my father before he died. It has greatly changed my life for the better, and my relationship with my father greatly improved the last five years of his life.
Remember that the Men’s Center is important to me and to you; it is important to the Twin Cities community; and it is important to the Men’s movement in the United States. I hope that you all will see and realize this importance and VOLUNTEER your time and talents by serving on our committees.
Hoping you see Glory in your life,
John Kuyper,
Board Chair/MEN TALK Coordinator
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The library is available during daytime office hours (M, T, Th, F), as well as evenings before support groups start, since facilitators show up 15 minutes before group starting times. This is your library, so feel free to come in and relax with a beverage, a bagel, and a book.
Nearly 100 books have been added to the library, donated by people mentioned previously. With the able help of volunteer Edward McCarroll, they are now shelved and waiting to be checked out. Come browse the library; it’s for you.
Currently available newsletters and magazines are:
- Everyman April/May 2001 #48 with articles on Fatherhood.”
- Men’s Health
- Men’s Journal
- Lavender
- The Journal of Men’s Studies, Vol. 9 #3
New from the Minnesota Dept. of Human Services, Child Support Enforcement division are video tapes:
- Child Support: “Just Think About It."
- “Every Child’s Right”
- “Power of Two” (MN version)
Archive issues are available for numerous men’s journals and newsletters. THIS IS YOUR LIBRARY—USE IT!
-- Randy Genrich, TMC Office Staff
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Dollars & Numbers*
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2001
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2000
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1999
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| Memberships |
319
|
198
|
190
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| Budget Dollars |
$59,000
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$39,300
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$44,358
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| YTD Revenue |
$14,358*
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$15,015
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$13,595
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| YTD Expenses |
$12,283*
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$14,133
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$12,089
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| Bank Balance |
$1,445*
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$6,047
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$6,494
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| *As of May 1, 2001 reference point. |
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