The Fall Men's Health and Well-Being Symposium is going full speed ahead. This issue of MenTalk is devoted to informing you of topics to be covered at the symposium and giving you a pre-conference registration discount opportunity. We have more than 23 volunteers working on all facets of this conference. Come join in!
Finances: 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 308 as of July 1.The Board has updated the space rental policy, making minor increases in the hourly rates. Call the office for specific numbers.
Program Committee: There is concern over our slumping numbers of attendees and dollars contributed at our support groups. Anger Management attendance is at a record high this year, although an official status report has not been received from Herb Jaehne for three months. A seventh AMC class is in progress during the summer at Hopkins. The Fall social camp-out/picnic will be Sept 15 at Baker Park.
Outreach Activities: Pride participation was extensive again. Did you see the advertising by TMC in the Pride publications and Star Tribune? Thanks to Jerry Olson for all his coordination work. Unfortunately, at the end of two full 12-hour days, Jerry had a serious accident in closing down our booth; he stumbled on a post and cut his forehead open (he was treated at the emergency room and released that night). This strongly points out the need for more volunteers: One person working 24 hours in two days needs more help! We are trying to obtain a booth at the Minnesota State Fair, and this would mean 12 days of coverage for 12 hours each day (probably 36 volunteers). Ask yourself seriously: Will you help distribute TMC info at the Fair?
Executive Committee: Ed McCarroll brought to the Board the need for safety lights in each of our group rooms. TMC did experience a power failure this spring and every room went pitch black. We have now purchased safety lights for each room.
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 understand 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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Use Me! Don't Ignore Me!
Use me! I have insights and some answers to the problems you are experiencing. I contain the stories of many who have experienced problems similar to yours. I can show you different perspectives, different points of view, and help you find new ways to resolve the problems of life.
- I can educate and guide you. I can entertain you!
- I have books on men's health, divorce, the men's movement, recovery from addiction, GLBT community, poetry, humor, depression, and more.
- No matter where you are in life, I am sure that I have the book for you.
- Use me! And we can grow together with greater understanding of ourselves and others.
- But I can do nothing if you don't use me! Ignore me, and I can help no one. I will die a slow and painful death, for like most beings I hate loneliness and need a purpose, a reason to live.
The Men's Center library is available during daytime office hours (M, Tu, Th, and F) from 1:00–4:30 as well as before all support groups. I am also available during support group hours on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
I am your library. Use me!
–– Edward McCarroll Librarian
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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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1998 |
| Memberships |
308
|
207
|
185
|
241
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| Budget Dollars |
$59,000
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$39,300
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$44,358
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$24,017 |
| YTD Revenue |
$20,335*
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$21,441
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$21,120
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$14,591
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| YTD Expenses |
$18,334*
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$21,510
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$20,911
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$14,159
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| Bank Balance |
$9,896*
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$12,116
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$5,697
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$7,231 |
| *As of Aug 1, 2001 reference point. |
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