Greetings from the chair. At the time of this writing we have added Bobby and Malik to the board bringing us to full strength. Look out! In fact it is terrific to have new energies and ideas to tap as we continue the mission of promoting healthy men and relationships so we are very pleased to have them.
Part of the message embedded in this issue is about tolerance so I'd like to add to our collective wisdom by saying a few words about differences in general and how this may relate to the "always safe to discuss" subject of, what else, politics. Since none of us can fully escape the ongoing barrage of negativity till November, it makes sense for me to put my own positive "spin" on things. Last time around, nearly four years ago I took particular note of the maps of red and blue that the media constantly fed to us essentially implying that the voting public of our fine country was nearly perfectly divided. Sure I can understand that in any election candidates can appeal to different constituencies but the political strategies of activity promoting and increasing intolerance and all manner of sub groupings seems to abandon higher goals and nobler virtues.
Frankly, as I go about getting my daily dose of news I can't help but think that the short-term political goals of getting to 51% at the expense of 49% carry explosive consequences. Why can't leadership in this county take advantage of their positions of privilege to educate and build the bridges for greater unity? Are we getting what we are collectively asking for? Could I be someone who feels superior because of education, or good health, easier access to resources and, in general, greater acceptance from mainstream culture? Am I someone who has struggled with school, inherited some misfiring genes, and feel doors to opportunities closed by cold hearts? If our representatives actually represent who we are, then it's clear that more than a simply majority of us need to actively promote common bonds. Negativity does no one any good.
Peace and long life,
Bob Eng
Board Chair
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–– Randy Genrich, Librarian
Using the library is a membership privilege. To check out a book, all you have to do is write your name. phone number, and the date on a checkout card and leave it in the box. Or just come in and browse – you will be surprised at how stimulating it can be to expose yourself to the books in our collection. So come on in and take a look.
We also have many periodicals available for your use, (current and archive copies) such as:
- Men's Health
- Voice Male
- Lavender
- Men's Journal
- Transitions
- Rainbow Families
- Bi All Means
- Wellness Journal
- The Edge
- and Everyman
(The Apr-June '04 issue focus is on War and Peace -- good stuff.)
Please be sure you use the library check-out system. And if you have overdue books, please return them so others can benefit from them.
Enjoy your library!
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PRIDE Festival 2004 Update
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THANKS AGAIN! For last year's successful weekend due to many Men's Center members and friends assisting in the fun and excitement! Last year's After Festival Survey will be applied to the 2004 event held on June 26th and 27th. We will contact last year's booth attendants and we want new participants to share this years event. Our ears are listening for a CO-coordinator recommendation from YOU people. This year, my schedule will not require me to be in Wisconsin and in Minneapolis on the same weekend as Pride Festival. With that alone, I'm looking for more fun this year!
NEWS from Faribault, MN from our (SUPERTRUCK) Operators: A NEW music sound system has been installed on the Men's Center Parade Unit. We are looking forward to having MUSIC BACK in our Sunday Parade! Rich and Mike have spent much time, money and effort to bring to us our (SUPERTRUCK) so, when you see them PLEASE thank them for the visibility they have given to the Men's Center!
Jerry Olson, Pride Coordinator
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