A Circle of Warriors
Presenter: Andy Mickel
When: Wed, June 8, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Open to Men Only

The ManKind Project is an organization of men working together to improve their lives and help other men. As New Warriors we are an order of men called to reclaim the sacred masculine and provide a model for men to generate and maintain a world for the betterment of ourselves, our families, tribes, communities and cultures.

We are all familiar with a man’s physical tools (a hammer, a sword, a plow...). Is this enough? What about integrity, commitment, authenticity and clarity? Observe—ask Questions—or Participate if you like with a group of men who are practicing authentic connection to feeling in a safe container. The New Warrior Training Adventure is an “Inventuring” opportunity that has changed men’s lives.

The initiation of men is the hope of the world. - Don Jones, former chairman, ManKind Project.

Aging Well
Presenter: Norm Petrik
When: Wed, June 15, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Open to Men and Women

There are lots of choices we have to maintain our health, including diet, exercise, and stress reduction. Norm will show a 30 minute video tape on Aging Well and lead a discussion, and perhaps some stretching exercises to put knowledge into action.

Norm Petrik worked as a psychologist for the VA in St Cloud for 37 years, and retired Sept 04.He had heart bypass surgery in April 1993 and was physically active both before and after surgery. He also practices yoga stretches on a daily basis.

Men’s Rights in Divorce
Presenter: Jim Gerharter
When: Wed, June 22, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Open to Men and Women

Jim will focus this presentation on men’s rights and responsibilities in domestic relationships and pre-divorce actions which can help or hinder men in protecting their rights.

Jim Gerharter is a Minneapolis attorney practicing in the Uptown area. He has 21 years experience as a lawyer He is a longtime member of the Men’s Center and has made numerous presentations at the center.

Suffering from Vague Dis(-)ease:  Grieving When Loss Isn’t Clear
Presenter: Paul Read
When: Wed, June 29, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Thanks to the pioneering work of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and others, much has been learned about how we respond to  particular life events which result in some sort of loss. Whether the loss of a loved one through death or change in relationship, the loss of ones own health or bodily function, or some similarly traumatic event, we’ve come to expect that the experience of loss will be a process, a journey. But what about those events in our lives that aren’t so dramatic? What losses are ‘flying under the radar’ that are causing us to grieve? In this presentation, we’ll review some of the basic understandings of the grief process and then move on to what U of M professor and researcher Pauline Boss calls ‘Ambiguous Loss.’ Participants are encouraged to bring their own stories and questions. A list of resources will be provided.

Paul Read, M.A., M.Div. is a licensed marriage an family therapist with TRUST Family Center at Judson in south Minneapolis. He is Lutheran pastor and is vice-chair of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, Minnesota and a national All Options Clergy Counselor trainer.  

What About Men’s Health
Presenter: Clarence Jones
When: Wed, July 6, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Open to Men and Women

There is clearly a difference in the health status between women and men. There are even more health disparities issues when we talk about P.O.C and the White population. Some surveys indicate many men have not seen a doctor within the last 5 years and that many men use the emergency room as their primary medical contact. Other surveys indicate that the HIV rate in prison is five times the rate in the general population and that approximately 60% of the prison population will be released in the next year.

This presentation will take a look at these and other issues and answer questions on how individuals and community agencies can work with medical agencies to assist men in being proactive about their own health and their loved one's health.

Clarence Jones has presented before at the Men’s Center on this topic.

A Circle of Warriors
Presenter: Andy Mickel
When: Wed, July 13, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Open to Men Only

The ManKind Project is an organization of men working together to improve their lives and help other men. As New Warriors we are an order of men called to reclaim the sacred masculine and provide a model for men to generate and maintain a world for the betterment of ourselves, our families, tribes, communities and cultures.

We are all familiar with a man’s physical tools (a hammer, a sword, a plow...). Is this enough? What about integrity, commitment, authenticity and clarity? Observe—ask Questions—or Participate if you like with a group of men who are practicing authentic connection to feeling in a safe container. The New Warrior Training Adventure is an “Inventuring” opportunity that has changed men’s lives.

The initiation of men is the hope of the world. - Don Jones, former chairman, ManKind Project.

Why Can’t My Partner Hear Me?
Presenter: Jan Jirak
When: Wed, July 20, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Open to Men and Women

Can’t understand what's eating your spouse? Having trouble getting through to your partner? Good communication greatly increases satisfaction in a relationship.

Jan Jirak, a Licensed Psychologist who practices in the Uptown area, will share specific techniques for clear, constructive, loving communication.

Retirement or Refirement?
Presenter: Norm Petrik
When: Wed, July 27, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Open to Men Only

There are lots of choices about how to live when one no longer has paid employment, and the healthy ones are staying involved in life in some meaningful way. He will show a video tape on "Refirement, creating your 2d life", and lead a discussion on feelings associated with retirement. Norm leads a support group that meets monthly to discuss feelings associated with this major life change.The group meets on Sunday evening at 5:30-7:00pm, in June and July, the 2nd Sundays, June 12th and July10th. Usually we meet 3rd Sundays. Join us!

Norm Petrik retired Sept 04 after 37 years of employment as a psychologist at the St Cloud VA, has been on the Men's Center Board for the past 9 years, and has been active in Mended Hearts, a support group for persons that had heart surgery. He has also been active in Sokol Minnesota, a Czech-Slovak Cultural organization devoted to healthy minds and bodies and in his local church.