Presentations - April/May 2006

The Men's Center Board appreciates the volunteer presenters who return from time to time and welcome first timers. Their presentations add a new dimension to our weekly Wednesday night gatherings.

Please take time to read the descriptions and plan to attend if they stimulate your interest. Bring a friend to share the experience and acquaint him/her with the Men's Center. Each presentation is intended to promote personal growth, stimulate your interest in a topic, and to give you an opportunity to interact with other attendees.

We are always looking for new presenters and topics. Please call Randy at The Men's Center, 612-822-5892 with your ideas and names. We appreciate your help.

Presentations are the sole responsibility of the presenter(s). The Men's Center does not endorse, takes no specific position, nor does it hold any opinion on the presentations, or of any information imparted, or of the presenter(s) themselves.

The Men's Center is a RESOURCE for the community, a clearing house for information of all kinds, agreeable or not, to one's beliefs. Listen, participate and make your own decisions.

All groups meet at TMC, 3249 Hennepin Ave. So, Suite 55, unless otherwise noted. These low cost presentations are shown in the Calendar of Events and a more extensive description follows. No pre-registration is needed; entrance fees collected at the door are:

  • Non-Members of TMC $5.
  • Regular Members ($20 level) - $3
  • Patron Members - FREE

    Note: All events are for men only unless otherwise stated.

April/May 2006

Collaborative Practice: A Dignified, Comprehensive, and Cost-Effective Process for Divorce
Presenter: Linda Wray
When: Wed. Apr. 5, 7:00-9:00 pm

Collaborative Practice is a voluntary process in which parties, their attorneys, and other professionals retained by the parties, sign a Participation Agreement stating they will use their best efforts to resolve the issues in the parties’ divorce with dignity and without resort to court intervention. Linda K. Wray, an attorney and mediator, will describe the history of this non-adversarial settlement oriented process, the fundamental principles of this process and the basic steps through a Collaborative divorce case.

Linda K. Wray, Attorney and Mediator: Previously a public school teacher with an undergraduate degree in psychology, Linda has had her own client-centered family law practice for the past 11 years. She is a currently the President of the Collaborative Law Institute.

A Circle of Warriors
Presenter: Andy Mickel
When: Apr. 12, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

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 provides a model for men to generate and maintain a world in such a way as to include and yet rise above one’s own issues for the betterment of one’s self, one’s own family, tribe, nation and race.”

We are all familiar with a man’s physical tools (a hammer, a sword, a plow.....) Is this enough? What about integrity, commitment, action and clarity? I know that most men want and need these tools. The New Warrior Training Adventure can help. Join a circle of warriors to ask questions and hear how the adventure has changed men’s lives.

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

Sexual Compulsivity and Men’s Sexuality
Presenter: Weston M. Edwards, PhD
When: Apr. 19, 8:00-9:30 p.m.

Please note the 8:00 p.m. starting time!

How much sex is too much sex? Am I sexually compulsive? This discussion will help you figure out if you may be sexually compulsive or just darn lucky. We will also help you answer the question What are healthy sexual behaviors for me? The discussion will include looking at the compulsive sexual behavior cycle, and provide basic strategies for early intervention. The opportunity to ask questions will be provided.

Dr. Weston M. Edwards is a licensed psychologist practicing at the Sexual Health Institute in Minneapolis, MN.

Embracing Change after Divorce
Presenter: Andy Besser
Date: April 26, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Embracing Change after Divorce will give the participants tools which they can use in their everyday life to help them deal with new and potentially uncomfortable situations. Learning how to Embrace Change and take advantage of these opportunities will strengthen your self esteem while building self confidence.

I am NOT a psychotherapist, a physician, or someone who has only read about divorce, or someone who has merely talked to others about their experience with divorce. I AM someone who has been divorced. I have experienced the separation of my children. I had to learn and deal with the feelings my children had towards me and my ex-spouse. I had to learn how to manage my life all over again and find that place that I was comfortable with. I found that in order to move forward, I needed to Embrace the Change that came with being on my own again and starting over. I had to learn how to develop friends aside from “joint” friends I had during my marriage. Now, I enjoy sharing my experiences with others and I will assist you in taking advantage of the opportunity to start over.

The Real Estate Bubble: Separating Fact from Fiction
Presenter: John Jacobsen
When: May 3, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

This presentation discusses the facts, whether the Twin Cities is an overheated market as claimed in some media outlets, and the cultural phenomena that have led to the current market with a view to the current trends. This presentation gives the attendees a safe environment in which to ask real estate questions and address their concerns. The presentation lasts about an hour.

John Jacobsen is a Twin Cities realtor. He can be reached at mnrealtyguy@msn.com

A Circle of Warriors
Presenter: Andy Mickel
When: May 10, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

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 provides a model for men to generate and maintain a world in such a way as to include and yet rise above one’s own issues for the betterment of one’s self, one’s own family, tribe, nation and race.”

We are all familiar with a man’s physical tools (a hammer, a sword, a plow.....) Is this enough? What about integrity, commitment, action and clarity? I know that most men want and need these tools. The New Warrior Training Adventure can help. Join a circle of warriors to ask questions and hear how the adventure has changed men’s lives.

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

Growing Up Male in America
Presenter: Ron Perrier
Date: May 17, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Ron Perrier authored Growing Up Male in America: a collection of 16 anonymous, candid interviews with varied, young men. Reading excerpts, he’ll his reveal his motivation, subject choice, and answer questions.

Many feel alienated entering their manhood in a world without heroes. Learn how they surmount contradictory messages about: sexuality, maleness, male bonding and relationships with women.

Born in 1940, on a Stillwater farm, he earned a UofM Ph.D. He taught more than 50,000 students at Senior High through University levels over 40 years. He is Professor Emeritus of Theatre & Film Studies at St. Cloud State, and author or editor of nine books. His previous publication is A Sense of Honor: Remembrances of WWII Veterans.

Growing Up in America will be available at a special price of $20.

Embracing Change after Divorce
Presenter: Andy Besser
Date: May 24, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Open to Men and Women

Embracing Change after Divorce will give the participants tools which they can use in their everyday life to help them deal with new and potentially uncomfortable situations. Learning how to Embrace Change and take advantage of these opportunities will strengthen your self esteem while building self confidence.

I am NOT a psychotherapist, a physician, or someone who has only read about divorce, or someone who has merely talked to others about their experience with divorce. I AM someone who has been divorced. I have experienced the separation of my children. I had to learn and deal with the feelings my children had towards me and my ex-spouse. I had to learn how to manage my life all over again and find that place that I was comfortable with. I found that in order to move forward, I needed to Embrace the Change that came with being on my own again and starting over. I had to learn how to develop friends aside from “joint” friends I had during my marriage. Now, I enjoy sharing my experiences with others and I will assist you in taking advantage of the opportunity to start over.

No Presentation
Date: May 31, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Weight-Management for Men:
A Commonsense Approach
Presenter: Jim Lovestar
When: June 7, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Few men live without weight and appearance related issues. Jim will cover the research and offer coaching on simple and effective techniques to manage your weight. You will learn basic nutrition, how to make peace with food, and tools to maintain the weight you desire.

Jim Lovestar is the founder and president of the Institute for Men’s Health and Well-Being. He has worked with men individually and in groups for over 25 years.


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