Presentations - February/March 2012

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.

Family Law Clinic

Discussion Leader: Rasheen Tillman
When: Wed, Feb 1, 7:00-9:00 pm

Open to Men and Women

Targeted to the needs of men or women going through or anticipating divorce or dealing with other family law issues, this Clinic will give you an opportunity to discuss your own questions on such topics as:
* Divorce
* Separation
* Paternity
* Property Division
* Custody
* Spousal Maintenance
* Child Support
* Financial Settlements
* Co-habitation

Attorneys will volunteer their time and expertise for the benefit of those who attend. A nominal fee of $5 is charged for the public. Members of the Men's Center receive a courtesy discount.

Mankind Project Open Circle

Presenter: Andy Mickel
When: Wed, Feb 8, 7:00-9:00 pm

ManKind Project Minnesota began in 1990 and over 800 men are in our community. We have more than 20 on-going men's groups which serve as places where men can develop their Emotional Intelligence, practice Accountability to their Commitments of Service to others, and practice Authenticity in Actions and declarations.

This Open Circle enables participants to witness other men practice clarity of self-expression from their hearts rather than their heads. Join us in our 5-round format and ask questions to learn more and even participate yourself if you choose. Our structure is based on the masculine archetypes of King, Warrior, Magician & Lover in Moore and Gilette's book.

Over 50,000 men have attended ManKind Project experiential weekends for men all over the world to empower men to improve their lives and work together to help other men and families. ManKind Project Minnesota offers two New Warrior Training Adventure weekends/year.

Hypnotherapy

Presenter: Eric Christopher
When: Wed, Feb. 15, 7:00-9:00 pm

This is a discussion about what hypnosis is, what it is not, and how it can be used to help release and heal the emotional roots of anxiety, depression, or any other stuck, limiting feeling or pattern. It can also be used to access and utilize a creative and wise aspect of ourselves that we may not be aware of. It will be experiential.

Eric Christopher, MSMFT, CHT, has a background in Marriage and Family Therapy. He has been practicing hypnotherapy for the past 12 years in St. Paul.

The Perfect Storm?

Presenter: Keith Pederson
When: Wed, Feb. 22, 7:00-9:00 pm

Historically, there have been many diseases that are thought to have been eradicated. Only to have prevention efforts dwindle, and the disease comes back full force.

Once HIV was discovered, named and responded to in the 1980's the number of new transmissions began to decline. People were afraid of becoming HIV positive and dying! People talked openly about how the disease is transmitted and their behavior reflected safer sex activities.

There was a time in our past when Syphilis had all but disappeared as well. Unfortunately, humans don't always do what they know is safest - Think Jackass (TV and movie) here - and we sometimes take unnecessary risks. Thrill-seeking aside, humans like to do what feels good! Sometimes what feels good sexually is not what minimizes risk.

Fast forward to the current situation where new infections of Syphilis and HIV are on a dramatic incline (especially among men who have sex with men). In this presentation we will discuss some of the hypotheses thought to explain why we have the increasing new incidence of HIV and other STDs. We will also examine some of the painfully real economics contributing to a serious health care coverage issue facing our nation.

Finally, the combined views will paint the picture for you of what I believe is the beginning of The Perfect Storm!

Keith Pederson is the Project Coordinator for Man2Man, a Minnesota Department of Health HIV prevention program of the University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health. Keith also co-chairs the Community Cooperating Council on HIV and AIDS Prevention (CCCHAP). Formerly a Health Education Coordinator for PrideAlive, a program of the Minnesota AIDS Project, Keith has dedicated the past 8 years to HIV prevention education. Prior to working in HIV prevention Keith worked for over a decade in community-based mental health services. Keith's education is a unique combination of multimedia communications, social work and GLBT studies.

Effective Co-Parenting Relationships/Skills

Presenter: Steve Onell
When: Wed, Feb. 29, 7:00-9:00 pm

Open to men and women/fathers and mothers (couples in co-parenting relationships)

A brief history of the concept of "co-parenting" and a short co-parenting film will open this presentation. Handouts will also be available. The concepts of "business-like" and "parallel parenting" will also be discussed. Time for questions and discussion will be allowed. Co-parenting plans and co-parenting court will also be on the agenda. Tips and suggestions for effective co-parenting will be offered.

Stephen L. Onell, M.S., LISW. Have taught court required co-parenting classes for 12 years. Social worker with Meridian Behavioral Health at 2 of their men's chemical health treatment centers. Teach Parents Forever classes for Anoka Courts. Directs FathersFIRST! -- a support services program for fathers and their families. Have 3 adult children and 9 grandchildren. 35 years of teaching experience. 22 years of experience as a social worker.

Family Law Clinic

Discussion Leader: Kelley Lorix
When: Wed, Mar. 7, 7:00-9:00 pm

Open to Men and Women

Targeted to the needs of men or women going through or anticipating divorce or dealing with other family law issues, this Clinic will give you an opportunity to discuss your own questions on such topics as:
* Divorce
* Separation
* Paternity
* Property Division
* Custody
* Spousal Maintenance
* Child Support
* Financial Settlements
* Co-habitation

Attorneys will volunteer their time and expertise for the benefit of those who attend. A nominal fee of $5 is charged for the public. Members of the Men's Center receive a courtesy discount.

Mankind Project Open Circle

Presenter: Andy Mickel
When: Wed, Mar. 14, 7:00-9:00 pm

ManKind Project Minnesota began in 1990 and over 800 men are in our community. We have more than 20 on-going men's groups which serve as places where men can develop their Emotional Intelligence, practice Accountability to their Commitments of Service to others, and practice Authenticity in Actions and declarations.

This Open Circle enables participants to witness other men practice clarity of self-expression from their hearts rather than their heads. Join us in our 5-round format and ask questions to learn more and even participate yourself if you choose. Our structure is based on the masculine archetypes of King, Warrior, Magician & Lover in Moore and Gilette's book.

Over 50,000 men have attended ManKind Project experiential weekends for men all over the world to empower men to improve their lives and work together to help other men and families. ManKind Project Minnesota offers two New Warrior Training Adventure weekends/year.

Preparing for Your Own Death and the Death of a Love One.

Presenter: Tom Weaver
When: Weds March 21, 1012

Open to Men and Woman

Transcending Denial of Death to enjoy Mindful Living - An opportunity to share experiences, strength and hope around near death experiences, to co - create hopeful ways of preparing for death with dignity.

With my own experience of 23 years as a family doctor, and being the primary care-giver and life navigator, for my mom, Peg Weaver. Peg passed over in 2007 at age 97, having survived a Whipple Procedure for pancreatic cancer at age 74. We will share our experiences in the circle of life. Practical preparation such as Health Care Directives, Living Wills, Power of Attorney and cremation and burial celebrations will be shared in the context of recommended reading: The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying: The Spiritual Classic & International Bestseller by Sogyal Rinpoche

In Search of Male Intimacy

Presenter: Alvero Jones
When: March 28, 7:00-9:00 pm

Open to Men Only

Do you want more fulfillments in your relationships with men, yet finding yourself alone and unsatisfied? It may be time to pursue the true meaning of intimacy with men. Whether you're building new friendships, actively dating or are pursuing a committed relationship you will engage in some level of intimacy. Your success in developing fulfilling relationships with other men may reside in your understanding of how to obtain lasting intimacy.

The seminar "In Search of Male Intimacy" participants will engage on a journey inward to explore ways to create loving and fulfilling relationship by learning some basic strategies to improving ones level of intimacy with other men.

Participants will learn the meaning of intimacy, discover the levels of intimacy, explore the barriers that prevent intimacy and develop strategies to creating intimacy in their life and relationships.

Alvero Jones is the Executive Director and Founder of Relationship Quest. For further information call 612-338-2294 or visit www.RelationshipQuest.org

Family Law Clinic

Discussion Leader: Bob Manson
When: Wed, Apr. 4, 7:00-9:00 pm

Open to Men and Women

Targeted to the needs of men or women going through or anticipating divorce or dealing with other family law issues, this Clinic will give you an opportunity to discuss your own questions on such topics as:
* Divorce
* Separation
* Paternity
* Property Division
* Custody
* Spousal Maintenance
* Child Support
* Financial Settlements
* Co-habitation

Attorneys will volunteer their time and expertise for the benefit of those who attend. A nominal fee of $5 is charged for the public. Members of the Men's Center receive a courtesy discount.

Mankind Project Open Circle

Presenter: Andy Mickel
When: Wed, Apr 11, 7:00-9:00 pm

ManKind Project Minnesota began in 1990 and over 800 men are in our community. We have more than 20 on-going men's groups which serve as places where men can develop their Emotional Intelligence, practice Accountability to their Commitments of Service to others, and practice Authenticity in Actions and declarations.

This Open Circle enables participants to witness other men practice clarity of self-expression from their hearts rather than their heads. Join us in our 5-round format and ask questions to learn more and even participate yourself if you choose. Our structure is based on the masculine archetypes of King, Warrior, Magician & Lover in Moore and Gilette's book.

Over 50,000 men have attended ManKind Project experiential weekends for men all over the world to empower men to improve their lives and work together to help other men and families. ManKind Project Minnesota offers two New Warrior Training Adventure weekends/year.