Mapping the Future of the Men’s Center, Part 2: What Members are Saying
– © 2002 James Quenzer
In the last issue of Men Talk, I outlined the strategic planning process, including what steps need to occur and what the final outcome will be. As a follow-up, I'd like to share with you what your co-members are saying. Please note that there are many pages of commentary, and the following items are highly abridged. Whenever possible, I tried to highlight patterns where a number of individuals made comments along the same lines.
Emotional Safety.
Respondents were nearly unanimous in stating that they felt The Men's Center was a safe place in which to grow emotionally and personally – supportive and non-competitive, free of judgment, respectful of confidentiality.
Diversity.
Nearly all agreed that people of color are lacking from the membership, and that younger men should be encouraged to become more active. Regarding sexual orientation, members vary in their opinions. Some feel The Men's Center is perceived as "that gay place," which hurts it in obtaining members and funding. Others felt The Men's Center isn't reaching out enough to the bisexual and gay community. Many recognized that The Men's Center is highly unique, with straight, bi and gay men working together.
Volunteerism.
Many individuals stated that there are too few volunteers at The Men's Center, and that the ones who do volunteer are subject to burnout – too few people are handling too many areas of responsibility.
Leadership.
Opinions regarding the leadership of The Men's Center were mixed. Some stated that communications should be better, and that leaders were overly cautious in their decision-making. Others recognized that an all-volunteer Board works well, and has effectively kept the doors open on a shoestring budget.
Funding.
Nearly all respondents agree that lack of funding holds The Men's Center back from reaching its potential. Beyond that, opinions are "all over the map" on how to remedy the situation.
Technology.
A number of individuals think there are opportunities that The Men's Center is missing because it has not yet capitalized on technology as a tool for recruiting and retaining members, raising funds, etc. Most felt the web site was very good.
Anger Management.
The Anger Management Program consistently received excellent reviews from individuals who stated it is beneficial and cost effective.
Facilities.
Some respondents commented on the facilities of The Men's Center, stating that the basement is neither welcoming nor inviting, and that a location above ground where there is "fresh air and sunlight" is needed. Most acknowledged that this would require additional funding.
Again, the summaries above are highly condensed. Hopefully, they give you an overview of the scope of the information gathering that is occurring. You can help! Please let me know if you have comments or ideas that are not included. You can email me at tech@consultant.com, or better yet, plan to attend one or all of the upcoming meetings in 2003: elections, 1/11; annual planning meeting, 1/25, facilitator training, 2/8. Look for additional information and notices.
Community Reentry-Transitions Group
– © 2002 Hank Bruns
Where can a former prisoner go for emotional support when he returns to the community? Where can he be honest about his discouragement, frustrations, temptations, and fear of public attitudes? Where can he go to talk about his feelings where he will not be treated like a monster?
Prisons do their best to teach offenders the educational, vocational and psychosocial skills necessary to stay out of prison and live responsible lives. But without adequate support in the community, skills alone are likely to collapse under the pressures, temptations and discouraging setbacks that inevitably face offenders after their release.
The Twin Cities Men's Center is preparing to meet a new need among men. Community Reentry Group/Transitions Group will be a support group where former offenders can discuss the problems, hardships, and obstacles they face while transitioning from prison living to community living.
We are aware that opening our doors to former offenders may be a sensitive issue for some of you. We are aware of the pain and anger and fear on both sides of crime that is so difficult to reconcile with. It is our sincere hope that our members will come to see this new offering as an important initiative toward building a healthier and safer community.
The Men's Center has always been a quiet innovator in finding new ways to improve the quality of life for men, and consequently improve the health of family and community life. Here is the latest move toward that end.