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If you think about it, what we’re doing is building an alternate reality. No, not VR or AR, but a reality of masculinity where even the most tough, ready-to-fight, disinterested-in-equality boys can maintain an alternate version of themselves in a space that is defined by respect and inclusion. Even if they feel the need to buy into toxic masculinity elsewhere to protect themselves, there’s still a part of themselves that doesn’t.
Read MoreIn the years since #MeToo, I’ve seen a question increasingly materializing among the best schools: how do we sustain positive change? If you’re reading this, you probably know why schools should be talking about positive masculinity. You might already be starting to put this into practice. So let’s talk about what’s next.
Read MoreIn some ways, the program itself is the easy part. The hard part is getting a troop of boys and young men to show up in the first place. At Next Gen Men, we’ve been engaging boys and young men in gender equality for a long time, so we’re here to share some insights we’ve gained along the way.
Read MoreToday we are proudly releasing our labour of love, the Next Gen Manual, to the world for free. We know that this program guide will make a huge difference in your work with boys and youth, because we’ve been using it ourselves.
We also know the immense impact that even a single, well-equipped and engaged educator can have on youths’ development and futures—because we’ve seen it time and time again.
Read MoreThe human body is designed to resist toxicity. It’s not until we’re immersed in it for a long period of time that it becomes dangerous. That’s why the most important thing we can do as role models and mentors in boys’ lives is to provide an unwavering sensation of being known and loved.
Read MoreBut most of all, it’s a story of change. It’s about the distance you travel when you’re 11-turning-12, what it takes to be true to yourself on that journey and the kind of mentoring relationship that can bring you closer to who you want to be.
Coming soon wherever you listen to podcasts.
Read MoreTime and time again, boys show us that if we raise the bar, they will meet us there. If we create a space for meaningful discussions, they will fill it. If we offer them an alternative to the boys-will-be-boys culture that would motivate a student to disrupt a presentation, they will show up with open hearts and open minds.
Read MoreWe’re constantly doing research about boyhood masculinities and community- and school-based programs, and recently came across a thought-provoking framework for community-based rites of passage.
Read MoreValues can be both culture and compass. They can be a foundation, to help a group build friendship, trust and respect. They can also help set expectations and communicate boundaries.
Read MoreMy job is not to protect myself from unwanted critique. My job is to provide a space that is safe, supportive and open to boys being themselves. I have to role model that.
Read MoreWorking to contradict their masked insecurities will make for better relationships with the boys in our lives, whether they’re at home or in the classroom. It’s one of the intentions I’m holding as I start facilitating programs again.
Read MoreIt wasn’t until dropping off the final students from our last field trip of the year that it hit me, my time developing and delivering programs at NGM was over.
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