Are you seeing the challenges boys face? The seductions and distractions of the internet, declining engagement with school, hyper-sexualized pop culture, lack of positive male role models, absence of grounded rites of passage processes all combine to leave boys vulnerable. This course supports educators, parents, youth and social workers to more effectively create safe, socially responsible schools, families, and communities where boys are happier, more positively engaged, and embodying their potentials.
Through this experiential and participatory program you will learn some of the essential skills, processes and techniques to support the positive raising and mentoring of young males. You will also learn tools and an approach to meaningfully engage young males within a group or community context and supporting young men to take active roles in our communities.
We will explore what mentorship is and how it differs from common ideas of teaching and counselling. Learn about your potential to provide mentorship and how it can be navigated in personal and professional contexts.
We will deepen our understanding about the dynamics of male youth culture and some of the effects of both biology and socialization on young males. As part of creating positive socialization for young males, we will examine hallmarks of rites of passage experiences and the necessity for them.
Time will be provided to integrate the course content with regard to participants’ existing personal and professional relationships with male youth. We will share our own resources, practices and questions in our work to support healthy and positive models of male identity, and create new practices to utilize in our work and personal contexts.
Program Cost: $630 (tuition, meals & accommodation)
Local Price: $550 (without overnight)
We strive to make our programs as accessible as possible.
Please contact our Registrar to inquire about a bursary or payment plan.
Please register at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your place in this program.
Leadership
Brian Braganza
Brian Braganza is a Courage & Renewal® Facilitator and member of Tatamagouche Centre’s Program Resource Group. He works as an experiential educator specializing in personal development, youth engagement, community resiliency and sustainability. Brian led a Men’s Canoe retreat for 12 years and works with boys and men exploring positive masculinity. Brian’s own personal transformations and desire for uncovering his best self-led him to the work of Parker Palmer and the Centre for Courage and Renewal. Brian also leads wilderness experiences, grows organic vegetables and is a writer and musician.
David Hatfield
David Hatfield is a leadership consultant and facilitator, specializing in masculinity, conflict transformation, and rites of passage. His program design and delivery have been contracted nationally and internationally since 1998. David has explored the male experience with over 20,000 boys and men in 5 nations and is the Canadian coordinator for International Men’s Day. He is the founder and program director for Manology: Exploring 21st Century Masculinity, an on-going course for men, women and all-genders. David holds an M.Ed. in Social Ecology and lives in Vancouver. www.davidhatfield.ca