We fundamentally believe that these early intervention programs can limit toxic masculinity and reduce rates of anxiety and depression that often lead to the prevalent outcomes of suicide and domestic abuse we see in our society.
The programs below bring our vision to life, and equip boys with the attitudes, beliefs and behaviours necessary for them to realise their full potential, build healthy relationships and take positive action in their communities.
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Workshop 1 – Realising my Potential
Boys create their own unique version of healthy masculinity by understanding how gender norms have shaped their perspectives to this point, before being given the choice to grow beyond that. Exploration of personal identity, their unique strengths, how to care for themselves and what their values are, all add up to them understanding how they can reach their full potential. In the full-day workshop, boys will:
- Learn how gender stereotypes impact their attitudes and behaviour
- Meet our diverse male and non-binary facilitators
- Learn to constructively express their thoughts and feelings
- Connect to their values and strengths
- Leave with tools and resources to support their personal wellbeing
- Define values-based vision for the man they want to become
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Workshop 2 – Building Respectful Relationships
This workshop guides boys on how to build healthy relationships across all domains of their life. This section explores how to support others, empathy, conflict resolution, expressing needs, power/privilege and integrity. In this workshop, boys will:
- Explore what defines a respectful relationship, especially with women
- Consider the quality of their own relationships
- Take responsibility for the impact of their words or actions on other
- Learn to empathise with each others personal stories
- Learn to manage and resolve conflict without violence
- Improve the quality of their relationships with each other
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Workshop 3 – Leading in the Community
This workshop completes The Man Cave journey to Manhood, and challenges the boys to consider how they will uniquely contribute to their community and the world. In this workshop, boys will:
- Define the values and actions they want to lead by
- Be challenged on how they lead in their community
- Identify the unique needs of their school community
- Define tangible actions they plan to take in contributing to their community
- Have their Man Cave experience closed, and be challenged to mentor the next generation