a league of Good Men
Recently I workshopped words that describe the qualities and values of what men feel makes a "Good Man". I did this with several groups of men # and for perspective, I included a few good women as well. The result is a set of ideas and values for "Good Men" to get behind and be able to express positivity when discussing what makes up a Good Man. (# many thanks to the "Mateship" team at We Are Community Inc. for allowing me to hold the first workshop.)
The intent of this movement and membership is to clearly describe
what we, as men, want people to know about us and what we stand
for as Good Men.
Far too often public discourse and some existing poor role models
are describing the "bad man" and the things a bad man does,
including violent behaviour, dishonesty, coercive behaviour and lies.
It is important now to promote what it means to be a Good Man.
In particular for young men, a role model of what makes a
Good Man appears to be missing or unavailable. Those of us who
are more mature can in fact offer support by displaying good behaviour
and emphasizing a standard of behaviour and ways of living that add purpose and meaning to our lives including joy and happiness. This brings a depth to discussion about masculinity that adds support to those we love and care about.
We hear women In particular are calling for accountability and for men to stand equally beside women. So then by stating what a Good Man is, and that we promise to live up to strong values, enables us to declare that we are willing to be better in these ways.
Joining is easy, please submit the following form (please scroll down) and provide a postal address, and I will send you a supply of business cards detailing what it means to be a Good Man.
Glenn Cossar
why join the League of Good Men ?
For a long time we have all experienced the impact of "bad men" and how their acts of violence and poor behaviour has had a negative effect on everyone.
We have recently heard the story of how; "A woman walking in a forest would much rather be confronted by a BEAR than a strange man". The meaning of this short story is that men are not to be trusted, and this reflects poorly on all men. As someone who regards themselves as a Good Man I do feel both sad and troubled that women make such a comparison and I accept that this poor opinion of men is very real for them.
I want to call out loud, "But this is not all men." Of course this sounds lame and offers no value to the discussion. So, how then are men, who regard themselves as Good Men, to properly respond to the poor image that bad men create? Instead of a passive role of standing apart from the bad man, I felt it could be more positive to state clearly what a Good Man stands for, and this is the reason for establishing the movement for "a League of Good Men".
how to join the League:
Simply send me your request to join with a postal address by email to glenncossarconsulting@gmail.com and you will be sent a supply of business cards detailing our pledge that you can show/pass to people interested in what we are working on achieving. This instantly makes you a member of the League of Good Men.
You will also be included in the growing list of members and enjoy the connection and inclusion in any planned activities and events.
As events come to be planned, details will be listed here for you to participate in. All are welcome to participate.
