[menscouncil] Choice Activity for Men's Retreat

[Tom Reischl]

Hi Larry:

Thanks for your email and your thoughts about the retreat. I apologize for
the delayed response. I wanted you to know that the Men's Council met
this morning and discussed your email and your concerns about engaging men
in RJA and SGD activities. We can talk more about this when we see each
other.

Tom Reischl

On Fri, Nov 1, 2024 at 9:17 AM Larry Works <lawrence.works at gmail.com> wrote:

> Good Morning Tom and Casey,
>
> Thank you for putting so much thought and effort into the Men’s Retreat.
>
> For personal reasons, I was only able to come to the Saturday Afternoon
> Activity Session to present on my 2 UUAA rebuilding groups.  Racial
> Justice Arc (RJA) and Spirititual Growth amd Development (SGD).  So, it
> made sense to me not to fill out a survey for the entire Retreat.
>
> However, you should know that no-one came to the Activity Session I
> offered.  The one man who came by, after learning what it was about, chose
> to take a nap.
>
> IMHO, having UUAA Men regularly participate in 1) fun SGD activities and
> 2) face RJA issues together is healthy for our congregations future
> growth.  Our youth, children and many women are do so regularly.
>
> After some reflection, I wonder if discussing, or sharing, UUAA racial
> justice information with groups of Men is considered highly inappropriate
> when we gather.  It was at my last Men’s Circle.  A couple of years ago, my
> Men’s Circle voted down, by a large margin discussing racial justice or
> any other UU information at meetings.  They wished to focus on Men’s
> issues.  IMHO, Men cannot be separated from societies current issues.  I
> was sad to leave and have not joined another one.  I miss their
> perspectives, experiences and strong support.  Yet I cannot ignore that my
> Racial Justice actions and activities to support UU Youth and children are
> just part of who I am as a UU.
>
> While I value the camaraderie of UUAA Men’s Fellowship, finding little
> interest to address divisive and challenging issues in society remains a
> blind spot.  A gap worth filling.  I now believe the Men’s Council is the
> only group who could address this IF they (you?) find the will to
> intentionally do so.
>
> HERE’S WHAT I WISHED TO SHARE WITH MEN
> The new RJA Step Up To Show Up quick response Team is open to all.  No
> commitment other than considering when a UUAA Community Partner asks for
> support by physically showing up, each person decides for themselves if it
> fits their schedule and sense of Racial Justice.  Meanwhile, I will
> continue co-leading RJA  in hopes that UUAA Men will participate in RJA
> activities in the future.  Look for a signup sheet in the Social Hall for
> the Show Up team.  Or, any man can tell Arika Lycan and they’ll be added.
> So far this year, RJA has been contacted once.
>
> SGD is experimenting with bringing fun back to spiritual learning so kids
> want to come to UUAA on Sunday mornings.  And, have an opportunity to  meet
> and play with adult UU’s in a safe environment.  This includes Men if
> they’re willing.  Meanwhile, I will continue serving on the SGD Committee
> and will encourage UUAA Men to participate just 2 times a year in SGD
> Activities.  Stella can share the signup link… thanks Stella.
>
> Personally, I’ll have to reflect on my recent MF experience and decide if
> the camaraderie of other men is enough for me at a UUAA Men’s Retreat.
>
> Meanwhile, I also remain available in the Social Hall, or directly, to all
> UU Men, and those who identify as men, as a member of the Pastoral Care
> Team.  Happy to receive good news and provide loving support as needed.
> Whether it’s a helping hand, a listening ear or to simply sit in silence
> witness.
>
> I’d be glad to discuss any or all of my roles at UUAA at a Men’s Council
> Meeting.  Thanks for considering this and again thank you both for all you
> do for UUAA.
>
> Warmly,
> Larry
>
> Sent from Gmail Mobile
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ---------
> From: Casey Jackson <caseystuartjackson at gmail.com>
> Date: Tue, Aug 27, 2024 at 15:33
> Subject: Re: Choice Activity for Men's Retreat
> To: Larry Works <lawrence.works at gmail.com>
> CC: Arika Lycan <arika.grace at gmail.com>, Stella Anderson <
> stellauuaa at gmail.com>
>
>
> I love this idea Larry!
>
> I'll add this to the schedule for Saturday afternoon!
>
> Do you have a preference for talking about it at 1 vs 2 pm?
>
> Best,
> Casey
>
> 734-210-7434
>
> Remember to find joy today!
>
>
> On Thu, Aug 22, 2024 at 8:52 AM Larry Works <lawrence.works at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi Casey,
>>
>> Both Spiritual Growth and Developmen <https://uuaa.org/about-sgd/>t and
>> the Racial Justice Arc <https://uuaa.org/group/racial-justice-arc-rja/>
>> are refocusing this year.  I can give a brief update on what is intended
>> with both areas (details TBD) as there will be additional volunteer
>> opportunities throughout 2024-2025.
>>
>> *NEW* for RJA will be the formation of "A UUAA Quick Response Team" when
>> we (RJA) are made aware of social injustice incidents by our Community
>> Partners and Group Activists.  Think of this as Leaning into our UU Values
>> with direct action.
>>
>> *NEW* for Spiritual Growth and Development (SGD) will be additional
>> opportunities to have fun and provide needed service to SGD family
>> caregivers, youth and children.  Both regular happenings and Special Events
>> throughout 2024-2025 are being considered.  Think of this as bridging the
>> divide between the wings of our building as we strengthen our Beloved
>> Community.
>>
>> Warm regards,
>> Larry
>>
>
>> --
>>
>> "The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal
>> rights upon it." -  Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt, Nez Perce (aka Chief
>> Joseph)
>>
>> Larry Works (he/him/his)
>> *MS Technology & Society*
>> *Retired*
>>
>> *lawrence.works at gmail.com <lawrence.works at gmail.com>*
>>
>>
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