[menscouncil] Choice Activity for Men's Retreat

[Larry Works]

Thanks for the update Tom.  Much appreciated.  I look forward to talking.
Larry

On Sat, Nov 16, 2024 at 9:58 AM Tom Reischl <treischl57 at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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>*
>>>
>>>

-- 

"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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