Guys' Gathering Circles
About Guys' Gathering Circles
Guy’s Gathering groups bring together 6-10 boys with two college-aged facilitators each week for 8 weeks for 1-2 hours. These meetings provide an action-oriented context where participants can explore the positive and not-so-positive definitions of masculinity and how these expectations impact their own diverse identities. Groups help youth learn to communicate more effectively so they can express their unique personalities and connect with the important people in their lives.
Designed for Boys
Young men learn best through action, and in Circle guys take part in focused activities that include games, group challenges, and competitions, followed by discussion and reflection.
Through these experiences guys learn how to communicate more effectively, appreciate the diversity of others, uncover their unique strengths, develop leadership skills, and connect with the important people in their lives.
Topics Addressed
Each week the Guys’ Gathering circle will address a topic aimed at helping boys become honest, strong, respectful leaders. Topics may be adjusted based on the needs of the group and include the following:
- Healthy competition
- The male "box"
- Bullying
- Valuing diversity
- Safe expression of emotions
- Managing conflict
- Media messages about manhood
- Making healthy decisions
- Communicating with others
Circle Facilitators
Each circle is led by two adult facilitators (advanced college students or volunteers supervised by the CDR). Facilitators serve as role models and help foster a safe environment that is conducive to the exploration of each week’s topic by coordinating activities and guiding discussions within the group. If you are interested in learning more about facilitating Guys' Gathering Circles, please contact the CDR!