The men over fifty in the ManKind Project are our elders. But, do we accept them as elders or do we expect them first to declare? We define a declared elder as an elder who has self chosen to serve by declaring himself an elder of and in his community. Many MKP men expect an elder to declare himself. Have you considered, however, what the status of an elder is in your view if he has not declared? More, do you have any way of determining if a man has declared? We expect men who wish to become Ritual Elders In Training (RET) to be declared elders. Most of us expect the lead elders of each center to be declared and yet do we ever ask them if they are? Do any of us feel it is reasonable to ask?

In older cultures such as the Native American culture men and women become elders and take their place on elder boards or sit in elder circles. It is very common for these older, respected Native American elders never to declare themselves an elder. They accept the call to elderhood but don’t define themselves this way.

Who is responsible for defining someone an elder? Ask yourself who some of the people are in your life that have been elder like. What qualities led you to define these older people as your elders? It was probably not age alone. Unlike older cultures, the American is less enamored with age and more impressed by personal presence. In South Africa, Australia or New Zealand it is more likely that people reach the status of elder by age alone. Many of the less industrialized cultures embrace people as elders by age alone.

If you agree that in North America we are less inclined to celebrate all older people as elders then what is it about the elders in your life that qualifies them? I suggest that our elders are accessible, in service, less biased toward others, spiritual, connected to family and wise. Admittedly these are our judgments about our elders. This is how we see them. So, the process of becoming an elder is about being seen as an elder by others, by those we serve, by those who feel we have elder qualities.

Consider how MKP declared elders are seen by people who know them but who are not initiated. What would happen if our children, grandchildren, members of our church, people we work with or neighbors learned that we had declared ourselves an elder? What if some of these people did not see us as elders? What would it mean to those people that we called ourselves an elder? In my book, The Elder Within, I wrote a long section on an elder ritual. My intention was to suggest that we might call together the people who are special to us and organize a ceremony that allows a person to celebrate his elderhood. I wrote that in 2001. Today, I am less certain that an elder ceremony would do much to move me closer to elder role of status. Many of those I would invite to this ceremony would probably call me an elder if they used this term at all. But, not all of them would. What is the benefit of declaring myself an elder if those who hear my declaration disagree?

The elders of MKP have come up with a process called the Elder Journey. It is a seven stage process that can facilitate a man’s movement into elder expression. Would it make more sense for us as MKP elders to declare that “we are on the elder journey”? Given that our growth into elderhood is dynamic and ever changing, do we ever get to a place where we finally become an elder? It is clear to me that I have become more elder like over the years. I have healed some, grown up some, become more patient and less angry. I am more interested in service, in being a resource to my family, of being a source of blessing. If my brothers who be willing to accept that I am on the elder journey, maybe I never need to declare myself an elder.

Terry was initiated in Washington, 1996. He is now active in the planning for a seven module reflection series that assists older MKP men in making the Elder Journey. Terry is the author of “The Elder Within: Source of Mature Maculinity.” He is father to six, grandfather to six, a counselor, mediator, spiritual director and educator.

Frank Grindrod, a New Warrior from Western Massachusetts, part of the New England Community and a Member of one of the two longest running men’s groups in New England (the Special Boys) was featured in a spot on a local TV station WWLP 22 News with information on what to have and what to do if you’re stranded in your car this winter.

Frank has been working with children and adults for a number of years teaching survival and tracking skills through his business, Earthwork Programs. He also regularly puts on survival programs that help ‘everyday’ folks gain confidence and skills for handling tough situations that arise unexpectedly, and in Massachusetts, this has been happening a lot.

Frank is one of a large number of men in the Northeast who are helping people reconnect to the natural world and protect, sustain and improve our society. The New England ManKind Project community has become a hub for engaged men of all ages to align the ‘outer’ work that they do with environmental sustainability, nature awareness, survival skills, tracking skills and more with the ‘inner tracking’ work that we have been doing for nearly 3 decades across the USA and around the world. It’s a perfect fit.

Thank you Frank for stepping out into the world to share your gifts!

Boysen Hodgson is the Editor of the ManKind Project Journal and the Marketing and Communications Director for the ManKind Project USA. Boysen graduated summa cum laude with a BA in English Lit. and completed 2 years of Design coursework at Cornell University. He owns H2O Marketing, Inc., a Graphic Design and Marketing Company in Springfield, Massachusetts. He’s a dedicated husband. Boysen completed the New Warrior Training Adventure in 2004.

ManKind Project San Diego

A common saying during any ManKind Project event is “Let’s leave it better than we found it.” This applies not only to the sites across the world that we rent for our trainings, but also the relationships between MKP men and the communities and people we meet. Often there will be 60-70 men on hand for a ManKind Project training event, and their impact will be noticed by local store clerks and restaurant owners, who often comment on the camaraderie shared by our motley crews.

When authentic men get together, they bring laughter and warmth with them, and they leave people feeling better for the connection.

Broken Rock Ranch, where the San Diego ManKind Project community holds New Warrior Training Adventures, had a flag pole raised in 1962. It was falling down and the base was deteriorating. A San Diego MKP man, who is also a U.S. military veteran, donated and had installed a new flag pole. The men of the ManKind Project San Diego dedicated the new flagpole to kick off their December Training weekend.

The flag pole and the flags looked good flying in the wind!

Celebrating Ten Years of Multicultural Work and Passionately Looking Towards the Future!

Dr. Lenny Hoffman, Houston, TX

Henry Thurman, Milwaukee, WI

Dennis Nicely, St. Louis, MO

Dr. Thomas Griggs, Raleigh, NC

Cherry Steinwender, Houston, TX

Rick Broniec, Greenfield, WI

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 10, 5 PM dinner through Sunday, Nov. 13, 2 PM

WHERE: Wesley Woods Camp and Retreat Center in Indianola, Iowa

AGENDA:

Thursday: Check in 2-5 PM; dinner at 5 PM; Opening Circle; movies with discussions; time for informal conversations.

Friday: Choose one of the following workshops:

“Issues & Isms: an Introduction to Multicultural Awareness” Presenters Rick Broniec, Dennis Nicely, Henry Thurman
Or
“Race: The Power of an Illusion” – Cherry Steinwender, Co-Executive Director of the Center for the Healing of Racism, Houston, Texas. Dr. Lenny Hoffman, Board Member of the CHR, will assist.

Saturday: Opportunities to learn and experience many useful multicultural tools and awarenesses that will benefit you in your life and in your MKP/WW work. Specific workshops to be announced later.

Sunday: “Becoming An Effective Ally” – Presenters Rick Broniec and Dennis Nicely

Note: Although The MCC Gathering will NOT include business meetings, there will be opportunities for the Center Reps to meet together.

WHO ATTENDS:

The MCC Gathering is open to all women and men who have a passion for multicultural work. The weekend training will be especially helpful to the MCC Center Reps and to the NWTA men on the Leader Track who need the I & I for advancement. Come share in a safe, sacred ‘learning space’ as we explore these rich and rewarding topics together.

HOUSING:

We will be in large dorm rooms of 4-6 people with shared baths. The retreat cabins have a kitchenette and meeting rooms.

COST:

The $225 registration includes training, lodging, nine meals and an abundance of sharing and learning time.

TRAVEL: Fly into Des Moines, IA airport which is 40 minutes away from the site. Travel to and from the airport will be arranged nearer to the conference.

REGISTER: MKP-USA Multicultural Council Conference

Contact Keith McKibben if you have questions.

Elders come weave your gifts!

The Elder Council and the elders of the Central Plains Community of the
Mankind Project USA offer an opportunity for elder men and women from
across the world (anyone of age 50 or older) in their USA Gathering of
Elders (USAGE) conference to be held October 27 – 30, 2011, at the Wesley
Woods Camp and Retreat Center, just 20 minutes south of the Des Moines
Airport near Indianola, IA.

The theme of the gathering is: By weaving together the threads of our life experiences,
we elders create a tapestry of inner mastery which we actively gift to the world.

For information (including registration) about The USA Gathering of Elders go to:
USAGE

Also, information about the gathering is available on the Elder Council
Webpage: MKP Elders

Contact person: Conference Chair, Allan Podbelsek (502 338 2067)

Wesley Woods: Conference participants will enjoy walks on 344 acres on a high ridge
overlooking spectacular rolling hills and scenic valleys. At Wesley Woods the goal
is to help guests and campers slow down, play, connect, and grow strong. For more
information about Wesley go to Wesley Woods Iowa or the Registration web page: USAGE

Conference Overview: Men and women will gather for an opening ceremony, dinner
and a keynote speaker on Thursday, October 27. Women will participate in their own
retreat on Friday and Saturday at the Apple Tree Inn in Indianola while men meet at the
campground. Men and women will join for dinner and fun activities on Saturday evening. The event will close on Sunday morning with a closing ceremony and brunch.

Conference Registration: The cost for men (lodging, food and program) is $275;
the cost for women is $150. Women will need to pay separately for their rooms at the Apple Tree Inn in Indianola, Iowa. Men who choose to stay at the Apple Tree Inn will pay $215. This special rate applies through September 26.

Conference Program: There is a lot to like about the program of the USAGE.
For starters Dr. Robert Moore (co-author of King, Warrior, Magician, Lover) will deliver the keynote speech on Thursday evening, “MKP Eldership and 2012:
The Challenge of a New Consciousness in Leaders During and After the Apocalypse.”

Rosemary Cox and Shauna, Luthringer, both trained Sage-ing Leaders in the Sage-ing
Guild, will lead the Women’s Retreat at the Apple Tree Inn. The theme of the two-day
retreat is: “Gifting the quilt of our life experiences and Wisdom.” Women are invited to
weave their gifts, their stories, and their passions into a “quilt of life” that can be gifted
to those they meet along the way and to Mother Earth.

Elder men will move and lift their voices in song, and learn how to lead songs and chants through the magic of Doug Von Koss.

There will be small groups that connect at different times during the gathering.

A variety of workshops will allow elders to explore their elder journey through
the “Elder Reflection Series,” discover the gold in their elder shadows, embrace mastering change in turbulent times, address the study and practice of spiritual wisdom
in the life of an elder, hear great poetry, examine elder blessings in today’s world, explore the concept of androgyny as a spiritual phenomena, share their unique gifts and consider how to build a gift community. Go to the Program tab in the web page:
USAGE to see more details about each of these topics.

The 8th Annual Talent Show will take place on Saturday night where elders share their
talents of music, poetry, and story-telling. Elders, be there for the fun!

The Ritual Elders will conduct their annual business meeting led by John de Strakosch.

The annual meeting of the MKP USA Elder Council will be conducted by the MKP USA
Elder Council Chair, Terry Jones.

Together elders will truly create a tapestry of inner mastery which will glow brightly October 27 – 30 at Wesley Woods Campground and shine forth across the world as elders return to their home communities.

All Quadrants, All Levels

by Boysen Hodgson

In the ManKind Project, we’re voracious integrators. Our trainings and groups are a tightly mixed alchemical combination of exercises, modalities and practices from across the spectrum of personal growth, psychology, spiritual, ritual and physical practices. Men from different traditions and multiple generations have brought their unique gifts to the ManKind Project and our men’s circles, and men show up around them to learn and integrate new ways of thinking and new skills to use in the work that we do.

We’re a learning organization, at every level. Here’s one of the ways I’ve learned.

For nearly 2 years, Rich Tosi, David Kaar, Tom Pittner, George Daranyi, Carl Griesser, John Gaughn, Bill Kauth, myself  and a up to 5 other ManKind Project leaders and community members met on the phone every two weeks to talk about the intersection and integration of Spiral Dynamics and Integral thinking into the DNA of the ManKind Project.

The call was commonly called the ‘Spiral Call’. It started as a court of support for our past Chairman, George Daranyi. It evolved into a platform for a close knit tribe of men to discuss cultural change on a micro and a macro level.

We explored how to fully embody the kind of leadership we want to model in MKP – an Integral style that deeply honors and values the differences and stages that men who come to us are in, and invites them to push their edges. A style of leadership that seeks to transcend attachment to any one way of seeing the world … and embraces and honors them all for the gifts they bring and the ways they have helped all of us evolve. (to transcend AND include)

We weren’t holding theoretical discussions. We were looking on every phone call at specific issues, challenges and evolutionary steps that the ManKind Project was facing. We were using the wisdom of the group and the framework of Integral thinking to explore ways to broaden our understanding, increase our effectiveness, and shift the culture of MKP to an organization ready for second tier leadership and operating from that space to the extent that any of us were capable. These calls were some of the most lively, challenging and vital conversations that I have experienced in MKP.

My way of seeing the world, the way I facilitate groups and individuals, the way I manage my business and my relationships, the way I do Yoga and work out … it all shifted as a result of these calls. My level of acceptance … for myself and others … has steadily increased.

Right now David Kaar (one of the participants on that phone call) has teamed up with Doshin Michael Nelson in Colorado to offer an introductory course on Integral Theory and Practice (Starts Wednesday August 17, 2011). To me, this is a no-brainer. It is primarily focused on helping communities connected with the ManKind Project begin to explore the integration of Integral Theory into their own leadership and organizational frames.

Download the PDF to Learn More and to Sign up for the Course.

Integral theory and practice is another set of tools that can be an effective way to augment the effectiveness of anything else that you may be practicing. It’s another lens through which to view the world. For me, the more different sets of ‘specs’ that I have at my disposal, the more easily I will be able to have a set of shades for any situation.

Keep on integrating. It’s FUN!

Taken just after 6pm PCT.

Martin Marks, the Interim Executive Director of the ManKind Project USA, declared himself “Gladiator in Chief” in a conference call held Friday, April 1st. It was the 8th of 10 conference calls that Marks was scheduled to participate in on Friday. He went on to lay out a plan for the total over-haul of the New Warrior Training Adventure, noting that for too long we have neglected Chariot racing as a means of transforming men’s lives.

Marks, who has been managing the position of ED with a cool hand for about a month had this to say, “I socks are in tadpole Hyundai green sprouts. Please hand me my trident. I’m out with Underoos. A-Ho.”

Other men on the call were somewhat surprised, but the move was not totally unexpected.

“I thought he would go Gangster,” noted David Bauerly, Chairman of MKP-USA, “but Gladiator makes sense as well. He has the legs for it.”

the Behind the Door Section

Many of you asked for a section on the ManKind Project Journal to share internal discussions about the ManKind Project or discussions related to the nature of Men’s Work and Initiation.

**THE DOOR**

You asked for it. Here it is. We’ve created a way for you to Register on the MKP Journal and have access to a ‘Behind the Door’ section of the journal. The login information is not the same as your Community Administration Application (CAA) login information. Posts that are ‘Behind the Door’ are posted to their own category – outside the normal stream of stories on the page. When you click a story title from this category – you will be asked to login or register. Create the login of your choice, providing enough information so that we can verify your New Warrior Training Adventure.

To get started on your registration right now … GO HERE.

Lost your password? GO HERE and use the password reset.

On October 21-23 in Louisville, Kentucky, The ManKind Project International (“MKPI”) will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary.

In February of 1985, Ron Hering, Bill Kauth and Rich Tosi invited the first group of men to attend a “Wildman Weekend” outside of Chicago, Illinois. Since then, nearly 44,000 men worldwide have attended a similar version of that experience.

At our anniversary celebration, we will commemorate that historic event, honor the men who created that training and the organization formed to spread it to the world, and honor a host of other men who have helped along the way. We also will  honor the men who died along the MKP road.

Many of the groups who were influenced or who have been allied or aligned with our core values and our work will also be acknowledged. This will be a very special event.

In addition, we have created a Circle of Honor of MKPI. This is essentially the “Hall of Fame” for the Project. The first five men selected for the Circle will be inducted on Saturday evening. The keynote dinner should not be missed.

The Celebration is called “The 25/25 Anniversary: Taking the Next Breath” because the gathering will not only be looking backward at the past 25 years, we also will create the celebratory footprint for the next 25 years of our institutional life.

Every person who is interested in celebrating our past and investing in our work going forward is invited to attend. Bring your selves, your partners, wives,
fellow warriors, I groups, communities of men, your stories of the past, and your passion for the future of MKP. All are welcome.

And bring your dancing shoes. We will have a big dance celebration on Saturday night, October 23, to ring in the next 25 years. I hope to see you all there.

Visit the MKP 25-Year Anniversary website for more information and registration.

George Daranyi
Chairman, MKPI