Damen Bell-Holter at Kake Culture Camp 2018, Photo by Bethany Goodrich courtesy of the Sustainable Southeast Partnership

The Men’s Work Gathering from June 28 to 30, 2019, is co-sponsored by Aiding Women in Abuse and Rape Emergencies (AWARE), Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (ANDVSA), Goldbelt Heritage Foundation, and Sealaska.

Acknowledging that change starts with ourselves, the gathering will guide participants through a process of deepening self-understanding and rebuilding connection to others that is rooted in healing. Through this journey, we will support participants in addressing societal views on racism, patriarchy, colonialism, and other systems of oppression and their connection to violence. Participants will return to their communities with knowledge and inspiration, equipped with new skills and tools to take action to end violence and build well-being in their communities.

Objectives

  • Build a network of AK men who are working to build healthier communities
  • Develop knowledge of and ability to address systems of oppression
  • Identify concrete next steps to further the movement to end violence in AK
  • Create a safe space for healing and connection for men
“We must build up and encourage our men to address their healing and personal development. This event will provide an opportunity for men to network, work together and become better allies to women." - Damen Bell-Holter, Sealaska's Director of Youth and Community Development

Schedule

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019
5 – 8 p.m. at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall
Open to the public

  • Meet and Mingle: Dinner provided
  • Warm Welcome and Introductions
  • Keynote Address: Inter-generational Trauma and Healing
  • Closing: Remarks and Cultural Performance

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at UAS Campus
Participation by application only

  • Breakfast and Networking: Breakfast provided
  • Keynote Address: Strength, Resiliency, Respect, A Cultural Approach
  • Breakout Sessions*
  • Men’s Lunch Panel: Why do we do this work? What are its challenges?
  • Breakout Sessions*
  • Closing Activity

SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2019
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at UAS Campus
Participation by application only

  • Breakfast and Networking: Breakfast provided
  • Cultural/Subsistence Activities
  • Breakout Sessions*
  • Women’s Lunch Panel: How can men be better allies to women?
  • Tools and Resources for doing the work
  • Closing Dialogue Men’s Work: Restoring our roles for future generations. A gathering for men working to end violence and build community well-being and the women and agencies that are supporting them. June 28th-30th, 2019 Juneau, AK

*Breakout Session Topics include but are not limited to:

  • Inter-sectionality: connection with the LGBTQI2S+ community
  • Strength through storytelling: speaking truth
  • Decolonization: What is it? How do we do it? Who should be doing it?
  • Connecting with self and other
  • Messaging masculinity: How do we shift harmful social norms using media/messaging?
  • Men and masculinity: the effects of patriarchy
  • Unpacking (and undoing) racism and systems of oppression
  • Methods of healing, including through culture

OPTIONAL: Pre-Gathering Event on Friday, June 28, 2019, 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Are you interested in talking about how men are represented in the media? Are you willing to give your input on the best ways to positively message to other men? Come share your opinions on messages and media in order to kickstart a new Alaskan media campaign. Join us for lunch and discussion! Your input is needed and greatly appreciated! See the application to attend. 

Questions?
Call/email Rae Romberg:
907-586-6563/ rromberg@andvsa.org