What is MENding?
The MENding program is a leadership initiative for male-identified people who are interested in educating other men about sexual & gender-based violence. The program covers masculinity and what it means to be a man, sexual & gender-based violence, consent, and bystander intervention. After having these discussions, the program trains participants to be able to teach what they have learned and put their newly acquired knowledge to use!
The history of the MENding program began with the vision of Ian DeGeer, Lisa Clarke, and Teddie Lohrenz after being inspired by other preventative programs like MOST Club, White Ribbon and OHL Onside. Beginning in 2017, the MENding program started off as a “Train-the-Trainer” program where participants are taught the program’s material and then invited to teach the content of the program through volunteer opportunities, and eventually the program itself! In 2018, the MENding program was rolled out with two initial cohorts and adapted for Grade 7-8 classrooms. In 2019, the Prevention Education Coordinator, Alisha Fisher, expanded the program by building up more facilitators from Trent University and Fleming College and creating opportunities for those facilitators to teach its content to a variety of Elementary and Secondary School students. In 2020, the MENding program is continuing to be facilitated with online cohorts and webinars alongside the development of a self-directed online option and its periphery program “MENding After Harm”.
The MENding program operates from three pillars: MENding ourselves (provision of content and resources for groups/individuals), MENding the community (train the trainer program), and MENding after harm (provision of self-guided development and resources).
Registration is now open for our upcoming program.
Learn more in the Upcoming MENding Group tab.
If you are looking for a webinar, workshop or professional development opportunity select MENding Ourselves
If you are looking to learn more about the facilitation training, or become a MENding facilitator, select MENding the Community
If you are looking to learn more about the status of an emerging program, or be a consultant, select MENding After Harm
If you’re interested in learning more, or have questions left unanswered by this page, email Luca Schaefer at Lschaefer@kawarthasac.ca
Upcoming MENding Group
MENDING, NEW UPCOMING COHORT! An online male ally leadership program to prevent gender-based violence! Meeting at 2pm EST on September 17th, 24th, October 1st, and 8th! Register with Luca Schaefer: lschaefer@
What does MENding mean? The MENding program is a leadership initiative for men who are interested in educating other men about gender-based violence. Throughout the program, we’ll be talking about masculinity and what it means to be a man, gender-based violence, consent, and bystander intervention! After having these discussions, we’ll train you to be able to teach what you’ve learned and put this knowledge to use!
Register for the upcoming cohort that fits your schedule using the associated Zoom link and join us for some deep discussions about what it means to be a man, and how we can be better leaders together!
Online Self-directed MENding Course
The MENding Self-Directed Course is meant for young guys (18+) and adult men who are dedicated towards enhancing their leadership skills and ending gender-based and sexual violence. If you’re looking for content for youth under the age of 18, we can provide various workshops (see MENding the community) for age appropriate and curriculum-based content, or you can check out our video resources covering the MENding topics in the ‘Learning’ tab of our website!
If you’re interested in taking the MENding course and aren’t able to attend the upcoming cohort or looking to complete the training on your own time, then try our Online Self-directed MENding course! Following the traditional MENding format, this course features four sessions featuring tons of opportunities for reflection with videos, activities, and worksheets! Learn about gender-based violence, what it means to be a man, what consent has to do with healthy relationships, and how to be an effective male leader at your own pace. Make sure to reach out to the current MENding coordinator after completing all four sessions to get connected with the rest of the MENding community!
To gain access to the Schoology course code, reach out to our volunteer coordinator by emailing ksac@nexicom.net and let them know you’re interested in the MENding course!
MENding Ourselves
Are you looking for a workshop or professional development opportunity about masculinity and ending gender-based and sexual violence? Then MENding Ourselves is the place for you! This portion of the program can be tailored to your workplace procedures, policies, and culture or curriculum-based within the school system! These workshops can vary from 1-hour, full days, and multiple sessions to engage in a variety of learning outcomes that your group wants.
MENding Ourselves is suitable for:
- Elementary school (Grades 4+)
- Secondary and postsecondary schools
- Fraternities and organizations
- Workplaces and professional development opportunities
Topics Include:
- Male leadership in the Workplace
- Masculinity in Modern Society
- Navigating Privileges and Oppressions as Men
- Male Role Models in Media
- Healthy Masculinity
- Being a Bro: Building Support and Teamwork
Need a more specific topic or ready to book a presentation? Email Luca Schaefer at Lschaefer@kawarthasac.ca
MENding the Community
MENding After Harm
A developing periphery program from the traditional MENding content. Stay tuned for updates!
Email Luca Schaefer at Lschaefer@kawarthasac.ca if you’re interested in being a part of this program or being a consultant.
MENding In The News
Check out where the MENding program has made the news!
COVID-19 Changes to Groups
In response to COVID-19, our Centre is providing groups through Zoom Meetings and ongoing strategies for grounding and mindfulness through our Facebook and Instagram pages, and YouTube playlist.