Men’s Groups

Men's Groups

Why a Men’s Group

The resurgence of men’s groups marks a significant trend in the digital age. Originating in the 1960s, these groups saw a decline in the 1990s but have experienced a revival since the 2020s. Nowadays, men are increasingly seeking the support and camaraderie that these groups offer. This revival can be seen across a broad spectrum of formats, ranging from religious gatherings to fitness-oriented boot camps, each catering to diverse interests and needs.

MELD men’s groups trace their origins to the initiatives started by Owen Marcus in the 1990s, which aimed to create spaces for men to connect and grow. Over time, MELD has refined its approach by integrating the most effective practices from traditional men’s groups with the latest advances in somatic and psychological research.

This evolution reflects a broader shift in men’s expectations from such groups. Today, men are looking for more than just conversation; they desire tangible, long-term benefits that positively impact their personal development, relationships, and professional aspirations. In response, MELD and similar organizations are innovating to meet these needs, providing men with valuable tools to enrich their lives and foster meaningful connections

History of Men’s Groups

This page outlines the 70-year history of how men’s work and men’s groups have evolved and where they are going.

Using We Learned from MELD Groups

Emotional Support: These groups provide a judgment-free zone for men to openly share their feelings and vulnerabilities, aiding in emotional processing, stress reduction, and mental health enhancement.
Community and Belonging: Men gain a sense of community and belonging, mitigating feelings of isolation. This connection is especially beneficial for those seeking additional social engagement.
Mentorship and Guidance: Seasoned members impart experience and support, facilitating personal and professional growth for younger or less experienced individuals within the group.
Personal Growth and Self-Discovery: Engaging authentically and sharing experiences fosters self-awareness, highlighting opportunities for personal development in a supportive setting.
Accountability: The group dynamic encourages members to pursue and achieve their goals in various life aspects, including personal development, relationships, and career ambitions.
Health and Wellness: Members acknowledge the importance of physical health in achieving emotional and relational growth, utilizing group support for health improvement endeavors.
Succeeding in Life Transitions: During pivotal life events such as marriage, parenthood, career shifts, or retirement, men’s groups offer a supportive environment for discussion and navigation of these transitions with like-minded individuals.
You Are Good Enough: When we sit with other men, we realize we all have limiting beliefs about ourselves that we share. We see how those beliefs aren’t deserved or true for other men. We start to believe maybe they aren’t true for us.
Support in Creating a Better Life: Some men focus on enhancing their existing achievements to lead a more contributive and fulfilling life.
Fun: Regular meetings often become a weekly highlight, characterized by genuine self-expression and spontaneous laughter, contributing to overall enjoyment and life satisfaction.

Training for Men’s Groups

Experience has demonstrated that without adequate support or training, a men’s group might devolve into mere social gatherings, lacking authentic connection. Such scenarios often lead to disorder, possibly attempts by an individual to dominate the group or general disinterest, which can result in the gradual decline of the group’s vitality.

The presence of an experienced facilitator can significantly benefit a group, especially when he possesses the skill to guide men beyond superficial interactions and into deeper, previously unexplored experiences. Through MELD’s observation, a peer-to-peer structure, where leadership roles are shared among members, proves to be most effective for sustained engagement and growth over time. Although this model may present initial challenges, it facilitates a collective journey of transformation, fostering strong bonds and personal development unique to the group’s shared experience.

MELD’s foundation is deeply embedded in the cultivation and evolution of men’s groups, acknowledging their transformative potential and the attentive nurturing they require to flourish. The documentary About Men highlights this progressive model that began with the Sandpoint Men’s Group and subsequently evolved into what is now known as the MELD Method. Throughout the years, MELD in different capacities has inspired and mentored hundreds of men’s groups based on these principles, some have thrived for more than a decade, demonstrating the lasting impact and effectiveness of this approach.

Offerings

By joining MELD’s free community, individuals gain access to decades of collective wisdom and experience. Participating in MELD’s programs and events offers further training. There is nothing like learning to work with other men.

Specifically, as a free member of the MELD Community, we offer you the GLT (Group Leader’s Training) first developed by Owen when he started this Sandpoint Men’s Group in 2005. The program used by possibly hundreds of groups starting out gives you a proven template to guide the development of your group.

MELD continues to offer Group Intensives, which Owen led before he was leading at EVRYMAN. Men often contact us to do a weekend on-site training for a new group forming or an existing group that wants to go to the next level. For more than fifteen years, these trainings around North America catalyzed many groups to become powerful groups.

Regardless of the path chosen, persistence is key. Engaging with a healthy men’s group can offer immeasurable benefits, potentially transforming or even saving lives, as evidenced by the experiences of thousands of men.

For more, join our free community or reach out to us. We want you to enjoy the benefits of a powerful group.