UPDATE – We have been excited to receive much more interest in the Guys’ Gathering Circle program this year from public schools than in prior years, and we’ve had more circle groups requested than ever before! This growth is wonderful to see, but it also means that we need more facilitators than ever, and we are striving to meet each of the requests. As a result, we have postponed our planned facilitator training by two weeks to allow us more time to recruit college-aged men to facilitate these educational exploratory circle groups! Our new training date will be Saturday, October 1st from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Register online or contact us for more information.
College-aged men who want to build their communication, leadership, and facilitation skills while benefiting boys in our community are invited to take part in free training to volunteer as Guys’ Gathering Circle facilitators in area middle and high schools. This training will take place Saturday, October 1st from 9:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Springfield on the campus of Missouri State University. 
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 college-aged facilitators. 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. Are you interested in learning more about this program and the skills of a facilitator? Register now for free training!