Derek Stedman

A Gathering of Men: the Story of Creating a Men's Group to Address Perennial Male Issues. Derek Stedman

A Gathering of Men-The Story of Creating a Men's Group to Address Perennial Male Issues, closely explains the beginning steps and formation of an existing men's group. Eleven years ago a few men in suburban Philadelphia, PA recognized and acknowledged their similar interests in exploring ideas and questions, which impacted their lives. These individuals in the fifties and sixties age brackets had known each other through family or schooling or geographic or business connections for a number of years. Extended friendships of these few core individuals were explored. Soon there were eight to ten men interested in gathering together for forthright and far-reaching rough and ready conversations. A barn room, empty and inviting, with a pot-bellied stove at one man's home provided a convenient meeting place. Thus, the Barn Men were given their name and the individuals began to share a common path on their individual journeys. The ebb and flow of membership, depending on new members replacing those who die, grow disinterested or move away, is endlessly enhanced by new ideas introduced by new participants. A Barn Men evening is always about shared friendships, honest dialog and rewarding personal growth.