A small group of men gathered in Ottowa to observe International Men's Day on February 7 in 1995. This early IMD effort was initiated by Professor Thomas Oaster of Kansas U.S.A., and was celebrated by small groups in the USA, Canada, Australia and Europe in the years 1993-1995 before permanently ceasing. Glenn Cheriton, who attended the final (and only) 1995 IMD in Canada attempted to continue the spirit of a men's day by choosing a different date and hosting a localised 'International Men's Conference' which he held successfully for approximately 5 years in Ottowa during the 1990's. Whilst Cheriton referred to this event casually as an 'International Men's Day' it is important to differentiate this local initiative from the more decentralised international observances which latter take place in more than one country simultaneously on an agreed date (November 19). While Cheriton's conference doesn't qualify for the formal definition of a globally observed international Men's Day his efforts do nevertheless belong to the time honoured tradition (stemming thousands of years!) of men gathering for localised men's conferences with international guests in attendance.
International Men's Conference promotion [Photo - supplied by Glenn Cheriton]
Based on the formal definition of IMD (a continuous annual event held in more than one country on an agreed date) the first International Men's Day observance in Canada took place in 2009. In 2009 Mr. David Hatfield observed International Men's Day by introducing and discussing the objectives of the globally celebrated IMD to a group of men attending his 'Manology' course. In 2010 Hatfield accepted an invitation by the founder of IMD Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh to act as an IMD coordinator for 2010, a role involving the promotion and coordination of the event in Canada. Mr. Hatfield can be contacted on this address: david@davidhatfield.ca
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IMD CANADA - 2010
New Developments and Upcoming Events
VANCOUVER CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY
A Roundhouse Partnership
Sat November 20, 1.00pm - 4.00pm
Exhibition Hall, FREE!
Info: www.international-mens-day.com/
See page 14 in ROUNDHOUSE publication below for details of the upcoming free event,
open to the Vancouver community. This will be a first-time official civic event to support
international Men's day in Canada! Come out and meet the diverse organizations and
individuals who are working to acknowledge and support boys, men and families in our
community. Enjoy food, entertainment, and opportunities to put your voice, ideas and
energies into the mix! (For more details see page 14 below)
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IMD CANADA - 2009
Canada can claim it's very first November 19 International Men's Day this year (2009) !!! The event - Manology: Exploring 21st Century Masculinity is being organised and presented by David Hatfield who states;
"This year we will take time on Nov 19 to introduce the history, goals and values of International Men's Day and announce our official recognition to the attending men. This course is one of several current initiatives that mark the beginning of the creation of a Vancouver Men's Centre. The centre is envisioned as part health centre, part institute supporting men's studies, masculinity exploration, male issue creative activism, rites of passage work, counseling, and health services, all of which will be designed and delivered with men's ways of doing and being held with the highest regard.... Next year we will be able to organize a far larger series of IMD recognitions and celebrations.... "
About the event:
Manology is a new course for men of all stages, backgrounds, orientations and ethnicities. Manology: Exploring 21st Century Masculinity
Hey man, do you know anything about this?: Be strong!/distant father/no mentors/no proper initiation into manhood/perform, provide, protect/climbing the ladder/saving face/denying tears/leaning on women/excessive solitude/sacrificing your body/dream job?/real love?/idiotic male media figures/seeing how women changed it for themselves/all of this & now....
It’s a new century, man. The earth’s gettin’ hot, the oil’s almost gone, globalization isn’t sustainable. There’s trouble, and men are needed. It’s a good time for men to gather. Ready for some brotherhood? To stoke your warrior energy? To give and receive? If you're up for working with men for the greater good and having a good time doing it, then get over here! We need you.
Manology is a new course series for men of all stages, beliefs, orientations, and ethnicities. We are a diverse team of educators with a range of knowledge & skills, and offering no quick answers. For men 19 and over. All men are welcome.
www.masculinity21st.wordpress.com
SOURCES:
Communication between Jason Thompson and David Hatfield
Manonogy website
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