InFebruary 1994 an "IMD" gathering was initiated by individuals in Kansas City, but this initiative was not continued in following years. In 1999 Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh of Trinidad and Tobago initiated what was to become the enduring International Men's Day tradition held on November 19 annually. The event was initially restricted to a few small observations in the Caribbean region and eventually spread to other parts of the world with the help of the IMD Steering Committee of 2008.
In 2008 U.S. author and speaker Diane Searsspoke of International Men's Day reminding that United States PresidentAbraham Lincolndelivered the Gettysburg address on November 19 (1863) calling for the honoring of the contributions of those men who gave the ultimate sacrifice – their lives – during America’s Civil War. Sears suggests that as International Men’s Day also falls on November 19 it is a time we too may remember of the contributions and sacrifices men make for society today. In 2009 Diane A. Sears became the U.S. coordinator for International Men's Day, promoting the event both nationally and abroad. She is also a member of the IMD Steering Committee which recently ratified the core Objectives of International Men's Day. For more information about International Men's Day developments in the United States Ms. Sears can be contacted at bsi-international@earthlink.net
International Men’s Day - 2011
My name is Navin Farley Crump and I am 15 years old. I wish to share my views regarding International Men’s Day and what it means to me as a teenage male in America. In my opinion, the main objective of International Men’s Day is to encourage all people to participate in creating a better world for men everywhere.
When Dr. Teelucksingh founded International Men’s Day on November 19th, 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago, I believe his goal was to give men the “recognition” they deserve for their contribution(s) to societies worldwide. International Men’s Day, supports the quote by Ryunosuke Satoro, “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” The greater the number of people who come together in support of this endeavor, the louder the voice. Just as the 1st Amendment provides Americans with the right to freedom of speech, International Men’s Day provides men with a voice to be heard globally.
International Men’s Day aims to make life better, not just for grown men but for young males alike. This is why Dr. Warren Farrell, an internationally acclaimed thought leader on Men’s issues recently stated, “In the last 30 to 40 years, we have helped women and girls develop and that is a wonderful thing but I have also seen that our sons have begun to drop out of school at a much greater rate; fall behind in reading and writing, and fall behind in almost every other psychological, social, and academic area...” Males are often mistreated, unappreciated and overlooked – and as a result, as Dr. Farrell says, “We are on the verge of a crisis with our boys.”
Dr. Teelucksingh has increased world awareness on this subject. I would like to thank Dr. Teelucksingh for founding International Men’s Day. I hope that more and more people become involved and that International Men’s Day continues to play an influential role in improving the lives of men.
If you or your organization intend to observe IMD this yearlet us knowabout your plans and we will place them on this page.
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International Men's Day U.S.A. 2010 - 2011 Information and Upcoming Events
NEW YORK
CATHLEEN WILLIAMS, RN, ESQUIRE TAPPED AS NEW YORK (USA) REGIONAL CO-COORDINATOR FOR 2010 INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY
The International Men’s Day Coordination Committee has announced that Cathleen Williams, RN, Esquire has been tapped to serve as the New York (USA) Regional Co-Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day (www.international-mens-day.com) which will be observed worldwide on Friday, 19 November 2010.
Cathleen Williams, RN, Esquire, is a successful and multi-talented professional who is the Executive Producer and Chief Executive Officer of an empowering and informative New York-based cable television newsmagazine and contemporary forum, I’m Just Saying (http://imjustsayingtv.com) that airs weekly. A public speaker, and trainer in health care, education, parenting, diversity, and personal development, Ms. Williams is the author of a unique parenting book, Single Mother: The New Father, Volume I: Sports, The Mother’s Playing Field. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Delaware, a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, and a Master’s degree in Health Law from Seton Hall School of Law in New Jersey. Ms. Williams is a member of The American Association of Nurse Attorneys (TAANA), the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), and the New York County Lawyers Association.
Ms. Williams who can be contacted by e-mail at: cathleen@cathleenwilliams.com will, along with Reverend Phil Craig (see below), will coordinate the participation of individuals, organizations, institutions, and communities throughout the State of New York in connection with the worldwide observance of 2010 International Men’s Day. International Men’s Day celebrates and honors the sacrifices that Men have made and continue to make to our families, communities, and our society. The theme for 2010 International Men’s Day is “Our Children … Our Future” – a theme that celebrates the 48 hour partnership that International Men’s Day has with Universal Children’s Day, which is celebrated on 20th November 2010 and endorsed by the United Nations.
“Ms. Williams is a dynamic individual who is passionate about bringing healing to our families, our communities, and our world. Her empowering work on parenting, education, and health issues was brought to my attention by Mr. Frank Crump, the Founder of Unified Progress International Education which designed and implements an innovative and results-oriented educational vehicle – a Life Skills Solutions Curriculum™ -- and participated in 2009 International Men’s Day,” Diane A. Sears, United States Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day and a member of the International Men’s Day Coordination Committee remarked.
REVEREND PHILIP CRAIG of the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York (www.allencathedral.org) has been tapped to serve as the New York (USA) Regional Co-Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day. REVEREND CRAIG, who serves as an Associate Reverend under the leadership of the REVEREND DR. FLOYD H. FLAKE, is the Founding Coordinator of the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York’s “Father Support Ministry” and also plays a leadership role in various ministries at the church. A New York native who was born in Brooklyn and raised in Jamaica, Queens, New York, REVEREND CRAIG holds a Certificate in Ministry and a Master of Divinity degree from the New York Theological Seminary and he received a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Nyack Business College.
REVEREND CRAIG, who can be contacted by e-mail at: phil.craig@live.com will, along with CATHLEEN WILLIAMS, RN, ESQUIRE coordinate the participation of individuals, organizations, institutions, and communities throughout the State of New York in connection with the worldwide observance of 2010 International Men’s Day.
“Reverend Craig has become one of the dynamic voices in the Fatherhood and Men’s Movement. We are delighted and honored that he has accepted our invitation to serve as the State of New York’s Regional Co-Coordinators for 2010 International Men’s Day,“ Diane A. Sears, United States Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day and a member of the International Men’s Day Coordination Committee remarked.
Individuals, institutions, and organizations in the State of New York in the United States that are interested in participating in 2010 International Men’s Day, should contact Regional Co-Coordinators REVEREND PHILIP CRAIG at phil.craig@live.comor Cathleen E. Williams, RN, Esquire by sending an e-mail to cathleen@cathleenwilliams.com
EDUCATOR, AUTHOR, FOLKLORIST, POET, AND HUMANITARIAN JOHN D. EVANS TAPPED AS ILLINOIS (USA) REGIONAL COORDINATOR FOR 2010 INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY
The International Men’s Day Coordination Committee has announced that Chicago, Illinois native MR. JOHN D. EVANS has been selected as the Illinois (USA) Regional Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day (http://www.international-mens-day.com). Mr. Evans is an educator, humanitarian, folklorist, author, and poet whose literary work, Diary of A Renaissance Man, a component of The Evans Poetry Collection was named Children's Choice 2008 by the International Reading Association, the Children's Book Council, and 10,000 schoolchildren. Mr. Evans is a member of the Poetry Society of America, The Academy of American Poets, the Illinois State Poetry Society, The Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society of Education and Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity of America, Inc. He has written several volumes of poetry, which include, but are not limited to “Acres Of Green And Oceans Of Blue,” “More Than A Club Kid,” “Things That Make My World Go ‘Round,” and “How Deep I Can Be” -- all of which are components of The Evans Poetry Collection. In the summer of 2000, Mr. Evans published Acres Of Green And Oceans Of Blue: Diary Of A Runaway. This literary work was later followed by More Than A Club Kid: Man Versus Self (2002); Things That Make My World Go ‘Round: A Poetic Memoir (2003); How Deep I Can Be: Lessons And Confessions (2005); Diary Of A Renaissance Man: Axioms, Aphorisms, Art, and Poetry (2007); J.D.’s Groove: Poetry by John D. Evans (2008); and Between The Sun And The Shade: Thanksgiving with the Davis Family (2009); The Adventures Of Snout Series, a four-volume children’s book series (2009); From Shining Doorknobs to Sporting Diamonds: Poetry and Nuggets of Wisdom (2009) and Washin' My Hands (2010), a spoken word CD and the first audio recording of The Evans Poetry Collection, capturing over 200 years of African American poetry.
Mr. Evans who can be contacted by e-mail at: IMDIllinois@aol.com will coordinate the participation of individuals, organizations, institutions, and communities throughout the State of Illinois in connection with the worldwide observance of 2010 International Men’s Day. International Men’s Day celebrates and honors the sacrifices that Men have made and continue to make to our families, communities, and our society. The theme for 2010 International Men’s Day is “Our Children … Our Future” – a theme that celebrates the 48 hour partnership that International Men’s Day has with Universal Children’s Day, which is celebrated on 20th November 2010 and endorsed by the United Nations.
“Mr. Evans is a consummate professional who has a strong work ethic and a history of building effective coalitions. We look forward to working with Mr. Evans and supporting him in his role as the Illinois (USA) Regional Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day,” remarked Diane A. Sears, United States Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day and a member of the International Men’s Day Coordination Committee.
Individuals, institutions, and organizations in Illinois in the United States that are interested in participating in 2010 International Men’s Day, should contact Mr. John D. Evans, the Illinois (USA) Regional Coordinator, by e-mail at:IMDIllinois@aol.com
For the International Men's Day 2011 Illinois webpage see here:IMD-Illinois __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HAWAII
AKAMAI UNIVERSITY SELECTED AS HAWAII REGIONAL COORDINATOR FOR 2010 INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY
The International Men’s Day Coordination Committee has announced that Akamai University (http://www.akamaiuniversity.us), an academic institution which offers one of the most uniquely comprehensive Men’s Studies and Fatherhood curriculums for 2010 International Men’s Day (http://www.internationalmensday.com) which will be observed worldwide on Friday, 19 November 2010. Located in Hilo, Hawaii, under the leadership of its President, Douglass M. Capogrossi, Ph.D., Akamai University will coordinate the participation of individuals, organizations, institutions, and communities throughout Hawaii in the worldwide observance of International Men’s Day which celebrates and honors the sacrifices that Men have made and continue to make to our families, communities, and our society. The theme for 2010 International Men’s Day is “Our Children … Our Future” – a theme that celebrates the 48 hour partnership that International Men’s Day has with Universal Children’s Day, which is celebrated on 20th November 2010 and endorsed by the United Nations.
“Akamai University and its President, Dr. Douglass Capogrossi, are among the key players of the Global Men’s Movement. Under Dr. Capogrossi’s innovative leadership, Akamai University’s Men’s Studies and Fatherhood curriculum has become a global model for Men’s Studies programs and departments. As an example, its Men’s Studies and Fatherhood curriculum is a permanent degree major concentration in the Master of Applied Psychology Program. It is an honor to work with Akamai University and Dr. Capogrossi. The acceptance by Akamai University and Dr. Capogrossi of their nomination as the Hawaii Regional Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day has heightened the level of interest in and excitement for this event which will be observed on Friday, 19 November 2009,” remarked Diane A. Sears, the United States Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day and a member of the International Men’s Day Coordination Committee.
Individuals, institutions, and organizations in Hawaii in the United States that are interested in participating in 2010 International Men’s Day, should contact Douglass M. Capogrossi, Ph.D., the Hawaii Regional Director by telephone at 1-877-934-8793 or 1-808-934-8793 or send an e-mail to: dcapogrossi@akamaiuniversity.us.
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PENNSYLVANIA
JOHN GONZALEZ SELECTED AS REGIONAL PENNSYLVANIA (USA) COORDINATOR FOR 2010 INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY
The International Men’s Day Coordination Committee has announced that Mr. John Gonzalez, a former Assistant Managing Director for the City of Philadelphia and currently Vice President of Operations at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, has been selected as the Pennsylvania Regional Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day (http://www.international-mens-day.com) which will be observed worldwide on Friday, 19 November 2010.
Mr. Gonzalez will coordinate the participation of individuals, organizations, institutions, and communities throughout Pennsylvania in the worldwide observance of International Men’s Day which celebrates and honors the sacrifices that Men have made and continue to make to our families, communities, and our society. The theme for 2010 International Men’s Day is “Our Children … Our Future” – a theme that celebrates the 48 hour partnership that International Men’s Day has with Universal Children’s Day, which is celebrated on 20th November 2010 and endorsed by the United Nations.
Mr. Gonzalez, who was Director of the Police Officer Lauretha Vaird Unit, was recently promoted as the Vice President of Operations for both the Police Officer Lauretha Vaird and William Cramp Units of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia (http://www.bgcphila.org) which is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the United States. He has been a community organizer for Impact Services, a Lead Neighborhood Organizer for Philadelphia Safe and Sound and served for six years as the Assistant to the Director of the AFL-CIO at the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
“I am honored for the opportunity to be selected as the Pennsylvania Regional Coordinator for the 2010 International Men’s Day event. I applaud and salute the International Men’s Coordination Committee for their work towards creating awareness and educating Men around the world and the important role they each play in the lives of their young. If we dedicate time to love, nurture and educate today’s children we will not have to punish tomorrow’s men,” Mr. Gonzalez remarked.
“Mr. Gonzalez is a passionate and results-oriented coalition builder who uses a holistic approach to creating key ‘pieces of the puzzle’ to resolving a myriad of issues that include reducing youth violence, promoting youth opportunities, and the empowerment of families and communities. I am looking forward to working with Mr. Gonzalez and supporting him in his role as the Pennsylvania Regional Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day,” stated Diane A. Sears, United States Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day and a member of the International Men’s Day Coordination Committee.
Individuals, institutions, and organizations in Pennsylvania in the United States that are interested in participating in 2010 International Men’s Day, should contact Mr. John Gonzalez, the Pennsylvania Regional Director by telephone at (215) 457-8480 or send an e-mail to: 1958johng@verizon.net. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FLORIDA
PRESIDENT OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO DIASPORA, INC. TAPPED AS FLORIDA (USA) REGIONAL COORDINATOR FOR 2010 INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY
The International Men’s Day Coordination Committee has announced that Mr. Kamal Abdool, the President of Trinidad and Tobago Diaspora, Inc. in Boynton, Florida (USA) has been selected as the Florida Regional Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day (http://www.international-mens-day.com) which will be observed worldwide on Friday, 19 November 2010. Mr. Abdool will coordinate the participation of individuals, organizations, institutions, and communities throughout Florida in the worldwide observance of International Men’s Day which celebrates and honors the sacrifices that Men have made and continue to make to our families, communities, and our society. The theme for 2010 International Men’s Day is “Our Children … Our Future” – a theme that celebrates the 48 hour partnership that International Men’s Day has with Universal Children’s Day, which is celebrated on 20th November 2010 and endorsed by the United Nations.
“Mr. Abdool was brought to our attention by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, the Founder of International Men’s Day and the Chairman of the International Men’s Day Coordination Committee. We look forward to working with Mr. Abdool and supporting him in his role as Florida’s Regional Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day,” stated Diane A. Sears, United States Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day and a member of the International Men’s Day Coordination Committee.
Individuals, institutions, and organizations in Florida in the United States that are interested in participating in 2010 International Men’s Day, should contact Mr. Kamal Abdool, the Florida Regional Director by telephone at (561) 376-7251 or send an e-mail to: komando54@msn.com.
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CALIFORNIA
TIM MANN OF 'THE UNCOMMON MAN' TAPPED AS CALIFORNIA (USA) REGIONAL COORDINATOR FOR 2010 INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY
The International Men’s Day Coordination Committee has announced its selection of Tim Mann as California (USA) Regional Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day. Mr. Mann is the Founder of The Uncommon Man (www.theuncommonman.com), an organization that works to empower Men; a motivational speaker for Men; and a Contributing Author for a newly released e-book entitled, No Thanks. I’ll Skip The Recession, where he offers what he describes as “Championship Tools” that will help you survive and thrive in the current economic downturn. Mann is also a Contributing Author to Discover Your Inner Strength: Cutting Edge Growth Strategies From The Industry’s Leading Experts along with best-selling authors Stephen R. Covey (Seven Habits of Highly Effective People); Brian Tracy (Million Dollar Habit); and Ken Blanchard (The One Minute Manager).
“Mr. Mann will raise awareness for 2010 International Men’s Day and work with individuals and organizations throughout the State of California that are interested in participating in the event’s worldwide observance. He is a welcome addition to the team and we are very excited about the leadership role that he has undertaken for 2010 International Men’s Day in the State of California,” remarked Diane A. Sears, the United States Coordinator for International Men’s Day and a member of the International Men’s Day Coordination Committee.
Individuals and organizations throughout the State of California that want to learn more about 2010 International Men’s Day or want to participate in its worldwide observance, can contact Tim Mann by sending an e-mail to: tim@theuncommonman.comCalifornia IMD Website: http://imsdc.camp8.org/
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VIRGINIA
AUTHOR, PLAYWRIGHT, ACTRESS AND FATHERHOOD ADVOCATE MRS. ODETTA WRIGHT DONS MANTLE OF VIRGINIA (USA) REGIONAL COORDINATOR FOR 2010 INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY
The International Men’s Day Coordination Committee has announced that Richmond, Virginia native MRS. ODETTA TAMU WRIGHT (http://www.linkedin.com/in/odettawright) has donned the mantle of Virginia (USA) Regional Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day (www.international-mens-day.com). Mrs. Wright is an author, playwright, actress, and co-producer of a moving off-off Broadway play and documentary which has become a movement – FATHER FIGURE. Wright who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Rhetoric and Communications Studies from the University of Virginia and a Master’s Degree in Adult Education from the University of Phoenix has authored over 30 plays and literary works. Mrs. Wright has appeared in a one-woman show entitled Old Souls which made its inaugural debut at the Edinburgh International Theatre Festival in Scotland. A number of her plays have been performed in various community centers – The Empire Theatre, The Firehouse Theatre, and the Carpenter Center in Richmond, Virginia. Wright co-wrote with Hampton University Professor Eleanor Earl, an off-off broadway play, Father Figure, which was showcased at New York City’s Musical Theatreworks and conceived when both Wright and Earl were undergraduate students at the University of Virginia. The off-off broadway play, Father Figure, was expanded into a feature-length documentary and screened at the Cinema Café Art House in Virginia Beach, Virginia in 2007. Both the documentary and play explore how the presence or absence of Fathers in the lives of women greatly influences their career choices and the type of men that they date and marry.
“Mrs. Wright has helped to energize the Global Dialogue on Fatherhood and Men’s Issues through the off-off Broadway play and documentary, Father Figure, which she co-wrote with Hampton University Professor Eleanor Earl. I am looking forward to working with Mrs. Wright and assisting her promote awareness of and participation in 2010 International Men’s Day in Virginia,” remarked Diane A. Sears, the United States Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day.
Individuals and organizations in the State of Virginia who are interested in learning more about 2010 International Men’s Day and how they can participate in the worldwide observance of 2010 International Men’s Day on Friday, 19 November 2010 should contact MRS. ODETTA WRIGHT by sending an e-mail to: odetta_wright@yahoo.com.
IOWA Sheila Radford-Hill, Diversity Director at Luther College in Decorah has announced College Observance of International Men's day, - 2010-2010
Sheila Radford-Hill was responsible from 1995-2002 for the development, administration and budget control for the Division of Alternative Learning Partnerships, which directs alternative learning programs. Since 2003 she has worked as Director and manager the Luther College Diversity Center, a resource center that provides campus wide programming about social, cultural, and religious diversity. The Center provides supports for international and multicultural students. Her skills include Leadership experience in government, education, and the non-profit sector,strong oral and written communication skills, public speaking, and policy analysis, strategic planning, program development, and advocacy, administration, budget control, fundraising, marketing, and staff supervision, developing, accountability metrics for higher education, government, and the non-profit sector, experienced teacher, expertise in pedagogy and course development, qualitative and investigative research.
On November 19, 2010 Sheila Radford-Hill has organized a International Men's Day event at the Luther College. On November 16 - 19 staff will collect student stories and tributes to the men who have made a positive difference to thier lives. The College and students wish to pay tribute to positive male role models and to share the contributions made by men to the quality of our lives and our community. The tributes will be shared.
Individuals or organizations wishing to know more about this writing event can contact Sheila Radford-Hill on email; radfsh01@luther.edu
BRIAN HALL TAPPED AS MICHIGAN (USA) REGIONAL COORDINATOR FOR 2010 INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN (USA) – 15 November 2010 -- The International Men’s Day Coordination Committee has announced that BRIAN HALL has accepted its invitation to serve as the Michigan (USA) Regional Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day (www.international-mens-day.com) which will be observed worldwide on Friday, 19 November 2010. Mr. Hall, who can be contacted by e-mail at: bhall945@att.net. will serve as the point of contact for all individuals and organizations throughout the State of Michigan that are interested in participating in the worldwide observance of International Men’s Day which honors and celebrates and honors the sacrifices and contributions of Men to our families, our communities, and our society and will be celebrated under the theme “Our Children . . . Our Future”. International Men’s Day resonates with Women and Men throughout our global village and shares a 48-hour partnership with Unviersal Children’s Day which is observed worldwide on 20 November 2010 and is endorsed by the United Nations.
“We are pleased that Mr. Hall has accepted our invitation to assume a leadership role in the 2010 International Men’s Day worldwide observance for the State of Michigan as its Regional Coordinator. In the short span of time that Mr. Hall has donned the mantle of the Michigan (USA) Regional Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day, he has succeeded in having The Honorable Jennifer Granholm, Governor of Michigan, issue a proclamation designating 19 November 2010 as International Men’s Day in the State of Michigan. The proclamation can be viewed at http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-25488-247013--,00.html,” remarked Diane A. Sears, the United States Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day and a member of the International Men’s Day Coordination Committee.
Individuals, institutions, and organizations in the State of Michigan in the United States that are interested in participating in 2010 International Men’s Day, should contact BRIAN HALL, the Michigan (USA) Regional Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day, by sending an e-mail to: bhall945@att.net
The International Men’s Day Coordination Committee has announced that journalist Danielle Williams has accepted its invitation to serve as the Arizona (USA) Regional Coordinator for 2011 International Men’s Day (www.international-mens-day.com).
Ms. Williams, who can be contacted by sending an e-mail to:reporterdaniellew@gmail.com, has a journalism background in television and radio. Currently, Williams is a regular contributor for “The McMahon Group”, a television program aired on AZTV Channel 13; a media contributor to Arizona Women In Media; and works at News Talk/Sports Radio KTAR as the Continuity Director of Traffic where she also writes and records environmental green tips which are aired on the radio station. Williams hosts green environmental videos which highlight businesses in Arizona that are making a difference and having a positive impact on the state by “being green”. Her environmental advocacy and her work with companies in Arizona that are helping the state save money, time, and energy, has caused Williams, a former television field reporter at Earth Media Studios and Morning Show co-host at Emmis Communications, to be viewed by many as “The Green Queen”.
Founded in 1999 by Jerome Teelucksingh,, Ph.D., a faculty member in the History Department at the University of West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago and the Chairman of the International Men’s Day Coordination Committee, International Men’s Day celebrates and honors the contributions and sacrifices that Men to our families, communities, and society. In 2011, Men and Women from more than 40 countries are calling on people around the world to unite and focus on “Giving Boys The Best Possible Start In Life”.
“Ms. Williams was brought to our attention by Frank Crump, the Founder and President of UPI Education (www.upieducation.org), an organization that designs and implements a results-oriented Life Skills Solutions™ curriculum. I am looking forward to assisting Ms. Williams in raising awareness for 2011 International Men’s Day in her role as the Arizona (USA) Regional Coordinator,” remarked Diane A. Sears, the 2011 International Men’s Day Coordinator for the United States and a member of the International Men’s Day Coordination Committee.
Organizers are promising the biggest boys’ weekend the world has ever seen as the worldwide observance of International Men’s Day shares a 48-hour partnership with Universal Children’s Day on Sunday, 20 November 2011 and is endorsed by the United Nations. 2011 International Men’s Day is asking people around the world to focus on five key challenges that boys all the over the world experience in areas of health, education, family life, violence and life choices and consider how we can all come up with local solutions to the global problems that boys face:
· HEALTH AND LIFE EXPECTANCY: Why are boys around the world more likely to die before the age of five and why do boys in every continent look forward to a much shorter life than girls? What are the reasons for boy’s higher likelihood of suicide? What action can we take to give boys the best possible start in life and help them live longer, happier, healthier lives?
· EDUCATIONAL FOCUS: Why are boys in richer countries underperforming girls and also less likely to be in education, and why are tens of millions of boys in poorer countries still not completing a primary education? How can we address truancy, and poor literacy rates which leave boys prone to adult unemployment, substance abuse, obesity, depression, and poverty? What action can we take to focus on boys’ education in way that gives them the best possible start in life and closes the gaps between girls and boys and rich boys and poor boys?
· TOLERANCE OF VIOLENCE: Why are we so tolerant of violence and abuse against men and boys and why do we still tolerate a world where we send boys to fight the wars among adults? What actions can we take to help boys’ grow up free from violence and challenge our collective tolerance and support of violence against men and boys?
· RIGHTS TO FATHERHOOD: How can we give boys a right to family life that gives them an equal opportunity to know and experience both their father and mother and ensure that their role as a future father is equal to a girls role as future mother. What actions can we take to give every boy an equal right to fatherhood?
· REAL LIFE CHOICES: How can we make sure that every boy has opportunities to make a range of positive life choices in terms of work, family and leisure and reduce the number of boys whose life choices are limited and end up poor, illiterate, unemployed, homeless, imprisoned and isolated? What action can we make to help every boy get the best possible start in life and make a positive transition form boy to man that makes the world a better place for everyone?
Organizations and individuals interested in learning more about and participating in the worldwide observance of 2011 International Men’s Day, should contact Ms. Williams by sending her an e-mail to: reporterdaniellew@gmail.com. For information about 2011 International Men’s Day and its theme “Giving Boys The Best Possible Start In Life,” visit its website atwww.international-mens-day.com.
IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R) TO PUBLISH TRIBUTES TO POSITIVE MALE ROLE MODELS IN OBSERVANCE OF INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY 2009
PHILADELPHIA, PA (USA) -- 7 NOVEMBER 2009 -- IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R), an international quarterly male parenting journal which has since 15 October 1999, facilitated and moderated a Global Dialogue on Fatherhood recently announced that it will observe International Men's Day 2009 by publishing on its blog at http://globalfatherhooddialogue.blogspot.com essays, articles, and poems it receives which illustrate the theme of "Positive Male Role Models" which has been selected for this year's worldwide observance of International Men's Day.
"IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R) is honored to be a part of the worldwide observation of International Men's Day for which the theme of 'Positive Male Role Models' has been selected. We all have had at least one positive male role model in our lives. Positive male role models can be found everywhere throughout our Global Village. We are providing everyone from all Walks of Life throughout our global village with an opportunity to celebrate, honor, and thank the positive role models that have positively influenced their lives. Tell us about the positive male role model in your life. Send your essays, articles, and poems to IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R) and we will publish them on our blog," Diane A. Sears, Managing Editor for IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R) remarked.
Celebrate INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY 2009! Celebrate and honor a positive male role model who has made a difference in your life. Send your essays, articles, and poems to IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R) by e-mail to: insearchoffatherhood@gmail.com. Your essays, articles, and poems will be published on IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R)'s blog at http://globalfatherhooddialogue.blogspot.com.
EVENTS (2009)
Under the leadership of Mr. Frank Crump, Founder of Unified Progress International Education (“UPI Education”) UPI Education is creating key “pieces of the puzzle” to moving our children – our future – our bridge to the future – to “do more, want more, and be more” through its unique Life Skills Solutions Curriculum. UPI Education prepares students to excel academically and embark upon a path that will lead them to becoming productive and successful adults who are well-equipped to strengthen their families and the communities in which they live and work.
UPI Educationand IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD® have entered into a partnership in observance of International Men’s Day 2009 on Thursday, 19 November 2009. UPI Education is asking its students, faculty, and administrators to observe International Men’s Day 2009 through one moment of silence beginning at 11:19 A.M. (United States Time) and ending at 11:20 A.M. (United States Time) to commemorate and contemplate the sacrifices and contributions that Men have made throughout our global village. UPI Education is also soliciting essays, articles, and poems from students and adults which identify the positive male role models that they have or have had and the positive influence that these positive male role models have had and continue to have on their lives. These essays, articles, and poems will be published onIN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD®’s blog.
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The
International Men’s Day celebrates fathers, role models
Written by Nathaniel Lee Wednesday, 18 November 2009 15:28
International Men’s Day will be observed around the world Thursday. Unfortunately, few American men, and perhaps even fewer women, have heard of the event first inaugurated in Trinidad and Tobago in 1999 to pay tribute to positive role models.
The purpose of the observance is to “focus on men’s and boy’s health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality and highlighting positive male role models.” Nations as far away as Jamaica, Australia, India, South Africa and the United Kingdom, to name just a few, have recognized the observance.
“I think it’s a very important activity,” said Derrick Johnson of West Philadelphia “It’s important for males to have a program like this, particularly [for] Black males; we are definitely left out.”
Supporters of International Men’s Day are quick to point out that they are in no way advocating a day of recognition for men as a means of overshadowing the tributes, observances and accomplishments of women.
In fact, quite the contrary, organizers emphasize the need for healthy relationships between the sexes and name as one of their objectives as to discuss ways to improve gender equality.
Although there are 107 males born for 100 females, men are still more likely to die from heart disease as well as most other common causes of death than their female counterparts.
In the United States men are 10 times more likely to be the victims of homicide than women and are more than twice as likely to commit suicide, according to the holiday’s organizers. The health of men is therefore a key issue of International Men’s Day worldwide.
Yet it is also a celebration of the estimated 140,000 stay-at-home fathers who care for their homes, those who defend the nation, protect their homes and sacrifice themselves for others. International Men’s Day, unlike Fathers Day, celebrates both boys and men; fathers and the fatherless.
“Sounds like a good concept because they are trying to break down the barriers between young men and old men,” said Duerward Beale, community organizer and program manager for the Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program or YOACAP. “It’s sort of what they do in church. Churches have a men’s day and a women’s day every year,” said Beale who recently learned about the existence of International Men’s Day.
Beale and Johnson also noted that the media is quick to note the ills perpetrated by men but not acknowledge the good done every day by men in their communities.
“I think it’s a pretty good idea,” said Fred Washington, a resident of Southwest Philadelphia. “They do it for women, they have it for children, why not have it for men?”
International Men’s Day will be celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Australia, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Malta, South Africa, the United Nations and, finally, in United States this week.
