Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who attends the group?
The men who attend the Southside Men's Group represent a diversity of ages, backgrounds and experiences. Some men have been attending for over 30 years; some are just beginning. They are all bound by a commitment to personal growth and a belief in the value and power of a supportive community. How many men have been a part of your group? From our inception, we estimate over 350 How many attend each week? Between 8-36 men. Why are you called "SOUTHSIDE MEN'S GROUP"? The original Earnie Larsen men's group met in the northern part of the Twin Cities. Our spin-off Southside group meets south of the original group. I live in another state. Are there other groups? Since COVID, we've created a ZOOM option for attending -- essentially allowing anyone to attend. Here's another idea: start one yourself. It's not as tough as you might think. Learn more. Is this a Faith-based meeting? No. We accept and embrace men of all faiths and beliefs. As a member's faith, beliefs, and actions are often inseparable from their personal journey, they are often a part of their talks or discussions. One member explained, "There is only so much I can share in my church group". Is it a networking meeting? No. While many members become social or business friends/associates, the goal of meetings is attending to each man’s personal growth. Does it cost anything? Newcomers pay nothing. For ongoing members, there is always a voluntary donation to cover the room, coffee, ZOOM account, and doughnuts. No one is turned-away for a lack of funds. Are meetings full of men complaining about their wives, bosses, and families? Not at all. The group’s commitment is to personal growth through positive change. Stephen Covey, an author whose work has been influential to many in our group reminds us: Instead of reacting to or worrying about external conditions (over which we have little or no control), focus our time and energy on the things we can control – us. What brings men to the group (as answered by current members)? "I really hadn't devoted much time to personal growth though my wife had, and a gap was growing." "I did not want my children to inherit a legacy of anger. So, I participated in a men's therapy group for two years. After which, I looked into the Southside Men's Group to continue my work." "I was referred by Earnie Larsen, famous for saying 'If nothing changes, nothing changes,' -- and I wanted to change." "Each time I go I hear about experiences that are similar to mine." “A good practice is just showing up. Showing up on the days that you want to and on the days that you don't." How might attending effect on your life? (as answered by current members)? "It keeps me growing towards taking care of myself and loving myself." "I have changed my life by understanding more about my actions." "By listening without judging, men at these meetings have allowed me to learn about myself, to trust others and to express my feelings. Through this process of discovery, I have built confidence and acceptance of who I am, right now. Learning to listen without judging, has helped me to build a rapport and trust with other people in my life." "My perseverance is strengthened." "Yes, it has made me grow up." "Here I have men friends beyond the scope of sports and jokes." "It is part of my weekend ritual when I am in the Twin Cities." How would you describe this group? (as answered by current members)? ”It is like being able to talk with your favorite uncle, your grandfather, your brother and your father and actually have them all understand and appreciate what's been said." "It’s a weekly sharing by men who want to find out who they are." "A place to share experience that reinforces my sense of compassion for others and spouses." "It's a good practice to regularly say what's up in your life -- not just sharing the bad stuff, but also celebrating the good." "A group of men that meet in a casual atmosphere to listen, share, complain, BS, make friends, and learn how to be the best possible man/father/partner/friend." You have a logo. Yes, quite a few of our members are artists; we were able to create a look for our group. Should I show up early? Yes. The room opens at 8:15am; showing up early allows us to greet you and field and questions you have prior to the start of the meeting. Who can I call with questions? For reasons of anonymity and the fact that we have no 'office', we invite you to use the contact page to email us your questions or request a return phone call. I work in the judicial system. Would this be a good follow-up program for offenders? While our group is non-professional, it is an excellent resource for anyone instituting change in their lives. The positive male role models here answer questions and listen in a non-judgmental fashion. The safe environment allows attendees to verbalized their thoughts -- sometimes for the first time-- thereby getting them out of their head, for closer examination. It is also a place to practice new skills prior to bringing them to home or the workplace |
"FaceBook users can sometimes boast hundreds of 'friends',
when what we really need in life are just one or two real friends"
when what we really need in life are just one or two real friends"
