Forty Years of Mainely Men
The First Mainely Men Gathering in 1982.
Mainely Men has been holding weekend gatherings since 1982. Through workshops, ritual, music, discussion groups, sharing of meals, and one-on-one conversations, men explore traditional and changing views of masculinity as well as other issues that men face.
About 30–40 men attend Mainely Men weekends. Participants have ranged in age from 18 to 80.
We are sons and fathers. We are single, married, and divorced. We come from every background, orientation, ethnicity, and faith. We are accountants and carpenters, administrators and teachers, musicians, students, and retirees.
How is Mainely Men Run?
Mainely Men is a nonprofit organization that exists solely to present the Mainely Men gathering twice each year.
- Gatherings are planned and coordinated by a board of directors comprised of volunteers who have previously attended Mainely Men gatherings.
- Mainely Men has no membership or dues. Any man can register. The board of directors reserves the right to limit attendance as needed.
- Each gathering is led by a “pinky,” a previous attendee who has volunteered to serve as group leader for the weekend.
- During the gathering, participants present workshops and assume responsibility for chores, which include tending to firewood and cleaning the camp at the end of the weekend.
Reeling In the Years
Click on any group photo to view full-screen and scroll back through the years.
