A Men's Institute values should fundamentally be built around equality. Equality is about a shared right for people to hold as close to possible equal status, rights and opportunities. We also believe in actively addressing inequalities where they exist and protecting the rights of all people.
Physical, Psychological and Social Well-being
When it comes to men and boys well-being, let's just say things aren't as good as they should be. Men are more likely to die of nearly all the major causes of illness and injury across all age groups. Since records began men have taken their own lives at three to four times the rate of women, they are more likely to be isolated and on average have fewer social support networks, they use more drugs and alcohol, and make up the vast majority of the homeless and prison population.
There are clearly issues which need addressing and as men we have the opportunity to take responsibility for empowering men to make changes where needed.
There are clearly issues which need addressing and as men we have the opportunity to take responsibility for empowering men to make changes where needed.
The STRENGTHS of being male
Okay, okay so men struggle, so what? Don't the benefits of being male outweigh the costs? Aren't men by their very gender privileged? Aren't men by definition the powerful patriarchy?
Of course there are great things associated with being male as there are with being female, transgendered. We believe the positives of being male offer an opportunity to contribute towards helping each other and our wider communities through positive action.
Along with our focus on addressing inequalities where they exist through positive action, the Men's Institute pilot is about embracing what's good about being a man whilst working together to change what is not so great.
Of course there are great things associated with being male as there are with being female, transgendered. We believe the positives of being male offer an opportunity to contribute towards helping each other and our wider communities through positive action.
Along with our focus on addressing inequalities where they exist through positive action, the Men's Institute pilot is about embracing what's good about being a man whilst working together to change what is not so great.
Building Stronger communities
Let's come together, right here, right now!
There is strength in collective action. Our plan is to use collective action for the benefit of all people. I have load of ideas for MI projects all focused on working together to build healthier and happier communities. I'm sure others could come up with many many more.
There is strength in collective action. Our plan is to use collective action for the benefit of all people. I have load of ideas for MI projects all focused on working together to build healthier and happier communities. I'm sure others could come up with many many more.
The Women's Movement and the Women's Institute
The women's movement began in the western world in the late 19th century led by women of relative power and influence. Initially this movement of women set out to tackle suffrage (the right to vote in political elections) in the search for broader political equality.
Through the efforts of the suffragettes women in the UK were awarded the right to vote in 1918. Some limitations were placed on women's voting numbers because of all of the men who died in World War One.
As ideas and priorities shifted in the women's movement, attention focused more on social and cultural inequalities. A third wave of feminism then focused on the financial, social and cultural experiences of women. The women's movement has always been about addressing inequalities associated with the experience of being female.
There have been some amazing achievements born from the interest in the experience of women.
Through the efforts of the suffragettes women in the UK were awarded the right to vote in 1918. Some limitations were placed on women's voting numbers because of all of the men who died in World War One.
As ideas and priorities shifted in the women's movement, attention focused more on social and cultural inequalities. A third wave of feminism then focused on the financial, social and cultural experiences of women. The women's movement has always been about addressing inequalities associated with the experience of being female.
There have been some amazing achievements born from the interest in the experience of women.
The women's institute
The Women's Institute in the UK started in 1915 to help revitalise rural communities and encourage countrywomen to get involved in growing and preserving food to support the nation during wartime.
The WI has since gone on to become a leading charity in the UK. Across the UK in local communities women have been coming together as women to work together for the benefit of others. The WI has also addressed inequalities for women through the promotion of education and vocational opportunities.
The WI has since gone on to become a leading charity in the UK. Across the UK in local communities women have been coming together as women to work together for the benefit of others. The WI has also addressed inequalities for women through the promotion of education and vocational opportunities.
Working men
The working class includes those people who have nothing to sell but their labour-power and skills. It include both white and blue collar workers but excludes those who derive their income from business owners and the labour of others. The term has mainly been used to describe those people with lower wages and fewer academic and vocational opportunities.
Historically, men have been those worker and often occupied professions which presented many dangers and they often still do. Working class men were also excluded from voting in elections and were given the right to vote for the first time in 1918. The same time women were given the vote. This came after WWI where over 700,000 men lost their lives.
Historically, men have been those worker and often occupied professions which presented many dangers and they often still do. Working class men were also excluded from voting in elections and were given the right to vote for the first time in 1918. The same time women were given the vote. This came after WWI where over 700,000 men lost their lives.
Workings Men's CLubs
Working men's clubs were formed mainly during industrial times in industrial areas. The initial ambition for working men's clubs was to provide educational opportunities to working class men. In this sense they were set up to tackle an inequality which existed for a specific group on men. Unfortunately, the ambition became a little lost in recreational activities centred around the drinking bar and activities within the club.
Nevertheless, working men's clubs were and still are places where people, mainly working men, would be able to get support in time of need (the loss of a job or a financial difficulty). They were place where men would help one another through coming together and providing support.
Working men's clubs memberships have fallen over the years. Although some clubs still thrive many have closed down and others struggle to remain open. Nevertheless, they were relevant and served a function for men.
Nevertheless, working men's clubs were and still are places where people, mainly working men, would be able to get support in time of need (the loss of a job or a financial difficulty). They were place where men would help one another through coming together and providing support.
Working men's clubs memberships have fallen over the years. Although some clubs still thrive many have closed down and others struggle to remain open. Nevertheless, they were relevant and served a function for men.
Men
Guys we have so much to offer one another and our communities. There is great strength (physically and psychologically), which if harnessed in the right could lead to astounding outcomes. We look forward to meeting in the near future. Watch this space!