Meeting Seven – Let’s Play
Opening the Meeting
Keep the Opening Round short, and include Query or a work statement if you like.
First Exercise: Play
First the three articles from the manual, Men Playing, Rules for Good Safe Play, and The Real Winner are discussed.
(Articles are also on the website - click on titles above)
Then the men play any of the games described in the manual or on this website in Play under the Meeting Topics menu.
Second Exercise: Homework Assignment
These are seventeen critical questions that need to be considered before the next meeting. In addition to the questions, the manual also contains some commentary on some of the questions t who explain why they are important to decide now.
1. What does being a “Men’s Group” mean?
2. How much can I trust these men?
3. Do I want to remain with this group?
4. Have my goals been met?
5. What are my goals for the long term?
6. What are my goals for the group over the next year?
7. Have my goals changed?
8. Do I think all the members participated openly and honestly in all the activities?
9. How is the group functioning as a community?
10. Is there anything holding me back from forming a closer bond with these men? If so what is it?
11 To what extent is the group using the communication skills we have learned?
12. Is communication open and honest all the time? Have I held back saying something because I was afraid of hurting someone or of being rejected? Is there anything I need to say before moving on?
13. Is there something that needs to be changed in the group? If so, what is it?
14. What might be hindering the group from being a community?
15. What meeting did I enjoy the most?
16. Do I consider these men friends?
17. Am I ready to take responsibility for my group?
Closing the Meeting
The meetings typically end with a short round in which each man says how he is feeling and takes can of any unfinished business. The manual also contains various rituals that groups use to close a meeting.