Who are Tasmen

Introduction

The Tasmanian Men's Health and Wellbeing Association (TasMen) was formed in 1999 to provide support and transformative experiences for men.

We found that many men felt isolated and were experiencing emotional difficulties, and looking for something more with life.

Tasmen have been trailblazers in creating a new paradigm for men since hosting the first Tasmanian Mens Gathering in 1996.

Supporting men to connect with others, to better understand themselves, to communicate, evolve and thrive. 

The Tasmanian Men's Health and Wellbeing Association (TasMen) was formed in 1999 to provide support and transformative experiences for men. We found that many men felt isolated and were experiencing emotional difficulties, and looking for something more with life.

We hold an annual Men’s Gathering, a small number of workshops and assist with the creation of men's groups.

We also facilitate an email discussion group for men who have participated in our events. This group allows men to discuss how they are travelling in their world at any time that suits them.

Values

In the carrying out of that work, a strong sense of values has evolved. Some of these are:

1.   Inclusion: Our activities are open to all men regardless of race, colour, religion or sexual orientation.

2.   Politics and Religion. We do not sponsor any particular religious organisation or political parties. We acknowledge the importance of spiritual values and the mystical aspects of life and invite all of those to participate, providing they do not provoke harm or discrimination.

3.    Authenticity: We encourage men to speak from the heart as well as the head, and to speak of their lived experience, thoughts and feelings. In shorthand, we talk about “I” statements not “you” statements.

4.   Responsibility and Accountability: We encourage men to be responsible for their choices and not blame others. We also hold them accountable for their choices.

5.   Non Judgement: We encourage men to listen to others and not judge them. Our job is to provide a safe place for men to learn about expressing their inner world, which necessitates nonjudgmental listening.

6.   Violence and Abuse: We do not support violence or any form of abuse, including sexual abuse or bullying under any circumstance.  We will provide as much support as we can for men to develop peaceful and nonviolent forms of relating.

7.   Generosity, gratitude and kindness: We encourage men to see the value for themselves and those they relate to by cultivating generosity, gratitude and kindness.