MENSCH MANNERS

1: CONFIDENTIALITY 🤫
You can absolutely tell people about Mensch…you can even share broad themes that were discussed. What you can’t do outside of this space is get specific with shares and absolutely do not identify the person who said it. This ground rule is an imperative, and we take this very seriously.

2: RESPECT ✊🏻
This is a safe, inclusive space. Respect your self, everyone’s truth, boundaries, feelings, perspectives and stories beyond judgement and projection. Respect the space when others talk, and listen. This is not a space for bullying, aggressive or passive aggressive behaviour. Respect of other people naturally follows on from self-respect.

3: TAKE PART ✋
Authentically take part in the group with words and in silence. Better to say "Pass", for whatever reason, then to resort to jokes, put up a smokescreen, perform. At same time, this space is here to get you sharing what’s really going on vs internalising or suppressing. If you’re triggered or notice a thought that sits uncomfortably, you are welcome to verbalise it. We get to know our shadows in this space, this work is about facing and setting ourselves free of these narratives.

4: OWN WHAT YOU SAY 💪🏿
Use “I” statements, rather than “you”, “one” or “we”. What you say may not be true for any other person. Depersonalising avoids ownership of feelings, experiences, opinions and issues, making change an uphill battle. The word “we” seeks validation and acceptance of other men. “My” puts your truth before your need to fit in.


5: EXPERIMENT WITH WHO YOU ARE 🧪
If you’ve survived life by clowning about, appearing aggressive or passive, this is a space where you can experiment with hidden parts of yourself and feel what fits. Expand your edges by test-driving the more authentic you and take him/her out into the world, beyond old playground or professional personalities.

6: BE HERE NOW 📍

Be present and stay connected with yourself and the others in online groups without reading, scrolling, fiddling or faffing. Switch off message 'alerts' and keep distractions at bay. Take part from a private, quiet, well-lit room so we can hear, see and connect with one another, with our clothes on (!).