Get Off the Concrete

The Get Off the Concrete gathering is a place to reconnect with yourself, be inspired, relax, dream, share skills, develop friendships, come from the heart, share strength, connect with the earth, promote social action, explore creativity and be your authentic self in the company of men. This is a co-created experience where we all contribute.

Have you attended a Men Being Real workshop but not yet attended the Summer Gathering? - this is a unique opportunity to live the values you experienced on the Men Being Real workshop while continuing your personal growth journey in the company of good men. “First timers”: join us in fun and learning.

We will come together in conversation in morning dialogue circles, daily “home” groups, a sharing circle, and a rich night-time celebration of our identity as men. The rest of the time we will use “open space” ways of meeting, which means we will co-create the gathering out of the talents of the men present. Open space is an engaging, edgy and spontaneous way of being together - awake to moments of utter nonsense and deep sacred grace. There will be a forum where we offer spontaneous workshops and interest groups, so come prepared to be spoiled for choice, and consider offering a workshop or activity yourself. Get Off the Concrete offers a depth of sharing and openness that brings out a spirit of awakening, creativity and authenticity.

Boundaries : beginnings and endings mark time and respect. We will start with an opening ceremony at 3.00 pm and ask you to arrive anytime Wednesday afternoon, well before 2.30pm. You’ll need plenty of time to erect your tent, settle in, connect with friends and unwind. The gathering runs until 2.00 pm Sunday and we request participants to commit to being present for the whole time (the process of building community is weakened by random arrivals and departures). The entire gathering including set up is alcohol and drug free. By attending you agree to this. We have found ways of being together in community (Tikanga). Our Tikanga applies to the entire gathering including set up.

This gathering is open to members of the Essentially Men network, and to members of other organisations or groups doing men’s personal growth work. It is not for men who are new to men’s work. We have found that the first stage for a man to establish trust with other men is best done in a structured programme and there are more appropriate forums for this.

Men from kindred organisations - this is the perfect place to support and inspire each other as we forge
connections and share ideas with men from diverse yet aligned networks. All men who are members of organisations or groups doing men’s personal growth work are welcome.

Bring your young men - you are invited to bring your young men along and include them in the world of men’s work and play. There will be organised activities for the young men, sometimes with their group of fathers and mentors, sometimes with other men from our community. Additionally, secondary school aged young men are welcome to attend with (and under the care of) their father or mentor.