Jeff Kidman

Jeff Kidman

Kidape

USA • New England Area

 

 

Jeff Kidman

“I create the space where others can experience the love and healing that is waiting for them so they can realize their own potential, especially young men.”

Jeff Kidman was initiated into Men’s work in 1994 and has been involved in Men’s circles and volunteer leadership since then. Jeff has been working with Boys to Men USA/Mentoring to Manhood New England since 2008. During the summer of 2004 he had a revelation that more needs to be done in providing initiation for our boys. Men have been initiating other men but initiation was and is meant for the young, to bring them into a path toward mature manhood. Jeff had been reading and working on how to accomplish this locally when Boys to Men New England was founded by Dave Bolduc and John Cummings. He was there at the first Boys Adventure Weekend in New England in 2008 and has been working with them in various capacities ever since, including as event leader for many weekend events and as Executive Director. In October of 2016 Jeff was able to represent BTMNE with other local centers at the national Boys to Men summit where a national non-profit was formed to support and grow this work nationally.

 

Daniel Scruggs

Daniel Scruggs

Compassionate Turtle

USA • Greater Carolinas

 

 

Daniel Scruggs

“I share musical instruments and culture to educate, inspire and unite.”

Daniel Scruggs uses his gifts as a professional musician, world traveler and cultural educator to educate, inspire and unite. He has shared his PEACE CULTURE MUSIC program in pre-schools, grade schools, colleges, hospitals, retirement communities, with students with special needs and learning disabilities, refugees from war torn countries, on two Native American reservations and with hundreds of educators and thousands of children throughout seven countries. Daniel has collaborated with humanitarian organizations in the developing world and volunteers in high-risk, underserved communities in the USA to offer free cultural education programs, produce concerts and build resource centers equipped with hi-quality instruments and free music lessons. Daniel’s goal is to show up as the teacher he wished he had as a child; safe, caring, compassionate, accountable, and fun.  The PEACE CULTURE MUSIC program features over 150 musical instruments from six continents, shared interactively, with emphasis on the universal importance of story, tradition, language, geographical literacy and peace. 

Daniel uses his love and passion for music and culture to bring people together. He is committed to using these gifts to uplift and connect people from all ages and backgrounds. 

Daniel Scruggs is a world citizen, professional musician and experienced educator who is on a mission to educate, inspire and unite.  He has traveled extensively throughout our world as a student and educator of human cultures and global music making traditions. He created the interactive enrichment program PEACE CULTURE MUSIC to share these experiences, increase intercultural understanding and promote peace. 

 

David Amelio

David Amelio

Sacred Mountain Lion with Open-Heart

USA • Philadelphia

 

 

David Amelio

“I Co-create a world of love by embracing the sacred man, healing the human condition through initiation, awareness and teaching others to open up to the full potential of their divine being.”

For the past 27 years I have been enrolled in men’s work, both inside MKP and outside MKP. I have worked from inside prison walls and worked with men’s groups to better support their circles and to deepen their work. I provide teaching and process work to men’s groups. I am currently working with white men about their privilege in the system, holding men where they are regarding race. I work at looking at my own background and history around black and white, outing my internal racism and helping others to talk about race in a safe place. 

Ari Yahrok

Ari Yahrok

Bad Ass Blood Wolf

USA • SouthWest

 

 

Ari Yahrok

“I am the one who creates intimacy by embracing vulnerability in myself and others.”

Ari creates safe spaces to heal. He does this through drumming and gardening. Ari volunteers with special needs preschoolers, many whom don’t yet have the language to talk about their feelings. Most of these children are emotionally traumatized. Ari is on Disability for a Traumatic Brain Injury. 15 years ago he could not speak, read, or write. He started to rehabilitate himself by making and playing drums. He soon found out drumming is a method of communication more versatile and universal than language. Ari reached out to the community at large offering drum building classes and gifting drums for personal and ceremonial use.  When he is not making drums he has his hands in the dirt. Ari maintains a vegetable garden for 48 households. He also trains others to build gardens in their own backyards. He does this in collaboration with the Southern Arizona Community Food Bank.  Ari is a Mentor and Elder in the Tucson Transgender Community. He is an active contributor to Southern Arizona Gender Alliance, speaking and educating the Greater Tucson Community. 

Dan Erickson

Dan Erickson

White Eagle

Canada • Alberta

 

 

Dan Erickson

“I create a world of harmony and peace through service and compassion.”

Dan volunteers at the Health Science Centre supporting staff. He also supports the National Microbiology Laboratory Wellness committee. He just finished an End-of-Life Doula program and will be volunteering service for terminal clients. Dan holds kingly energy through his amazing patience and gift of giving. He takes great pleasure supporting, learning and helping his Autistic grandson. His generosity is angelic as he always thinks of others before himself and gives not only of his time but helps those in need financially whenever he can. His eldership is such a gift through patience and a true understanding that all people matter. His lover energy is so beautiful as he not only takes care of family at a drop of a dime, but he lends his healings gift to many suffering from minor aches and pains to deep trauma and deadly cancer through Pranic healing and genuine deep caring. His magician comes to play when dealing with complex situations in family and career. The nominator truly believes Dan is a gift from above, doing amazing things and living his mission and it will be a blessing to have him collect this award. Deep love and admiration for a truly gifted man.

 

Richard Torres

Richard Torres

 

USA • South Central Area

 

 

Richard Torres

I co-create a world of love, compassion and justice by being open, honest and fair.

Richard Torres spent years in the culinary field, serving others as a caterer and chef. During his tenure as head of the Houston community, he began a course of study to become a mid-school/high school teacher. He completed his studies and was awarded a teaching certificate. For several years, Richard has been involved on many levels with Land Of My Grandfathers (LOMG), a non-profit organization serving groups of men and women in their pursuit of spiritual and personal growth. Richard has done extensive service work at LOMG for the past 10 years, such as: served as board chairman for 3 years, coordinated all maintenance, repairs, and landscaping (even buying a tractor using his own money), raised funds for special projects and events. In 2021, he led the $190,000 improvement project and took over (and learned from the ground up) the role of LOMG treasurer after the passing of Jerry England. He also provided community service work at the Houston Convention Center for several days in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Harvey flooding in Houston (August 2017). Richard is currently a certified Co-leader in MKP International and up until the end of 2021, served as MKP USA Operations Circle Lead.

 

Scott MacRae, MD

Scott MacRae, MD

Golden Eagle

USA • Upstate New York

 

 

Scott MacRae, MD

“I embrace my healing and feelings, giving myself and others with love.”

I am a physician and surgeon who lost my father at an early age.  This launched me into a life of self discovery culminating with my New Warrior Training almost 30 years ago in San Diego.  That weekend changed my view of life and men.  I returned to Portland, Oregon and eventually myself and 4 other men came together to help start New Warrior Northwest serving at that time men from San Francisco to Vancouver, BC.  In 2,000, I moved to Rochester and was quickly taken into the Bull by the Horn Men’s I Group who embraced me into their brotherhood.  I’ve used my training to teach other young medical professionals.  As a passionate bicyclist and health nut, I’ve dedicated my time to making our streets safer for bicyclists and pedestrians and served as the President of the Rochester Cycling Alliance working with the mayor and county exec.  For every effort I’ve put into our community, I’ve been repaid tenfold by the generosity and wisdom of The Mankind Project and the people of Rochester.

 

Justin VanBuskirk

Justin VanBuskirk

Trusting Tiger

USA • Mid America Area, Central Great Lakes

 

 

Justin VanBuskirk

“I co-create a safe environment for myself and others to authentically heal, express and thrive.”

Justin has been living his mission by focusing his efforts on helping others take care of their overall health, and helping victims in crisis, particularly after storms in December 2021 in the Midwest USA. Activities Justin has been involved in to live his Mission… Justin has undertaken considerable training over the past 2 years through the CHEK Institute to increase his skills and certification as a holistic healer. Soon after his most recent training session, he volunteered to help staff a wellness / empowerment training where he contributed significantly from his MKP background.  He has personally invited well over a dozen men as guests to our Soaring Men I-Group, several of whom have become long-standing members. He has been an active member in two local I-Groups in West Michigan; the Soaring Men of Grand Rapids as well as the Men of Laughing Waters of Kalamazoo. He partnered with another man in Cleveland to launch a Young Warriors virtual I-Group that meets 2x / month, with members from multiple states. This year he took the on-line IGFT training. He also attended Facilitation Skills workshops offered by our group both in-person and on-line, as well as Carpet Workshops; where he has consistently stepped up to practice / strengthen his facilitation skills. Finally, on his way back from a road trip to the western states, Justin simply decided to plan a course back home via Mayfield, KY which was one of the worst devastated communities hit by a recent tornado. Justin is contributing both his considerable mechanical / construction skills to help the recovery there, as well as his compassionate support for the people there who are in need. Both the Soaring Men and Men of Laughing Waters contributed $500 each to support Justin in his efforts.

 

Jay Kassirer

Jay Kassirer

Sensuous Monk
Canada • Ontario

 

 

Jay Kassirer

“I co-create a sustainable world by loving and empowering myself and others.”

For 25 years, Jay has trained and supported governments, NGOs and business leaders worldwide to plan and evaluate programs that empower people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. He publishes the largest collection of publicly available full-length case studies of such programs and manages three peer review panels that designate best-in-class ones. He helped found the field’s professional associations (ISMA/SMANA) and is a reviewer for its main journal (SMQ.) He first led personal empowerment trainings (“Experience Weeks”) in the early 80’s while on staff at the Findhorn Foundation, Scotland. Jay has supported and empowered people worldwide to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. Jay was born in Ottawa, where he currently lives with his wife Rita. He has five children/step-children. Jay enjoys harmonizing and playing guitar and performs with Rita at a weekly Open Stage.

 

Rob Sötemann

Rob Sötemann

Joyful Hog with Gold Heart

USA • Wisconsin

 

 

Rob Sötemann

“I create a world of Love and Compassion by loving myself unconditionally and supporting everybody to his fullest potential.”

Sötemann was born in Amsterdam in The Netherlands on September 2nd, 1948. He got deeply involved with men’s work in 1985. He moved with his family to the US in 2000 on a search for inner peace. As so many, he found the source within himself. Rob got involved with the ManKind Project in the fall of 2015. After his NWTA he staffed several weekends until covid stopped the weekends from happening. He occupied the Wisconsin Elder Chair from March 2019 until September 2021. Since the spring of 2016 Rob got involved with prison work through the TRUTH Project. He staffed around a dozen weekends in Oshkosh and Racine. As soon as the Racine Correctional Institute was opened up after covid, Rob has been driving weekly 225 miles up and down every Wednesday from Lake Delton to Racine to be available for men inside. After assisting a friend on her final journey in October 2016 Rob has been a Hospice volunteer and a close companion to several of his friends in their final stretch.

Murray “Cappy” Caplan

Murray “Cappy” Caplan

Golden Blessing Eagle

USA • Colorado

 

 

Murray “Cappy” Caplan

“I co-create a world of love and acceptance by loving and accepting myself.”

I was very lucky at a very young age to have parents who accepted me just the way I was and modeled a joyful life reached through a love of learning. There really wasn’t an “”OTHER”” in their conversations with me. So, it was very natural for me to go into pediatrics because teaching children, adolescents, and their parents my “Mission Statement” was a joyful experience. One of my children noticed how much fun I was having, and she was upset with me when she found out I got paid for my services. I spent 4 years in the Indian health service practicing pediatrics with the different tribes of Oklahoma. There were no reservations there and it was amazing to see Native Americans accepting the beautiful parts of our culture–but not giving up their own. I have also worked with the Sioux of South Dakota the Navajo of New Mexico, and the Apache of Arizona— they have given me a tremendous appreciation of the land–after time with them I realize how many things are more important than money (not just the land, but friendships, family, and giving back). Today, I practice at child and adolescent psychiatry helping my patients ages 4 to 30yrs of age who have spent years living on the streets with their mental health issues and the trauma they’ve suffered in their lives. Our goals for these patients are very simple–give them the tools to find a job, a home in which to live, and a new opportunity to trust people for the first time in their lives. I initiated in 1994 and I have staffed 25 weekends–my daughter told me I had 2 families–my family, and my patients–and she was glad to be in one of them. My wife would tell you I have 3 families–my family, my patients, and my “MKP Warrior Brothers”. Thankfully, for me, she too is glad to be in one of them.

Simon Larouche

Simon Larouche

Lion Engagé
Canada • Québec

 

 

Simon Larouche

“Je cocrée un monde de jeu de joie et de collaboration en connectant le Vivant.”

Créateur, fondateur et propriétaire du Centre de l’Hêtre un centre de ressourcement en pleine nature jumelé à un projet d’éco-communauté. Le volet éco-communauté a été inspiré en partie des enseignements de Bill Kauth et sa femme Zoe Alowan. Simon est coach professionnel certifié et fondateur de SYMA coaching, une école de coaching professionnel qui vise à créer une humanité florissante en connexion avec le Vivant. Simon anime et participe à des cercles d’Homme depuis plus de 17 ans. Il est cocréateur du cercle à Lac-Beauport avec Martin Legault et Jean-Philippe Ruette. Passionné du développement humain, depuis plus de 20 ans, Simon accompagne chaque individu et entreprise, à travers un processus transformationnel durable.

 

SUN KINGS I-GROUP

SUN KINGS I-GROUP

Geoff Potts , Kevin Danaher, Peter Weiler, Michael Barickman and Chaz Harrington
USA Florida

 

 

SUN KINGS I-GROUP

These five MKP brothers live their mission and have truly demonstrated how “we can be the change we want to see in the world.”

The five men of the SunKings I-Group for creating a safe space for non-MKP involved men to meet online during the time of Covid isolation. The group came together as the Pandemic took hold in March 2020. Using social media tools such as Facebook and Meetup, the Kings have touched the lives of over 90 non-MKP men. Many leave the monthly sessions with a SMART Goal “stretch” to move forward in life. Some men have become permanent members of SunKings, others have gone on to take MKP online trainings and join the National Men’s Circle. The Florida MPK men that facilitate these weekly groups are: Geoff Potts [Lumbering Bear], Kevin Danaher [Loving Lion], Peter Weiler [Sleeping Badger], Michael Barickman [Leopard OATSS] and Chaz Harrington [Red Monarch].


Axel Dobernowsky

Axel Dobernowsky

Tanzender Puma
Germany

 

 

Axel Dobernowsky

Here and now I encourage men and women to show their talents by living mine.

Axel died a serious car accident last year. He was a loving father and leaves behind two sons and a partner. He did a lot for the Community in MKP, always providing emotional and uplifting support to many men. But also financially he gave many men the possibility to go their way. He was a true friend. Always kind words on his lips. For years he was the man who stored and maintained the MKP material. He drove it to every NWTA. In Germany as well as Switzerland and the Nordic Community in Sweden. He was part of building the Nordic Community. We will never forget Axel. 

In memory of Axel Dobernowsky – Dancing Puma

 

Award Ceremony Video

Steve “Smytty” Smyth

Red Eagle Wolf
USA  • Colorado, Denver

 

 

Steve “Smytty” Smyth

“I co-create a world of Love, Serenity and Healing by doing what I’m called to do.”

Steve “Smytty” Smyth is an active member in many volunteer organizations dedicated to the safety of children, helping families in need, and supporting addiction recovery.

Smytty chairs 12 Step Meetings for inmates at the Arapahoe County Jail, and volunteers with the Third Way Center assisting teens in crisis. He facilitates talking circles through The Courage to Change Addiction Medicine Rehab program and is currently sponsoring 3 men. Smytty is an active member of Guys Who Give and assists weekly in the Watchdog a program—enhancing security in public elementary school programs. Every Christmas he sponsors a family and provides gifts for the single mothers and their children. 

Smytty initiated in 2004, is an LKS Leadman and Ritual Elder, and has staffed 61 NWTAs. 

Paul Newell

Paul Newell

The Meecuna Fox Moon
USA  • Metro New York TriState

 

 

Paul Newell

“I co-create a world of freedom and expression by being powerfully authentic and in service to self and others.”

Paul is an advocate and guide for wholistic health and the well-being of men by crafting curated regimens and habits that support men in physical, mental and spiritual well-being.  Paul has been a men’s work online facilitator for the past three years, and has recently co-created The King’s College for Black Men, a space for black men to learn and grow in mind, body, and spirit to combat systemic racism.

He works with mentorship groups and hosts a podcast called “Men Talk About.”  Paul also is an advocate for fathers’ rights by helping fathers address their shadows and traumas to be the best version of themselves and enhance how they show up in relationships with their spouse/co-parent and with their children.

Aron Halevi

Aron Halevi

Easy Tiger
South Africa  • Cape Tow

 

 

Aron Halevi

“I create a connected, vibrant and integrated world by listening with care and using my creativity and courage to heal myself and the world around me.”

Aron Halevi is a social innovator living near Cape Town, South Africa.  In August 2019, a 19-year-old student was murdered.  16 days later, Aron led the #99949 campaign (Nelson Mandela’s prison number was #44464), calling men to stand up and so no to gender based violence. Over 100,000 men stood in silence at 9am on the 9th day of the 9th month 4/for 9 minutes – a call to action, to be seen, show outrage, stand with other men, and bring men into the solution of Gender Based Violence (GBV). Aron’s other notable social change work includes a project with an ex-convict, gangster and drug dealer, Larry Joe.  Combining music, film and social media, Aron collaborated with Joe, recording an album in his prison cell,  and conducting interactive workshops with over 100,000 high school students around South Africa and the theme of “Changing the World One Man at a Time.”

David Vail

David Vail

Red Stone
USA • Upstate New York

 

 

David Vail

“My mission is to create a world of sustainable abundance by showing up, paying attention, and telling the truth.”

David Vail volunteers at the Villa of Hope working in rehabilitation for young people struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. He has taken the gift of sobriety to these people by bringing a Tuesday AA meeting to the facility. Seeing the spark of a young person who wants more of what is on the other side of addiction drives Dave to continue to serve. 

He has introduced many young folks to the sacred ceremony of the Lodge. In this way Dave has provided space for these individuals to connect to a deeper part of themselves during their rehabilitation experience.

David has been a member of MKP since 2009 and an LKS Leadman since 2016. 

Royston John

Royston John

Conscious Lion
UK & IRELAND • London

 

 

Royston John

“I create a world of people who love each other and care for tomorrow’s children, by sharing my love and abundant joy with humanity.”

Royston John is a man living his mission out there in the world. Royston was inspired to set up the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) in London over 20 years ago, after having experienced first-hand their life-enhancing Diversity, Inclusion and Equality work through the NCBI UK Road show. Over the last 20 years Royston has led (and trained many others to lead) groups of men and women from all walks of life through a range of NCBI experiential workshops and trainings. As a Black man, Royston has consistently taken the many hits that have come his way when the topics of Diversity, Inclusion and Equality are discussed in ethnically diverse groupings, yet his love and abundant joy continue to shine through undimmed. 

Genesis Young

Genesis Young

Koholā Singing for the Planet
USA • Hawaii

 

 

Genesis Young

“I create a world of truth and love by being authentic.”

Genesis and his wife, Sulara James, started the nonprofit Teran James Young Foundation (TJYF),which is dedicated to creating peace in the world.  Designed around Nonviolent Communication and trauma-informed care, TJYF works with local schools to help them adopt principles of restorative healing  In coordination with various governmental agencies, TJYF is working to open a much needed youth shelter in Maui. Genesis leads a weekly community NVC mediation and Restorative Justice circle, a weekly Practicing Peace group, and runs a weekly youth mentoring group.  He is working with the Hawaii legislature to mandate that Restorative Justice be offered to all people in Hawaii, and is the Chair of the Maui County Committee for Sustainable Tourism. Genesis is a certified Shadow Work Coach, does shamanic work, and has for many years hosted his 25 member I-group, the Kīhei Kings. 

Navid Modiri

Navid Modiri

Loving Lion
Nordic

 

 

Navid Modiri

“I create a world of truth and love by being authentic.”

Engaged in men’s work since 2013, Navid launched a virtual support programme in 2020 for Swedish men – Supportive Brother (SB). SB is motivated by a desire to have a positive effect on men’s mental health by providing a supportive forum in which isolation is broken and development supported. About 500 men have taken part in SB meetings, and roughly 250 men are members of a Facebook group. SB is now also offering free training sessions for men who want to lead more men’s groups as well as supporting the growth of member-led special interest groups. 

Navid also mentors three upper secondary students who have started a Supportive Brother programme for their own age group. He initiated the award of Swedish Men of the Year, International Man’s day. 

Corey Lee

Corey Lee

Playful Deer
Canada  • Alberta

 

 

Corey Lee

“I create a loving world of peace by serving myself first, those I love and others.”

For many years Corey has been an active force in keeping people connected through numerous communities, by organizing and hosting shared dinners, barbecues and other events. Corey is a long-term volunteer of the Marian Centre, an inner-city organization that feeds the homeless and the less fortunate. Besides doing regular shifts in a soup kitchen in the Edmonton inner city, Corey has actively recruited new volunteers and has promoted local restaurants that give away food to those in need. 

For a long time, Corey has volunteered for a suicide hotline and has trained others in suicide prevention. Corey is a man who drops everything to help out people in the communityand who truly lives his mission by keeping his many communities connected and serving his family and friends and especially the less fortunate in our society. 

Martin Rivard

Martin Rivard

Humble Jaguar
Canada  • Québec

 

 

Martin Rivard

“I create a world of love and connection while being connected and expressing love with all that surrounds me.”

Martin is involved in several ManKind Project committees, and is also a member of the Board of Directors of the “Portal of Abundance” in his hometown. This portal helps members of his community offer each other mutual aid and shares inspirational and sacred teachings. Martin is always available for his brothers, to help by his presence and also by giving his time and energy. Martin is very connected to nature and is sensitive to what She can say to him.  Martin creates a world of love by being present from the heart. 

Jet Teisberg

Jet Teisberg

Withheld per request of Jet
USA • Central Plains

 

 

Jet Teisberg

“To awaken people to see and accept their shadows.”

After recovering from cancer, John created “The Reluctant Brotherhood,” a weekly support call for men all over the counter who are recovering from cancer.  

John has also been involved for ten years in “Beepball,” a competitive form of softball for non-sighted people. As an outfield “spotter,” John calls out “quadrant instructions” to the coed fielders when a ball is headed their way. 

John has been active in the Minnesota Men’s Center since its inception in the early 80’s, and served as an early chair for 5 years.  Their space has been critical for many men’s organizations in the Twin Cities, dealing with issues ranging from divorce to LGBT. 

Doug Stern

Doug Stern

Hawk Inside the Belly of a Beast
USA • Midwest, Kentucky

 

 

Doug Stern

“My mission is to create a free and happy world by being free and happy.”

Doug went to his usual 12-step meeting June 2, 2020, read Step 1 aloud, and had an epiphany about racial healing.  He realized that he could somehow work a program of recovery toward racial transformation for himself…and, perhaps, for others. June 2 was a low point for Louisville, KY as it was being convulsed by violent white supremacy.That’s when he stepped up and formed a 12-step study group for local Louisville folks.  The Group discovered and used Racists Anonymous (rainternational.org), a recovery program modeled after AA. The Group finished the step study after 16 weeks, decided to stay together, and opened the meeting to others.  Since summer, Louisville Meeting #1 (7:55 am ET, Wednesdays) has been a space for others in the U.S., Canada and abroad…seeking to uproot racist thoughts and behaviors in themselves. In addition to his anti-racism work in Louisville, Doug has served RA’s organizational leadership in getting the word out and offering hope to people internationally. 

Philippe Wanufel

Philippe Wanufel

Grizzly Apaisé
Belgium

 

 

Philippe Wanufel

“I am on the way to a fairer and more united world thanks to my facetious clown, my available quiet strength and my generous and unifying character.”

Since his retirement, Philippe has devoted himself to two organizations driven by heart values. The first is Hôpi-Clown, which bring clown activities to pediatric hospitals. Philippe becomes “Bill” with the red nose. Armed with his magic suitcase, his balloons to be sculpted, his magic tricks, his stories and songs, he travels room to room bringing happiness to sick children and their families. 

The second is Altéo, an organization that allows differently-abled people to go on vacation in total safety. Several times a year, Philippe accompanies disabled people for a week, when bonds forged between the volunteer and his “holidaymaker” become life-long. Philippe reports that exchanges of eye contact and soul between him and those he’s supporting are comparable in intensity to those exchanged during an NWTA.

Bharataji Anthony Joplin

Bharataji Anthony Joplin

Healing Panther with Dragon Spirit
USA • Chicago

 

 

Bharataji Anthony Joplin

“I heal the world by uncovering the divinity in myself and others.”

Bharataji Joplin has been on a 25-year mission to help people discover the Divine in themselves and see it in those around them. He says “…uncovering your divinity is about realizing that there is something worth pursuing in life bigger than self.” 

He’s in charge of counselor training for Youth Guidance’s Becoming a Man program, which supports young men from Chicago and other cities to develop skills to achieve a better life. His work with the Metropolitan Peace Academy focuses on building community-level capacity to reduce violence through positive interventions and training. He’s also been involved with the Inside Circle Foundation, which provides support and healing for incarcerated and formerly-incarcerated people. He was one of the featured facilitators in the Netflix film, “The Work (2017).”  

Bharataji Joplin was initiated in February 1997 in Chicago, and certified as Full Leader in 2006. 

Fernando Alvarez

Fernando Alvarez

Dragón dorado sobre una horda de monos
Mexico • Mexico City

 

 

Fernando Alvarez

“I create a world of abundance and love.”

Fernando is a professor and registered psychologist devoted to protecting Mexican children from child abuse. He also works in the realm of sexual violence prevention among transgender children in elementary public schools. 

As a Co-Director in the “Sexual Wisdom” program, he has designed and led experiential conferences and workshops for children, adolescents, teachers and parents, as well as organized and facilitated conferences on child sexuality and prevention of sexual violence. He leads a self-help group for parents of trans children.

He is an active member of MKP México, where he conducts workshops on sexual shadow and healing for warrior brothers. 

Unnamed Man

Unnamed Man

 

USA • Los Angeles Area

 

 

Unnamed Man

The man selected by the Los Angeles Area has chosen not to accept the Award and has asked that the following be read:

It is a high honor to have been nominated for, considered for, and chosen to receive this award.  Through that, I see that my contribution to advancing white male introspection around race and activation of said introspection has landed on men. However, I feel it is far more necessary to take that high honor and turn the light onto the men who have truly done the hard work, the men of color in this community.  For too long, these men, willingly or not, have been holding up mirrors for us white men to do our work.  More often than not, I have stood and watched these men do their work around racial inequity, while the power and privilege of my silence reigned. I have feigned helplessness in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, asking men of color ‘what should I do?.’  Our brothers of color do not get to choose whether or not race is an issue on a weekend or in I-Group or by being inundated by calls in the face of racial reckoning.  Yet, they keep showing up, day after day, month after month, year after year.  I am so thankful that they show up and have held the myriad of mirrors up for me and my white brothers.  It is time that we white men take the mirrors from them and we hold them up to each other, for doing so should not be exceptional, it should be expected.  So, thank you, my beautiful brothers of color for all you do for this Project, this community, this nation, and this world. You have changed my life and my commitment to you is I will not stay quiet and I will take action whenever I can whenever I see racial inequities.  I invite my white brothers to commit to the same. 

Terje Lange

Terje Lange

Goldener Drache über einer Horde Affen

Germany

 

 

Terje Lange

“Courageously, I create a world of gentleness, love and joy by showing myself, true my limits and living truthfully. I plant the grain of love in every being by connecting the sacred-male with the divine-female.”

Terje was on the board of MKP Germany for 4 years, and volunteered for MKP-International for 2 years. He is a CLC in MKP and NobleMan initiated. Terje is committed to the topic of diversity and works in the youth center in Stuttgart where he supports youth in their journeys into adulthood.

Christoph Buro

Christoph Buro

Freier Bär

Germany

 

 

Christoph Buro

“I create a world of creative connection and healing by exemplifying my values of love, humility and surrender.”

Christoph was a volunteer teacher for several years at Leonhard – Entrepreneurship for Prisoners; resocialization project for prisoners with the aim to prepare prisoners for starting a business after their time in prison. Christoph was also a member of the parents’ council (8 years, the last two as deputy chairman) at Kurt Huber Gymnasium, focusing on career orientation, digitalization/media concept, school development; member of the school forum. In addition, 20 years of loving companionship and care for his wheelchair-bound wife. And Christoph has more than fulfilled his role as a father. And he was also coordinator of the MKP I-Group Munich for several years. 

Robert Alexander

Robert Alexander

Golden Eagle

USA • South East

 

 

Robert Alexander

“I have created a world of possibilities by helping others and myself discover their best self.”

Rob is an active volunteer for AARP. He is a member of the Volunteer Facilitator and Trainer Team (VFTT) where he teaches a variety of courses and facilitates AARP strategic planning activities. He’s also a Volunteer Portal Training Specialist (VPTS) team in which he helps other volunteers use the AARP internal website.

Rob is also a First League Lego Robotics mentor at Renaissance Middle School in Fulton County, GA, where, last year, his team won first place in the Georgia Technology School Association (GA-TSA).

Denis Mercier

Denis Mercier

Born To Be Wild Horse

Canada • Ontario

 

 

Denis Mercier

“I create a world of balance and belonging by healing and teaching.”

Denis changes lives through his service. He’s been a Big Brother since 1995 and has had 3 “Littles” — including one who is now an initiated man. In addition to his Big Brothers work, Denis volunteers with his therapy dog ‘Rosie’ at a local retirement home. Denis has also volunteers his time with the local French community assisting them with the drafting of new legal documents/agreements for their facility.

Denis was initiated in November 2015 at Pearce Williams Camp Near London, Ontario and has has 9 NWTA staffings under his belt. Denis is a declared elder, an active member of the Ontario Elder Community, and sits on the board of directors as the Elder Representative. He has also served as the secretary of MKP Ontario Board.

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