Ryan Bemis
Benevolent Bison
USA • Southwest
Ryan Bemis
“I create a world of solidarity by holding space for suffering, partnering with the people, and cultivating resilience building at the grassroots.”
Ryan is co-founder of the Barefoot Acupuncture Movement, a non-profit collective that partners with people affected by injustice to build resilience using acupuncture. They work to create a more socially diverse global acupuncture workforce by mobilizing disaster response and engaging in grassroots community development in underserved regions. With a vision that even the most marginalized groups have the capacity to care for their own people, Ryan started a free tuition acupuncture school in response to violence in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, which is now being replicated in other countries.
He has over 20 years’ experience in mental healthcare and has helped to integrate acupuncture within U.S. military and Veteran’s healthcare, Catholic Charities, trauma survivor programs, disaster relief, as well as refugee, harm reduction and the homeless healthcare in North and Central America. He is currently working with a state prison system to introduce acupuncture into addictions care for inmates and Native tribes.
Dale Joyal
Moral Moose
Canada • Red Deer Alberta
Dale Joyal
“I create a world of truth by courageously speaking my truth to myself and others.”
When Dale moved to Red Deer (Alberta, Canada) there wasn’t a men’s group, so he started a flourishing group and continues to be dedicated to it. He also had a vision to start the very first GIFT training in Canada and helped bring it into being. Dale offers online support every Monday and Friday to people he knows free of charge to share meditation and practices that he leads that have so positively impacted his life. Dale actively invites people to the men’s circle or simply checks in with them every week and chats with them to make sure everyone still feels welcome and knows they are loved. Dale encourages people to be the best self they can be. He is constantly uplifting others.
Kurt F. Bauer
Lion
USA • St louis
Kurt F. Bauer
“I create a world of love by trusting.”
Kurt has been active in St. Louis MKP for many years, most notably as a co-facilitator for open support groups for initiated and uninitiated men. When the pandemic hit, Kurt learned how to use zoom and continued to host meetings online.
Most recently Kurt has been volunteering with the Veterans Administration doing outreach to support isolated and lonely veterans.
Jeffrey Tate
Mindful Otter
USA • Florida
Jeffrey Tate
“I create a world of abundance by building organizations of Love and accomplishment.”
Jeffrey lives his mission in the world by Building Cyclo Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases including for Niemann-Pick Disease Type C, a fatal genetic disease in children, and Alzheimer’s Disease. He leads the Local Workforce development Board through restructuring to better train workers, connect them with companies and grow the local economy. He also is building a scholarship fund in memory of his grandparents, Owen and Frances Tate, creating the Tate Scholars Program at the University of Minnesota Morris that supports students presenting their scholarly and artistic work off campus.
Michael Dreiling
Giraffe
USA • Northwest
Michael Dreiling
“I restore connection between the heart and mind by nurturing the wounds of my heart and relinquishing falsehoods of the mind, and in doing this I become an expression of Spirit’s wisdom on Earth.”
Dreiling lives his mission within himself, in his parenting and marriage, in his teaching, research and creative works, and in his service to community. In healing and reconciling his own wounds, he has spent 25 years studying, teaching, and communicating peace and nonviolence. His work now reaches tens of thousands of people in several countries. In addition to his award-winning filmmaking, teaching and research at the University of Oregon, he has co-founded several nonprofit organizations committed to nonviolence and social justice.
When courage is in short supply, Dreiling steps up. He sticks his neck out there for love, justice, and sincerity. As a father, he loves deeply and teaches integrity. Students regard him as enthusiastic and wise. Scholars in his field acknowledge his cutting-edge approaches and ideas. Audiences in a dozen countries have been inspired by his film and moved to better understand the conditions for peace in our world. He lives in Eugene, Oregon with three children and his partner Yvonne.
Terry Rouse
Courageous Crow
USA • Heartland
Terry Rouse
“I create a world which is beautiful, loving, and nurturing by accessing my power and pursuing my passion.”
Terry is pouring his heart and intention into a creation of great healing, compassion and practical assistance: The Eliza B. Conley House of Resilience in Wyandotte County, KS. The project is committed to watershed discipleship, restorative justice, and other anti-racist reparations in the form of affordable housing for their BIPOC (Black, indigenous, and other persons of color) neighbors and other local activists organizing for justice-based peace.
In these deeply contentious times, the vision for the House is to care for its residents, their neighbors, and the land in a small, sustainable community that transforms oppressive domination into mutual liberation. They work to realize that vision through their mission to grow a healthy home by sharing labor and power, knowing their histories, partnering with Creation, and practicing hospitality, response-ability, and place-based peacemaking.
Rick Pack
Calm Cheetah
USA • Greater Carolinas
Rick Pack
“I create a world in which data, including our diverse stories and that of scientific research, help us create a healthier world.”
Rick Pack serves as a writer and data-focused member of the 100 Black Men of Triangle East’s “Technology and Communications” committee, which mentors youth in the Raleigh, NC area in health and wellness, education, and economic empowerment, primarily through their biweekly “Saturday Academy” program. They also have recently begun a “Parenting Academy” program to help parents connect with each other.
Rick also volunteers annually at the Junior League of Raleigh’s “Career Fair” at the Brentwood Boys & Girls Club in Raleigh, NC, energetically encouraging kids to do well in school so they can achieve their dreams. He writes LinkedIn posts to increase awareness about non-profits building community in the technology space such as Research Triangle Analysts, the data science segment of the Triangle SQL Server User Group, and Women in Tech Allies.
Craig Roberts
Shimmering Starfish with Guiding Radish
USA • Mid Atlantic
Craig Roberts
“I create a world of Joy, Peace and Fearlessness by breaking free, getting involved and sharing.”
Craig has pursued a variety of volunteer opportunities. He is an active volunteer with the C & O Canal Association. completing projects such as the installation of park benches and lock signs. He has served as Commissioner for a local soccer region. With his wife, he became a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and foster parent for troubled youths, and hosts an annual regional retreat for the Association of Research and Enlightenment.
Gregory Gardner
Open Hearted Hawk
USA • Wisconsin
Gregory Gardner
“I create a healthy and powerful world by speaking my truth and affirming others.”
Greg’s mission supports the belief that all people are deserving of care of respect. Greg provides medical and dental care to remote and underserved populations. Since retiring, he undertakes regular dental mission trips: to Jamaica, with the Rotary Club, to Peru with Flying Doctors of America, and to Honduras with the MEDICO organization. In the US Greg works with the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin providing care to a population who have trouble affording care, are homeless, are affected with addictions or mental illness, or are otherwise stigmatized by their HIV status. Greg completed his initiation in 1997. MKP provided Greg tools to live authentically and with integrity as a gay man. Coming out later in life, he now encourages others to live fully regardless of labels or conditions. Dentistry is just one vehicle to engage, affirm and uplift people. Greg has been active in an I-group since his initiation, is an LIT with 22 staffings, and is currently Wisconsin’s I-group coordinator.
Bill Boerner
Grey Wolf with Free Soaring Hawk
USA • Philadelphia
Bill Boerner
“I co-create a world of peace through service and listening.”
Bill is very active in the recovery community. He’s been on the board of directors and board of trustees at his home group. During the pandemic, he started a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, bringing the message of recovery to addicts and alcoholics who were just entering treatment. He helped inspire and set up Zoom meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous in the tri-state area at the beginning of the first COVID-19 lockdown. Lower Bucks hospital tests all patients for COVID-19 before admitting them, so Bill took the risk of going in person. He’s a front line worker who repeatedly put himself in harm’s way, this resulted in getting COVID and then later going back to work.
Grew up in Northeast Philadelphia, Robotics Technician for Amazon, married, one daughter, new grandfather. Went through in October 2018. Member LKS.
John Marsden
Leaping Dolphin
USA • San Diego
John Marsden
“The sunshine of my love shines through when I believe myself and show my tender heart.”
Since 2014 John has made leadership in the Boy Scouts of America his mission of service. Years of direct leadership as Scoutmaster created space for 80-100 youth “to fail safely, develop leadership skills and gain skills to function in the world as a productive member of society.” Additionally, he served on staff for National Jamboree and World Jamboree, ensuring a safe environment for 2000 scouts. Through BSA, John enjoys mentoring young boys and girls in their growth to becoming productive members of society. John used his MKP skill set to create a “safer place for other men and women to be authentic and grow.” John also owns a corporate safety training company where he directly incorporates MKP core values into his training syllabus: taking responsibility for your own safety, helping others to stay safe, showing up to do the right thing, taking accountability for what you do. He has been married to his wife, Jackie for over 29 years.
Elders for Climate Justice
USA • New England Area
Elders for Climate Justice
Stew Kennedy, Jud Lawrie, Lance Polya, Robert Ryan, Steve Simmer, Steve Aman and Jon Witte
We, the Elders for Climate Justice, are dedicated to creating conversations about climate change, and urgently encouraging action. We recognize the special responsibility of Elders to serve as Earth stewards and to leave a sustainable and healthy planet for all those who follow. Our emphasis is on specific actions people can take to help in the important battle against the escalating dangers of climate change. We intend to pay special attention to the impacts of climate change on those most harmed by and least able to cope with it.
Adam Abelardo Gettinger-Brizuela
Papa Gorilla
USA • San Diego
Adam Abelardo Gettinger-Brizuela
“I create a world of nurtured children and empowered adults by educating myself and passing on the knowledge to others.”
Adam began his journey as a grassroots community organizer as a 15 year-old high school student. Forty years later, he is still committed to addressing social inequalities.
After enduring devastating challenges in his own life, including losing his children and then slipping into mental illness and addiction, he came back to life, earning a graduate degree with honors. He has confronted social inequalities against people of color, migrant workers, ex-offenders, chemically-dependent persons, the GLBTQ community and those with co- occurring conditions. A father, grandfather,New Warrior, counselor and the founder of POPS, the Paternal Opportunities, Programs & Services organization in San Diego, Adam has most recently taken on a leadership role in the men’s and fathers’ rights and responsibilities movement in California.
POPS provides direct services to fathers and helps them reunite with their children. Adam is a founding member of the San Diego Fatherhood Network and serves on its Executive Team. A consultant and trainer on men’s issues he has been called to Sacramento to advise state planners on social policy toward men.
Preston Lopez
Mariposa
USA • Southern California
Preston Lopez
“I co-create a sustainable and equitable world by organizing my community and empowering the marginalized.”
Preston is an activist and organizer. He primarily devotes his energy to bringing about environmental justice through his work with the Sunrise Movement. He has also been involved in grassroots efforts to address housing and homelessness for low income communities, end “the war on drugs”, and get out the vote for midterm and presidential elections. He is also a poet and is collaborating with other queer artists of color to create events and spaces where their art can be shared and their voices heard.
Bio: Preston initiated with MKP in December of 2007. The experience changed his life and he found in MKP a safe and supportive space that he was able to turn to when coming out of the closet a few years later. Through his involvement with MKP, he has developed the personal integrity, leadership ability, and facilitation skills that support his ongoing professional and volunteer work in the world. He also met his now partner, Michael Rowley, in the project and the two are currently engaged to be married.
Fernando Álvarez
Serpiente Guerrera
México • México City
Fernando Álvarez
“Create a world of abundance and love.”
A professional Psychologist devoted to protect Mexican children from child abuse and support of Trans children in elementary public schools, Fernando also works in Gender and sexual violence prevention. As Co-Director in “Sexual Wisdom”, he has designed and given 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. Professor of the Diploma courses in the Treatment of Sexual Abuse and Prevention in government agencies, public and private school districts. He leads a self-help group for parents of Trans children.
At MKP México he conducts workshops on sexual shadow and healing for warrior brothers. He is a great dancer, his passion is traveling and tasting different cuisines. He shares his life with his partner Viviana.
Scott Herbert “Corky” Sigurdson
Shining Owl with Sacred Heart
USA • San Diego
Scott Herbert “Corky” Sigurdson
“I create a world of love, joy, health, wealth and forgiveness, through faith in my God and action in the world.”
Member, Board of Directors Boys to Men USA; Mountain Adventure Leader Trainer, San Diego with 100+ staffings over 23 years cooking, cleaning, serving, facilitating, teaching and mentoring at risk fatherless teenage boys. – BTM serves 800 San Diego area boys in 35 weekly circles alone. Boys to Men is now nationwide.
Boys to Men Mentoring was created in 1996 by Corky’s father Herb, his brother Joe and their great friend Craig McClain out of MKP’s call for men to live lives with missions of service. Corky was the original staffman. The mission at BTM is to address the devastating effects of fatherlessness on a young man’s life. They create communities of support, encouragement and empowerment so that no boy need feel like he is alone. They are bringing these disconnected boys back into the community and encouraging them to be young men of integrity, honesty, accountability and service.
James Mayfield Smith
Courageous Wild Tree Fox
USA • Heartland
James Mayfield Smith
“I create a world of BreakThrough Moments by opening my heart, sharing my gifts, and following my dreams.”
James has built a career on the work he learned in MKP, which he has followed up with intensive work in somatics, shadow work, shamanic breathwork, shamanic counseling, voice dialogue, inner parts work, inner child work, applied mythology, and more.
James co-leads an annual initiatory Wildman Gathering in the mountains near Asheville, NC, with an MKP Warrior brother and 3 other powerful leaders of men’s work. At the Wildman Gathering, one of James’ roles is to create and tell a new epic tale each year, based on ancient initiatory myths, that becomes the story thread throughout the weekend, much as the Iron John tale serves for the NWTA.
He also serves elementary school students within a classroom setting. James has a 29 year old son, Andrew, who was initiated into MKP at age 18, and an 18 year old daughter, Ella, who is a light. She is an inspiration for him to make the world safer by working with men to recover and heal their own wounded inner Little Boy, rather than act out their hurts upon the world, as he did during his dark night of the soul prior to his own NWTA.
James R. Creasey
Strong Black Dog
USA • Colorado
James R. Creasey
“My mission is to create connection and playfulness by living with curiosity, courage and kindness.”
In the silence and confusion of dementia, on a summer holiday in 2008, James Creasey discovered new connections with his father. As they played croquet together, they both smiled. James wanted to share this experience with other families impacted by dementia and reduce the isolation of seniors who do not have family close-by to play with them. So James began to train and equip high-school and college students to play croquet at their schools as an outing, every two weeks, for the residents of local senior communities. Jiminy Wicket has played with more than 10,000 participants from 2 to 101 years old and from more than 107 countries on three continents and at events in Denver, Boston, London, and Brisbane.
Dan Loeffler
Bright Falcon
USA • Greater Carolinas
Dan Loeffler
“To serve my community when grief enters one’s life due to the death of a loved one or a relationship.”
Working through a variety of programs including Comfort Zone Camp, The Dinner Party, Death Café, and the Grief Recovery Method; Dan works with men and boys to transcend the mire of loss and grief. Last year Dan facilitated two grief workshops in North Carolina, one grief workshop in California as well as working one-on-one with many individuals. After the loss of their teenage daughter, Dan and his wife formed “Being with Grief,” a grief support network.
Dan discovered that life was possible after experiencing the heartbreaking loss of his daughter. His life as a construction manager was forever changed, but through his effort and support from MKP, found his calling to help others recover from loss and grief. He and his wife provide support through their work at Being With Grief.
Glenn Williams
Sacred Little Light
USA • New England
Glenn Williams
“I create restorative community by creating safe spaces in society to promote personal redemption, collective repair, and accountability for those impacted by the criminal justice system.”
After serving a twenty-one year prison sentence for a crime he committed at the age of 19, Glenn returned to his community to live a life of exemplary service, addressing the needs of at-risk youth and those impacted by violent crime. He has worked at Granada House as its representative to the Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery, at Street Safe Boston, a direct services programs for gang involved youth ages 16 to 25, and in the Violence, Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program located in the Mattapan section of Boston. Glenn’s work in the community has focused on collective healing, community empowerment and promoting social harmony.
In October of 2019, Glenn completed his NWTA in New Oxford, MA. Currently, Glenn co-leads a re-entry circle at Hour House in Boston where they work on emotional literacy skills and learn ways to more effectively pay forward their gifts.
Mark Rowley
Mentoring Food Lion
USA • Florida
Mark Rowley
“I create a world of limitless opportunities by teaching myself and others to be creative with their resources.”
The opioid crisis has reached epidemic proportions, with people dying every day. At Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department, Mark Rowley, an Assistant Chief, has worked tirelessly over the past three years as a founding member of Project Save Lives, a program designed to immediately connect those who overdose with a Peer Specialist in the Emergency Room.
Beyond the fire department, Mark also serves as the Chairman of the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission – working to ensure all persons can enjoy a community free from discriminatory practices. Mark Rowley was initiated in Feb 2009 in Orange Springs, Florida. Within MKP, he has served as I-Group Representative, Florida Enrollment Coordinator and Florida I-Group Coordinator. He has staffed 21 NWTAs and MOS’d 20 times.
Allen Pulsifer Doyle
Gliding Caribou
USA • Southeast
Allen Pulsifer Doyle
“I create a loving and safe home by nurturing connection, embracing challenge, and revering nature.”
Allen’s motto is “Think Upstream,” and he looks to source issues to resolve problems downriver. Working the University of California (until 2018) he innovated resource and energy conservation programs, Energy Star and institutional procurement.
Allen’s main work is restoring his marriage, while satisfying the fulfillment he gets from empowering others. Allen leads and listens as Chair of a foundation, an energy and resource-efficiency champion, MKP Southeast officer and Earth Steward developer, hike leader and advocating for a neighborhood woodland.
Married 31 years with 3 grown children, Allen is grateful for his partner’s devotion and patience. He is a soil scientist and sustainability champion from New England, Alaska, California, and now Georgia, volunteering with support groups, running and hiking clubs, cooking and coaching, and always loving word play.
Jim Lachman
Turkey Vulture
USA • Upstate New York
Jim Lachman
“I create a beautiful world of connected people by teaching and modeling connection.”
Jim served Veterans regarding housing, employment, and substance use issues. Serves on the board of directors of the Da Nang Project serving Agent Orange victims and the poorest of the poor in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Jim earned a master’s degree and worked on healing his wounds around Vietnam, allowing him to have a greater impact on the lives of veterans as they heal their own wounds. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Da Nang Project. He is deeply immersed in learning and teaching about diversity and privilege. Jim currently serves the UNY Area as I-group Coordinator.
Anthony Avila
Strong Fox King
USA • Southwest
Anthony Avila
“I create a world of connection and belonging by first loving myself and speaking my truth.”
Anthony Avila creates connection in Tucson by involving others in work that lifts them up. Anthony successfully sponsors Red Cross blood drives and gives his own blood. Anthony invites men to Open Circles. Anthony is very active mentoring and fundraising for Boys to Men Tucson.
Anthony is president of a local public speaking group. He is one of 4 brothers and uncle to 2 nephews,1 niece, and a dog named Grady. Anthony is on the development committee for Boys to Men Tucson and a crew member at Trader Joe’s.
Pat Pattison
Hummingbird with Raven Heart
Canada • British Columbia
Pat Pattison
“I create a world of connection, peace and joy through relentless compassion and speaking my truth.”
Pat has lived his life in community service for over 20 years. His venues have included voluntary service in musical organizations, spiritual communities including a Labyrinth guild and as a mentor for educators. Since moving to BC’s interior he has served in outdoor education, gardening, and a local elementary school. He currently devotes two mornings a week to supporting teachers and students in Giant’s Head Elementary School. Over the past 4 years Pat has been intensely involved in Summerland’s programs for refugee settlement. He has been actively involved in MKP locally, regionally and internationally. He sees his community service as a primary definition of who he is and is especially fond of his grandfather at large identity, particularly as Mr. Pat at Giant’s Head Elementary School.
Henry Lucas
Slaying Mantis
USA • Mid America, Kentucky
Henry Lucas
“I create a world of greatness by believing in You, believing in me and building loving communities.”
Henry is a social worker who has become a therapist with a LCSW and a LCADC. Henry has created a 7-step program called Maximize, which he documents in his book Maximize, published in 2019, by Daria Anne Media. This program facilitates transformation in key areas of life, for people who struggle against mental illness and addiction using the terms broadly, including being addicted to negative attitudes and self-limiting beliefs. Henry’s program is being implemented in numerous settings, including counseling sessions and self-help scenarios.
Martin Lassoff
Crazy Hawk
USA • South Central
Martin Lassoff
“I teach, I lead, and I follow those I trust.”
Martin has supported the Center for the Healing of Racism as a volunteer for over 15 years, helping to facilitate the healing of racism through education and dialogue in a safe and supportive environment. He also volunteers with the Harris County Attorney’s office supervising inmates on work release programs picking up trash and other projects. He was heavily involved with Richard Torres and Brett Harmeling in supporting the victims of Hurricane Harvey during the storm and the week after, volunteering over 50 hours at the convention center, and traversing the flooded streets and neighborhoods helping stranded families reach safety.
Rod Boothroyd
Gliding Blue Heron
MKP UK & Ireland
Rod Boothroyd
“To promote reconciliation by facilitating healing circles in which people can bring their shadow into the light and so grow into emotional maturity.”
Rod leads both men-only and mixed-gender groups, the latter run with his female colleague Marianne Hill. Together with Diarmaid Fitzpatrick and Ed Rooke he has run many Emotional Process Work workshops to work on whatever is affecting their lives. He also leads a workshop called Finding the King Within, which increases men’s awareness and understanding of, and ability to embody, their Sovereign archetype. In addition, he offers one to one work with many individual clients, supporting them to achieve their goals.
To bring an understanding of this work to a wider audience, in 2018, Rod published a book.‘Warrior, Magician, Lover, King: A Guide To The Male Archetypes Updated For The 21st Century’
Patrick Dempsey
Gliding Blue Heron
USA • Central Plains
Patrick Dempsey
“I create a world of enthusiasm by practicing care for myself and others at a high level.”
Starting from scratch, Pat helped start and grow and remains active in the Des Moines MKP community since 2007. Pat is a founding member of the MKP RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) team. Pat is a member of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) for some 3 decades and contributes greatly to the NA organization in Des Moines and across Iowa. A painting contractor, he has an impact on the community and his employees through his business, Renaissance Painting. Pat is a loving father to his daughter Makenna as well as a true friend, artist, poet, and community builder for people in his life.
David Buffalo
Grief Walker
Canada • Alberta
David Buffalo
“I am a brave and courageous man painting the wondrous world and my people are my canvas.”
Dave was unhappy with the degree of exclusion within his community of Maskwacis so began to do what he could to impact on marginalization of people. In 2010 he began to volunteer with Samson Band schools. Since then he has volunteered with the Samson Food Bank, Secret Santa, Samson Celebration (pow wow), 4 Winds culture, feasts & memorials, Buffalo Ranch Rodeo, and Moonias Family memorial. Currently, he lives in Wetaskiwin and is now volunteering with Wetaskiwin & District Heritage Society and The Wetaskiwin Legion. He is soon to be on the Board for the Agape Thrift Store and Community Outreach.
Dave is self-employed supporting himself through the talents of his artistry. He paints the stories of his Cree people in the art form he calls “tipi graffiti”. He usually offers an expressive arts workshop to his community (adults and children) three times a year.
Artis Patterson
Warrior Dove with Fierce Open Heart & Wild Black Panther
USA • Mid America, Indiana Area
Artis Patterson
MKP USA Special Award
“I create a world where men can be their true, authentic selves, by being my true, authentic self.”
Art has been on a mission to create a Gateway weekend for men with physical challenges. The Barrier Free Gateway weekend was held for the first time in August of 2019, at Sleeping Dog Ranch in Prescott, AZ. Art was there, and held the spiritual and emotional center of that weekend. Art has been an MKP brother for almost 20 years.
His impact in the community continues to grow and his stand for men with differences has profoundly changed what’s possible for the ManKind Project.
Justin Tilson
Grief Walker
Canada • Ontario
Justin Tilson
“I create intentional communities that foster connections and the evolution of mind, body, and spirit. I do this by passionately living my truth and inviting others to live theirs.”
Justin was born on Manitoulin Island in Ontario, Canada. At the age of 21 his life was abruptly and permanently altered following a traumatic spinal cord injury. This started him on a path of healing, growth, purpose, connection and community building.
Justin has crafted a way to evolve his world around his vision of being an active participant in the change upon this planet that he sees necessary, through community building, permaculture and societal motivation.
He had run for elected office with the Green Party of Ontario to test the waters of accessing a greater audience to continue his wish to improve the world through collaboration with other like-minded people. With his determination to not let the limits of one’s abilities be decided by past events and beliefs each day holds possibilities with no limits.
Ray Arata III
Redwood Whispering Peace
USA • Northern California Area
Ray Arata III
“I create a safe and equal world by listening, learning, and leading with my wide open heart.”
With a vision of the possibility of evolved heart centered & inclusive male leadership in companies, Ray saw the need for men to be part of the solution of equity, equality and inclusion. He founded The Better Man Conference in 2016, a one-day event with resources, support, and community to engage men as allies in creating an inclusive culture. To date, there have been 7 conferences, in San Francisco, New York, New Jersey, and soon to be London. His audiences have included some of the largest companies in the world, and routinely have 200-300 participants, with men making up the majority of the audience. As a result of his work, UN Women bestowed upon him the award of HeForShe – Champion of Change. Ray has partnered with MKP USA for the conferences. Ray credits his 20 year experience with MKP as the main driver of his vision.
Ray has been involved in MKP for 20+ years. He’s currently a Co-Leader, with 53 staffings. Ray is happily married to Anna and has 3 adult children, with his two sons having been initiated.
Michael Rath
Powerful Tern with Jonathan Livingston Seagull
USA • Mid America, Indiana Area
Michael Rath
“To create a nurturing world by healing myself and leading other to their healing.”
Michael and his wife Barb are facilitating the “Multi-Cultural Monthly” a meeting out of a local church in Indianapolis Indiana focused on emotional literacy and muti-cultural understanding. This meeting, has attracted a variety of people through out the community. The participants are taking their learning back to their churches, jobs and local government. This growing group is having a small but significant impact on the local community.
Rory Bowman
Scrubjay
USA • Northwest Area
Rory Bowman
“I increase abundance by attentive learning and sharing.”
Rory Bowman has aimed to live a life of service, more so since MKP initiation in 2001. An active member of various non-profit boards over many years, he is also a long-time volunteer on issues of civil rights, in Washington state prisons, as a community mediator and in support of urban trees. As an ACLU volunteer Rory was instrumental in helping to achieve marriage equality in Washington state as well as legalizing marijuana.
He promotes various end-of-life planning and death positivity events, such as Death Cafe, and recently helped shepherd his father through hospice. He is grateful for his partner of almost twenty years and mother, both of whom support his wider work. Rory’s next and most recent project is to help establish an Australian-style “men’s shed” community center.