Men's Center host forum

Center founders sought input on men's issues at an open discussion Wednesday

On Wednesday a group of about 15 students, faculty and staff members gathered in Wilder 305 for some "drums and male bonding." Instead of actual drumming the crowd discussed men's issues in an open forum, sponsored by the newly formed Men's Center.

The forum's purpose was to educate interested parties that men's issues need to be identified. Although the Men's Center has been a chartered organization offering support to students since last Spring, members of the Center hoped the forum would spark more interest and initiative among students than has been seen so far.

"The Center should offer a space for all men in the community can feel is theirs but which is open to all genders," junior Vince Higdon, Center liaison, said. "The focus in on raising consciousness of male students on campus."

According to a flier distributed to forum participants, students in last year's Men's Center Experimental College (ExCo) course recognized the need for a Men's Center at Oberlin. A group of interested students created a charter as school was winding down, laying the groundwork for an organization born last Fall.

Higdon said one reason behind his interest in the Center is the lack of publicity currently given to men's issues.

"One way to look at it is just by walking through a magazine aisle and noticing that just about all have articles giving support about women matters, problems, and issues. What about men's issues? Where can I find support about fatherhood or the male body image just as easy?" he said.

Center founders hope the Center will provide such support.

"The center should bring awareness, discussion series, forums, and guest speakers to the community," said Center Treasurer senior James Leutz. "One issue that I feel should be covered is that of male identity and what it means to be a man."

Center members also plan on offering an extensive library on men's studies, the men's movement, issues of gender and identity, men's health and sexuality, men and violence, men and drug/alcohol abuse, race and masculinity.

"For the time being we are concentrating on ideas of the purpose of the Men's Center. The truth is we are still trying to get input from the community as to what the Center should offer," said Leutz. He said a big part of the Center's current $826 budget will go toward supplying the Center's library with books and magazine subscriptions, as well as sponsoring forums and guest speakers.

Assistant Director of the Student Union Chris Baymiller, faculty advisor to the Center, said, "We would like to pick up on what some other colleges are doing. But there is not much out there, and we are still trying to get info."

Professor of Mathematics Rudd Crawford, who is part of a local men's group, was a guest speaker at the forum. His group consists of several men in their 40's and 50's who meet once a month and talk about men's issues.

"We aim to create a safe space for men where we can discuss what is going on in our lives. We have come across just about any issue a man would encounter," Rudd said. "Confidentiality in the group is greatly stressed. The group is there for each other."

Members of the Center asked the crowd for input and suggestions for what a Men's Center should focus on.

"Problems that have impeded the center have been little input and interest from the community and the political atmosphere questioning the purpose of men's groups," said Higdon. "Getting people to believe that there are real issues to talk about has been difficult."

"We would really like to hear more input as to what to do. I mean, we have all this money and nothing to do with it," said Leutz.