Our History
The Men’s Council was started in 1989 by Edward Honnold who saw a need for men’s organizations that help men feel part of mankind. He organized the first Day for Men in Washington in 1988 featuring the poet Robert Bly and author Michael Meade. The Council held monthly meetings, each presenting an experiential program dealing with an issue of significance to men.
The Men’s Gathering has been an annual event sponsored by the Men’s Council since 1990. The first Gatherings were held at Buffalo Gap Camp, Capon Bridge, West Virginia from 1990 through 2008 when the Camp closed. The Gathering used several other venues before settling on Prince William Forest Park in 2016.
The early 1990s were years of considerable change in men’s organizations as they differentiated to meet different needs.
Notably, in 1992 the New Warrior Training Adventure (NWTA) [Mankind Project] started in Washington DC as a more structured program for personal growth.
In addition, the internet has transformed men’s access to information and connection.
However, the Men’s Council has been constant in its mission of being an introductory portal to introduce menswork to interested men.
To recognize our reach, since 2008 our annual Gathering has been called the Chesapeake Men’s Gathering.
Our Philosophy
The Men’s Council is a portal to invite and introduce men to experience menswork – to be here now where men relate to other men with their “BEING” as opposed to their “DOING”, the titles, position, and worldly roles that isolate men from connecting heart to heart.
The Men’s Council has only a few but essential rules to make the experience a safe one physically, emotionally and mentally.
— The most important guideline is to honor each man by keeping all conversations confidential.
— Men are encouraged to relax their judgments and take risks in self-disclosure. Men commit to peaceful resolution of differences.
— All men pledge that any personal disclosures of other participants at the Gathering will not be repeated outside the meetings.
Thank you so very much for considering a donation to support the Washington Men’s Council.
We promise to use your donation wisely for the advancement of our Menswork endeavors.
We want you to be aware that we are an IRS section 501(c)(4) organization. As such we are need to inform you that this is our express statement that contributions to our organization are not deductible for federal income tax purposes as charitable contributions. Make sure you seek the advice of a tax professional. Also you may visit the IRS page about Donations to section 501c4 Organizations
Again, thank you so very much,
Sincerely,
The Washington Men’s Council
Sponsor of the Annual Chesapeake Men’s Gathering