A note from the board: Monthly newsletter of North America MenEngage Network

A Note From The Board 

Dear Members,

As we close out May, we’re holding both the urgency and the weight of this work. In the face of growing backlash, many of us are being called to show up with courage — to speak out, take risks, and advocate for justice in spaces where it’s increasingly contested. It’s not easy. But we also know this: we’re not in it alone.

This month’s newsletter is a reminder of that collective strength. It offers reflection and resources for restoration, because the work of building gender justice isn’t just about what we do — it’s about how we sustain ourselves and each other in the process.

We’re also looking ahead to June’s powerful NAMEN Speaks event, where we’ll honor Juneteenth with a conversation on anti-Black racism and the intersections of gender and racial justice across the U.S. and Canada. We hope you’ll join us as we continue to name and resist the forces that seek to divide us. Thank you for all the ways you continue to show up — for yourself, your communities, and this movement. We see you. We’re with you.

The Global Corner

REGISTER NOW: MenEngage Alliance Global Members Assembly 17 – 19 June 2025

As members of the Alliance, we are coming together from June 17 – 19 for the Global Members Assembly. With a focus on strengthening collaboration across the Alliance, the assembly is an opportunity for members to learn from each other and engage in conversations that can strengthen our collective work and impact.

Join the Assembly and Connect with the MenEngage Community

The registration link takes you to the event webpage, which has all the details about the assembly. You can download the agenda here. The event webpage is hosted on our exclusive online membership platform (MyGlue) for the global MenEngagecommunity. 

When you register for the event you will be prompted to make a MyGlue account-unless you already have one. Alternatively, you can also register for the MyGlue account here: https://​app​.glue​up​.com/​r​e​g​i​s​t​e​r​/​b​y​— e​m​a​i​l​/​email

We highly recommend creating one so you can connect and engage with other members before, during, and after the Assembly.

Healing as a Form of Activism

We know this work isn’t easy. Standing up for gender justice, equity, and inclusion, especially in this time of backlash, can take a real toll. It’s exhausting, even when it’s deeply meaningful. That’s why we want to remind you: taking time to rest, heal, and recharge isn’t selfish. It’s essential. 

We can’t show up for each other, our communities, or the work if we’re running on empty. Rest is resistance and care is a form of activism. Whether it’s taking a walk, spending time with people who restore you, unplugging for a bit, or saying ​“no” when you need to — it all counts. You deserve space to breathe and simply be.

For those looking for deeper restorative spaces, we encourage you to check out Windcall’s resources, including retreats designed specifically for social justice leaders and organizers. It’s a powerful reminder that we don’t have to do this work alone — or without care.

Our collective strength is rooted in how well we care for ourselves and each other. So take the time you need. We’ll be here, walking beside you, building a movement that’s not only bold but deeply grounded in healing, too.

Upcoming Events

June 25 2025

NAMEN​’s Speaker Series: Honoring Juneteenth: Addressing Anti-black movements, hate and discrimination

Please join us in honouring Juneteenth, and for a discussion across Canada and the United States on anti-black racism and ways to counter this hate and discrimination. This is the second in a series of NAMEN Speaks events, where we are exploring different aspects of backlash in our societies. For this event we are hearing from speakers on the intersections of racial and gender justice.

Register here (open to public):

https://​bit​.ly/​n​a​m​e​n​s​p​eaks2

July 2025

1 – 2:30pm ET / 10 – 11:30am PT Brave Space & Movement Building

We’ll be creating an open space within the NAMEN network to address the current context of backlash against gender equality and healthy masculinity. This is a members only event, so be sure to become a member if you haven’t already!

Key Reads on Masculinity and Gender Justice

In this article, we learn how Matthew Flinders Anglican College addresses toxic masculinity by immersing senior boys in leadership retreats, connecting them with mentors to foster ethical leadership, respect, and positive masculinity

This article suggests four key strategies to address the growing concern of loneliness among boys and young men in America: Foster Open Communication: Encourage young men to express their feelings and thoughts without judgment. Promote Positive Role Models: 

• Highlight figures who exemplify healthy masculinity and emotional intelligence.
• Engage in Community Activities: Involvement in group
• activities can build a sense of belonging and purpose.
• Educate on Mental Health: Provide resources and information to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage seeking help.

Deepening your engagement with NAMEN

Do you know an organization who might be interested in joining the network? Have them get in touch.

Do you have an event in June or resources to share with our network? Send them our way and we’ll include it in the May newsletter.

Do you want to serve on a global working group? Send us a note via email to learn more.

Become a Member and Stay in Touch

To become a NAMEN member, please visit https://​namen​.menen​gage​.org/​j​oinus and redeem your first year of membership free!

For general inquiries or content contribution to our next newsletter, reach out to us at connect@​namenmenengage.​org