A two-day event in Chatham aims to redefine what it means to ‘be a man’ in today’s world.
The inaugural Male Youth Summit is being held this Thursday and Friday, organized by Sisters Strain Film Corp. and the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre.
Roughly 400 students in grades seven through nine will take part in workshops focused on prioritizing mental health and reframing masculinity. Organizers say the goal is to provide more resources to young men in the community, encourage them to ask for help, and prioritize healthy relationships.
A panel of speakers has been lined up for the event, including sociologist Dr. Brendan K. Harman; founder of Hey Brother Co., Johnny Cole; Nick Cholmsky, from the non-profit Youth Resiliency Project; and Neil Skyminsky, a professor and social media influencer.
The summit is by invitation only, but a free public event is being held with the speakers at Turns and Tales in downtown Chatham, starting at 6 o’clock Friday evening, including a panel discussion on how communities, schools, and families can have healthy conversations with young men about mental health and masculinity, as well as a question and answer session.
