October 31, 2006

Schools Just for Boys


The Field School of Charlottesville, Virginia, is one of many schools for boys using the recent research on boy development as the rationale for a single-gender learning environment. They remind us that in the middle of the 20th century, all boy schools were common... until the 1970's and the passing of the Title 9 of the Civil Rights Act.

The Field School says that just some of the benefits of an all boy environment include...a faculty experienced in teaching, coaching and counseling boys, one which understands boys’ issues, school program tailored to the style and tempos of boys’ learning, and by a more unified educational purpose. A boys’ school also provides an open, positive school environment, where boys are encouraged to be well rounded in all school activities from arts to athletics to service.

It really does sound inviting. On their website the Field School even provides links to websites and articles in support of their single-gender approach.

October 24, 2006

If you want to see a powerful film clip describing how male lives can be changed by a boy's Rites of Passage weekend, check out this one from fmarxfilm. When you get to the fmarxfilm website, click on the Project Demo link in the menu on the left.

If your heart is at all open to this work, this exploration of boy's and men's experiences on an initiation weekend, by film-maker Frederick Marx, has a good chance of bringing tears to your eyes.

I only hope Frederick gets the money he needs to complete this film. He's a gifted film maker and New American Heroes is just one of the many Man-Making stories that needs to be told. Questions about the film can be sent to Frederick at fdm@fmarxfilm.com.

October 17, 2006

The Man-Making book is in print!


FINALLY, four years later, Man-Making: Men Helping Boys on Their Journey to Manhood is in print.

You can read all about the book, and even order a copy, at it's new website.

The blog has been quiet during the last couple of months during the book's production, but it will spring back to life now that the publication hump has passed. Thanks to everyone for your patience, and for your interest in the topic.

Now let's all get about the business of making the world a better place for boys and men.