It is the mission of the University of Oregon’s Men’s Center to promote the physical, mental, emotional and social health of men. In order to fulfill this mission, the UO Men’s Center has partnered with the Interfraternity Council (IFC) to create ‘A Place to Land’. It is designed to provide students an opportunity to enrich their health and wellbeing while also building community and having fun. This event is targeted to traditional college aged men and will provide an educational social gathering as a send-off into summer as we celebrate ‘positive masculinity’. This annual event will give students opportunities for social interaction, fun physical activities, food, and various workshops. The workshop opportunities may include:
This event will continue to grow each year. Our long term goal is that this will become an annual welcoming event for new students arriving at the University. Not only will it be an opportunity to initiate the vital conversation that the UO Men’s Center strives to open in all of our activities, but will also serve as a universal prevention of campus violence.
In the past decade, we have witnessed numerous violent shootings in public settings, including many on high school and college campuses. Although it seems to slip under the radar of many news articles and editorials regarding the rise in mass violence, it is undeniable that one of the fundamental common factors across these events is that the shooters have been men. Furthermore, they have been men that were identified by others as ‘loners’. In offering ‘A Place to Land’ to incoming college men, we provide a sense of community to individuals and a sense of security to the campus. We believe strongly that men are less likely to seek such drastic solutions if they feel connected to those around them. We believe that they will be healthier and be capable of healthier decision making if they are simply given ‘A Place to Land’.
If you have any ideas, contributions, or a desire to volunter for this event, please contact the Men’s Center Director Brian Jacoby »