Promoting healthy relationships for men, women and youth since 1982
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A letter from Mark Nickerson, MRC Board Chair
Dear friends of the MRC:
Over a quarter century ago, the MRC set out to make a difference in the lives of men and in our cultural dialogue, one step at a time. Today, we see the impact of the work we have shared with many like-minded allies reflected in social change in areas of gay rights, acceptance of broader and more humane notions of masculinity and in the voices of those that challenge violence as an accepted expression of masculinity. Yet this spring, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in the agency’s history. Faced with the challenges of a compressed economy, the MRC must adapt...
In order to preserve its traditions of service to our communities, the Men’s Resource Center for Change is undertaking a comprehensive strategic planning process this spring that will redefine the scope of its work. So, what exactly does that mean? Well, in some ways, that’s a question that has yet to be answered. However, there are some things that have already been determined.
As you know, the MRC’s Moving Forward program has been providing batterer’s intervention services for nearly 20 years, as well as anger management and conscious communication classes. The success of the program and its unique character are well known to all our friends and supporters. In order to ensure the future of this core programming in a tumultuous economic environment, the Board of the MRC feels that the program’s potential will be better served by relocating it to another locally-based social service agency, which is fully equipped to support an expanding operation. We are therefore working to transfer Moving Forward – intact – to a separate organization by June 30th, the close of our fiscal year.
Secondly, the building that currently houses the MRC in Amherst Center will be sold. While we
may retain office space in the building, we expect to transfer ownership over the summer. Thirdly, a reduction in MRC
administrative staff will be made. In fact, Jim Sheehan will be leaving his position as executive director on April
17th. We are pleased that he has secured a new position as ED of a Worcester-area organization.
The realties of unforgiving economic times have forced many organizations such as ours to re-examine ourselves, and to undertake some difficult decisions. We are proud to say that we have made these adjustments proactively and responsibly. We are confident that the MRC, as we re-emerge from our planning process, will continue to make a critical and unique impact on the public dialogue concerning issues of gender, race, sexual orientation and violence-prevention.
We hope that all of the MRC’s friends will accept our profound gratitude for your past commitment, and we look forward to your continued support in facing the future.
The MRC's work is informed by the voices of men and women working for gender equality and justice and is made possible by the generosity of people like you. Financial support from individuals, businesses, corporations, and private foundations allows us to fulfill our mission of supporting men, challenging men's violence and developing men's leadership in ending oppression.
To make an on-line donation, please donate.Comments? Questions? Suggestions? Let us know what you think of this monthly newsletter and how we can best keep you informed about the MRC.
David R. Gillham
Editor, MRC E-Newsletter
(413) 253-9887, ext. 16
or e-mail him.
Our 25th Anniversary 1982-2007:
How You Can Help Keep the Celebration Going and Growing!
Remember -- your gift in multiples of 25 is your opportunity to help ensure that 25 years from now our work to support healthy masculinity and manhood will still be strong and enduring. Learn how YOU can help us keep on doing this important work!
The mission of the Men's Resource Center for Change is to support men, challenge men's violence, and develop men's leadership in ending oppression in our lives, our families, and our communities. We are a male-positive, pro-feminist, gay-affirmative, anti-racist social change organization offering a variety of men's programs locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.