Topic: For those of us NOT interested in woodwork and metal work
33 Posts
Tue, 14th December 2010, 12:00pm
I have been on the committee of one men's shed (a Publicity & Marketing Officer who was refused any publicity and marketing activities), resigned in disgust and joined another men's shed. The two men's sheds could not be so totally different.
The first men's shed only offers woodwork and metalwork and there were complaints by committee members that some blokes came along and only wanted to talk instead of building things.
The men's shed I currently belong to also has a computer group and blokes are encourged to come long and talk if that's all they want to do.
One size does not fit all. Not all males are interested in woodwork and metalwork. Male interests are diverse and cover all of life. Some of my arty friends wouldn't set foot in a men's shed if woodwork and metalwork were the only activities available.
My reason for this post is simple. It is a plea for DIVERSITY.
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13 Posts
Wed, 15th December 2010, 10:55am
Hi Mark.
I agree with you 100%.
Mens Sheds are about sharing, mate ship, contact and communication.
There should be no limits on activities or participation.
Within the physical and financial boundaries of a Men's Shed, any thing should be possible to try for.
Paul.
I FISH THERE FORE I AM.
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3 Posts
Wed, 15th December 2010, 4:09pm
I agree with Mark & Paul,
Our shed has all the tools (very handy if I need to borrow one to do a job on my home reno) however, the vast majority of men (as well as occasional women visitors!) just like to come and talk. Surely that is what the sheds are about, somewhere men can meet and chat, without having to go to the pub.
We have computers (some interest), stationary engines for renovation (so far no interest), and are willing to look at any reasonable suggestions (e.g. currently exploring a type of investment syndicate as there is quite a bit of interest in stock market investments etc)
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4 Posts
Wed, 15th December 2010, 7:22pm
I agree with your "plea for DIVERSITY" Mark, but I think it goes without saying. Shouldn't the members and the environment determine what happens? When people start dictating terms things go awry. I mean, there's art, and music, and literature, and so on. I guess what I'm trying to say is that these things should just work themselves out over time as long as the members keep an open mind.
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5 Posts
Wed, 15th December 2010, 10:35pm
I am not a firm believer in things just working themselves out. they will providing the leadership group (committee) set some guidelines that "The Shed" is open to all comers not just those that like to play with their hands. Nothing cools the mood faster than someone ruling out all and sundry on a point of order and trying to limit a group to their own interests.
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33 Posts
Thu, 16th December 2010, 1:19pm
My background is in hr management. Things don't sort themselves out if the hierarchy have no interest in doing so. That's why I mentioned the two local sheds that are chalk and cheese. While I was on the committee of one my pleas for diversity fell on deaf ears. The committee was mostly made from guys in the trades. Anything outside of a trade was not considered worthy in a men's shed. When I presented a list of hundreds of areas that men are interested in apart from woodwork and metalwork they were astounded. When I presnted ideas to generate income from audio-visual media they were likewsie astounded at the cheap cost and huge profits to be made - but nothing changed. At the men's shed I currently belong to were are getting those who have attended the other shed and who are not impressed by what was on offer and also the lack of community and ability to simply come along and talk. The other shed is much larger in physical size but we get three times the numbers attending our men's shed. Think about it.
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2 Posts
Thu, 30th December 2010, 3:17pm
What I find interesting in life is that donkeys & dickheads generally teach me more real life lessons rather than nice people doing nice things & reaffirming a stuffed up view of the world
If I am taking an offense personally then its generally worth looking at to see why? Depending on the answer, depends wether to address the issue with the approiate men or just move on... too many have tried to convert the Pope its not going to happen... just vote with your feet lifes to short
If men are only interested in self then theres probally not a lot of empathy happening
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2 Posts
Thu, 30th December 2010, 3:17pm
What I find interesting in life is that donkeys & dickheads generally teach me more real life lessons rather than nice people doing nice things & reaffirming a stuffed up view of the world
If I am taking an offense personally then its generally worth looking at to see why? Depending on the answer, depends wether to address the issue with the approiate men or just move on... too many have tried to convert the Pope its not going to happen... just vote with your feet lifes to short
If men are only interested in self then theres probally not a lot of empathy happening
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108 Posts
Wed, 12th January 2011, 4:41pm
Well Mark you started this now I have been challegned by the co-ordinator, at the Goolwa Center for positive ageing, to achieve this thing called diversity. I need to understand what this diversity thing is. As you understand some of my health issues I have looked at these but I don't want to focus on that alone otherwise I may as well stick to woodwork and leatherwork. Yet there is an undercurrent as you have addressed for diversity. I don't want to formalise anything but allow the members of the "have a Chat" mens shed drive the agenda. However, I also have a HR degree, leadership is important so that the members feel comfortable with being there.
Regards Carey Akers
caza
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9 Posts
Mon, 17th January 2011, 10:54am
Hi Mark - Very interested in your "hundreds of areas that men are interested in" comment. I coordinate Willo's Men's Shed at Gawler and we are fortunate that our Shed has three designated areas: A leisure area (darts, pool, foozeball etc), a central kitchen/meeting/ admin area and the workshop. Because of the setup we are able to accomodate a variety of activities and are always open to new ideas. Would you be willing to share your list?
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5 Posts
Tue, 18th January 2011, 4:23pm
Hi Mark,
I too would be interested in learning more about your "hundreds of areas that men are interested in". Our Shed seeks to tap into the as yet unexplored interests of the wider demographic of our shed membership to develop more 'diverse' programs in 2011 (whether conducted in our Shed or off-site).
And why can't a men's shed be a drop in centre for its menfolk?
We have guys dropping by our shed as it opens up in the morning for a cuppa and chat, then they disappear to get on with their day. The 'health benefits' connecting - albeit briefly - with mates, as often as possible, in a welcoming environment, is evident in the lively interaction I see happening around our table.
All good things,
Catherine Rollins
Men’s Shed Development Officer
Melton Shire Council
www.melton.vic.gov.au
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1 Post
Tue, 18th January 2011, 7:57pm
Hi Guys
Just discovered this place. I would be interested to join a group that enjoys computers (I am a high end user) and can give me some insight to investment (I am a complete novice, but willing to learn- I catch on quickly). I don't know if I have to physically meet somewhere (therefore join a group close to home) or if its done online?
The following two posts have seriously grabbed my attention.
Thanks for your help.
Mark Tindall8 Posts
Tue, 14th December 2010, 12:00pm
The men's shed I currently belong to also has a computer group ...
John Beer3 Posts
Wed, 15th December 2010, 4:09pm
... currently exploring a type of investment syndicate as there is quite a bit of interest in stock market investments ...
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2 Posts
Tue, 1st March 2011, 2:57pm
Hi Mark,
I also was frustrated by some of the limitations of some of the mens shed structure. As a result I voted with my feet due to the narrowness of scope. The following is an excerpt from an email I wrote to mensheds.org Let me explain where I'm coming from.
Whilst this may seem a little outside the scope of mens sheds I hope you will see the similarities. My name is Greg and I have been down the path of major depression in the past and still deal with it's ugly symptoms on a regular basis. I have been an active participant in a mens shed environment in the past and see the benefits it can have. I have also seen some of the negatives and limitations which can occur due to the issues of how do you schedule access to the space to keep it safe whilst trying to assist as many as possible. Also many community mens shed hours are restricted due to the availability of supervisor staff so quite often it is difficult to find a time that you can attend especially if you are not retired and are still in the workforce.
Why I'm writing to you is concerning Amateur Radio and how it by a default of what it is all about ends up having a close synergy to the goals of Mens Sheds. In that it enables men to communicate with other men about common interests and opens up the opportunity to discuss mens issues.
Amateur radio is a pass time that includes just about anything to do with technology, antenna construction, electronics, computers even though it is centered around the use of technology to communicate with others over radio waves. Amateur Radio clubs are quite similar to a Mens Shed in that the traditional mens shed looks at woodwork style projects. Where Amateur Radio looks at electronics, radio training, communications projects and emergency communications in a similar fashion.
I'll add another post with the rest.
Greg
Greg
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2 Posts
Tue, 1st March 2011, 3:06pm
Amateur Radio Part 2.
Here is a link that can give you additional detail on the basics of Amateur Radio- http://amateurradio.com.au/whatisar
Whilst amateur radio is open to all. It tends to be predominantly a male pass time with the majority of radio amateurs over the age of 40 so it fits directly in the Mens Shed target audience and heavily involves senior members training and assisting the younger or newer members and building up mentor relationships.
Amateur radio also has the benefit that you don't need to regularly attend the mens shed or radio club to actively participate as most radio clubs in addition to regular meetings, workshops and lectures hold "On Air Nets" via radio many times per week where any radio amateur can join in and chat about what they have been up to or what they are planning on doing. This is the real advantage to amateur radio in that it gets people talking and keeps them doing it on a regular basis.
As Radio Clubs are predominantly self funding they struggle for permanent facilities. The Manly Warringah Amateur Radio Society, of which I am a member is reasonably lucky in that we have a good arrangement with the local Scouts and Guides as a result of our ongoing commitment to the annual Scout Jamboree of the Air.
Whilst, our club is lucky and has access to a location. Many other clubs struggle for access to similar venues to host meetings and most do not have the ability to setup permanent stations for member use. As many radio amateurs get older, move into retirement facilities and leave their sheds and radio shacks behind it becomes harder for these members to have access to radio facilities as most radio use requires wire up in the air. So access to club facilities becomes more crucial.
I don't know where or how to take this further. As a result I ask for your assistance and any suggestions on whether I'm barking up the wrong tree here. I just see so many similarities in what goes on in both a Mens Shed and a Radio Club.
Greg
Greg
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33 Posts
Thu, 10th March 2011, 6:49pm
@ Carey Akers
> I have been challegned by the co-ordinator, at the Goolwa Center for positive ageing, to achieve this thing called diversity .... I need to understand what this diversity thing is.
That's good! Diversity acknowledges that no two individuals are exactly the same. We re all different though we may share some common interests. You achieve diversity by having a wide range of activities that interest a wide spectrum of men. For example a restaurant that only serves steaks is not going to be able to cater for those who like seafood and vice versa. Get your members to list everything that they are interested in even if it is not yet available at your men's shed. You will be surprised at the wide variety. The more of those interests that you cater for the more popular your shed will become.
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33 Posts
Thu, 10th March 2011, 6:54pm
@ Colleen Moyne Would you be willing to share your list?
What interests do men have? A LOT more than merely woodwork and metal work! I made up a short list for my former men's shed. They include, but are not limited to:
1. Acting
2. Art appreciation
3. Astronomy
4. Aquariums
5. Beer brewing
6. Bicycling
7. Bird watching
8. Blogging
9. Book club
10. Calligraphy
11. Candle making
12. Cars
13. Cards
14. Chess
15. Choir
16. Collecting – stamps / coins / model cars / etc
17. Computers
18. Cooking
19. Crossword Puzzles
20. Dancing
21. Darts
22. Drum making & drumming
23. Electronics
24. Exercise (aerobics, weights)
25. Film appreciation
26. Fishing
27. Foreign Language Learning
28. Gardening
29. Geology
30. Genealogy
31. Grooming
32. History
33. Home Brewing
34. Home Renovation
35. Interior design
36. Jewelry Making
37. Jigsaw Puzzles
38. Jogging
39. Journaling
40. Karaoke
41. Kite flying
42. Leather work
43. Meditation
44. Model building
45. Movie making
46. Music appreciation
47. Musical instrument learning
48. Origami
49. Painting
50. Papermaking
51. Papermache
52. Pet care
53. Photography
54. Philosophy
55. Pottery
56. Psychology
57. Puppetry
58. Relaxation techniques
59. Scrap booking
60. Sculpture making
61. Sketching
62. Sports
63. Soap Making
64. Video Games
65. Walking
66. Wine Making
67. Yoga
Any activity of humans is a potential interest for males. The list is only limited by one's imagination.
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33 Posts
Thu, 10th March 2011, 6:59pm
@ Edward Caruana
> I would be interested to join a group that enjoys computers ... I don't know if I have to physically meet somewhere (therefore join a group close to home) or if its done online?
My men's shed has computer classes on site and the skills range from beginners to the more experienced. I think it would be very valuable to offer such computer courses online through a men's shed organisation for those men who are unable to get out of their homes. We should not be bound by a time and location but look to newer technologies.
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1 Post
Thu, 10th March 2011, 7:10pm
Great list Mark (my name also). A few of us are trying to get a shed started in Ipswich . Given that not all men have a compelling interest in trade activities, your list is a good resource we can use to kickstart our potential activity program. We are a small core action group but, apart from generating public interest via newspaper articles & holding a public meeting, does anyone have any advice as to how to make it happen.
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33 Posts
Thu, 10th March 2011, 7:10pm
@ Greg lee
> Amateur Radio ... In that it enables men to communicate with other men about common interests and opens up the opportunity to discuss mens issues.
This is exactly what I am talking about with diversity. A great idea! I am sure many men would be interested. This also broadens the scope of men's sheds by including those who are housebound or who live a long way from any men's shed. It is an activity that helps others. Men's sheds seriously need to start thinking outside the box.
I know this isn't the same as amateur radio, but I was a presenter on the local community radio. There is no reason why a men's shed cannot have a weekly program on community radio. As a musician I would also appreciete my music being played on such a program.
The more ways that you can connect with men with different interests the better. That's why The Shed Online is such a good idea. It brings men together where it would be impossible if were only able to meet face to face.
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33 Posts
Thu, 10th March 2011, 7:18pm
@ Mark Grieveson
> We are a small core action group but, apart from generating public interest via newspaper articles & holding a public meeting, does anyone have any advice as to how to make it happen.
I was the publicity officer for my former men's shed but wasn't allowed to do any publicity. I was also a Training Manager who taught sales. You have to sell the benefits of the men's shed and not its features. Benefits are the good that people perceive whereas the features are what you offer in programs. Feel free to pinch the article below (which was never used). Get a local salesman to talk to your executive about the differences and target your audience with specific benefits.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BENEFITS OF ***** MEN’S SHED
***** Men’s Shed is an inclusive community group for all males.
MATESHIP: gather together with other men in a men’s space; Interact with men from all ages, backgrounds, ethnic and social mixes; culturally safe; a communal space with community projects worked on in community with other men
SKILLS SHARING: opportunity to share skills, work together, swap ideas, solve problems or just talk.
In particular:
- Regain a sense of purpose in your life
- Make new friends
- Enhance your esteem and self-respect
- Decrease your social isolation
- Participate in life-long learning in a supportive male environment
- Opportunity to bring your unique cultural characteristics and skills to enliven the activities
- Access men’s health information
- Resultant positive effects for partners, families and local community.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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70 Posts
Thu, 17th March 2011, 4:51pm
HERE HERE!!!
I struck this same attitude in our local shed a while back.
To hand me a power tool is something akin to putting Stevie Wonder in a Formula 1 Ferrari.
However, there are many many things guys like me have to offer.
- I have extensive computer, management & office skills.
- Want help navigating Centrelink or Vet Affairs? Just ask me. I've been a volunteer in the welfare sector for years.
- I am an "old school" audio engineer - want those old 78's moved to cd? I can do that too.
- Same with film & video.
- My dad & I brewed all our own beer for 2 decades before circumstances made it impractical.
And I have no doubt that each and every member of Mens Sheds can make the same argument. To limit the activities to "trades" because "that's what blokes do in sheds" is just childish and churlish.
This attitude has been the demise of many a shed - including my local one. The last I heard they were down to 4 members (guess which 4?!) and they were meeting in someone's garage once a week.
Diversity is the key to all learning. If we were all the same none of us would ever learn anything new.
STUPIDITY IS ITS OWN PUNISHMENT!
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