The Backlash! - April 1996
Organization News - The California Men's Gathering
Telephone: 818-785-9764; email: myword@primenet.com
8033 Sunset Blvd #674 Los Angeles, CA 90046
You are invited to attend the Spring CMG
by Brian Polejes
This year's Spring California Men's Gathering ("CMG")
theme is "Men, Myth & Magic." Our various activities are intended to facilitate
exploration of the less known aspects of our lives as a backdrop for making deep
personal connections with other men.
So what is the CMG?
The California Men's Gathering is an extended weekend retreat produced by a
group of volunteer planners. It is structured around Community Events, which
everyone attends, and many smaller Workshop Events which a participant may
select from a full menu of different choices that are scheduled over the weekend.
You're likely to find that the environment of the Gathering permits you to connect
with other men in a deeper and more intimate way than you are used to doing in
such a short period of time. You'll find that this is a special place where men
readily let down their guard and open up to each other and have a great time doing
it.
Who will be there?
We expect at least half of the 300 men at this CMG to be "first timers." It will be a
lively and diverse group: we are men of all ages and backgrounds. CMG attendees
are predominantly gay and bisexual, but all men are welcome. The CMG is open
to men 18 years of age and older.
When does it begin and end?
Check in begins 4:00 pm Friday, May 31, 1996. Dinner is at 7:00 and the
Opening Ceremony begins at 8:00. The Closing Ceremony will be after dinner
Monday and last 'til 9:00 pm. However, if you want, you may stay overnight
Monday and leave after breakfast on Tuesday, June 4. This costs nothing extra
and many men will opt to do so.
Can I register on-site?
If this is the last minute, call (213) 960-5517 to see if space is still available. We
expect a sellout this year.
The Ropes Course ($20 extra fee)
These are intensive "group dynamics" workshops for groups of 12. Most activities
are designed for a variety of "fear levels." The goal is to reach and perhaps exceed
your limits, whether physical, mental or emotional. Our professional instructors
help you balance on suspended ropes, make leaps, falls and overcome obstacles.
What is a CMG workshop like?
CMG workshop leaders come from among the weekend's participants. Workshop
size varies; smaller workshops focus on individual action and participation; larger
workshops allow for more group activities and the chance to observe and listen to
others. Each day we will offer a "Community Event" that will focus on our theme
"Men, Myth & Magic." Workshops are usually participatory and experiential.
Past workshops have dealt with father/son issues, anger release, dance & body
movement exercises, singing, depression, dating, dreams, hula, mask making,
shamanism, grief and loss, assertiveness, intimacy, sex, HIV issues, passion, the
nature of masculinity, expressiveness, game playing and much more.
Where is it located?
The Spring CMG will again take place at Camp Sholom, located just off
Mullholland Highway in the Santa Monica Mountains of Malibu.
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