Our Members Describe
The Nation of Men.

What is the Nation of Men?

We often find the Nation of Men a bit hard to describe, largely because it is different things to different people. That's why we invite you to experience the Nation of Men by attending meetings and activities. There is no substitute for getting to know the men!

Some Things We Are Not

We are not a religious organization, although many of our members are religious. We are not a political or men's rights organization, although many of our members participate in these activities. We are not a gay organization, though some of our members may be gay. We are not feminized, politically correct men, though our members exhibit varying degrees of civilization.

Men and teams

Most of the members are on teams. Although this is not a requirement, teams are our primary means for supporting individual men and we place strong emphasis on teams. We find that men are pack animals and operate far more effectively in their lives when they are part of a team. Teams typically have 5-8 members and meet weekly. Several of our teams have been together for more than five years and one team has been meeting for over ten years. For the most part, the team's purpose is to support men to be their best, on their own terms. Team members assist one another and help each other meet their goals. Members enjoy the camaraderie of their teammates and often participate in team and Nation activities together. Teams are as varied as are the personalities of the men on them — some teams are more spiritual than others, some are oriented toward activity, some are growth-oriented, etc.

You can join an existing team or gather with other new members to form a brand new team.

A Team of Teams

Just as men benefit from being on teams, we find that teams benefit from involvement in a "team of teams" and they find this in the Nation of Men. We have many activities designed to give individuals and teams a chance to play and work together. Teams operate autonomously — the Nation does not seek to govern teams.

Monthly Meetings

Men in the area are invited to attend a meeting and learn more. At our monthly meetings, you'll meet many interesting men, have loads of fun, and very likely learn something about yourself and others. South Bay Nation of Men meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month. Details and map...

Contact us for information on meetings of the other chapters.

Community

We have participated in projects for Habitat for Humanity, Family Giving Tree, Second Harvest, and Christmas in April. We planted two acres of wildflowers alongside Highway 85 in Cupertino. We created a playground and yard for the Emergency Housing Consortium. We have fed and clothed the homeless, given blood, and built new school facilities for the village of Pescadero.

Activities

Activities are optional and generally all men are invited (although some are for members only). Some events also include women and families. The activities are as varied as the men because our activities are sponsored by teams but they usually combine fun and growth and feature competition, construction, and camaraderie. Traditionally, the South Bay Nation of Men has sponsored an annual gathering in the fall. Another event, usually in the spring, is held along with other Nation of Men chapters. The content of these events change each year but they're usually at an area campsite and feature some combination of games, camaraderie, and growth.

In addition to the regular events, monthly meetings, and community service events, we have many other activities that help us reach out to other men, other men's organizations, and to women, our families, and the community. We have held picnics, dances, and parties. We had a survival training event at Mt. Shasta. We held a Color of Fear workshop in which we explored our relationship with race and diversity. We have held initiation events for men and boys. We held a money workshop which gave men the opportunity to look at their financial health. Some of the men visited the Grand Canyon in a trip that combined small and large planes, rubber rafts, speed boats, helicopters, horseback, and a bus across Hoover Dam. We held a combination race in which cars built by men's teams raced across bogs and logs. We have played laser tag, and climbed rocks.

What You Can Expect From the Nation of Men

Men and boys are encouraged to attend our monthly meetings. The time and place are listed in the Events section of this web site. We encourage visitors to get to know the men and ask if you can attend a team meeting or two. This is really the best way to get to know the men and the organization.

For More Information

Your best source of information is the man who first exposed you to the Nation of Men. However, members are always glad to talk about the organization and what it means to them.

You can read more members' interpretations of what the Nation of Men means to them.

And this is another page of members' statements about NOM.