Sharing My Learning – Final Post

1) What question guided your inquiry and action plan? (HMW?) 

How might we design a health program using a lens of positive masculinity to promote equity and inclusion of all learners?

2) What did you do and what impact did it have?

The biggest impact that I think this project had was the work I’ve done this year integrating a lens of positive masculinity into the grade 7 and 8 health curriculum that I teach. Having this lens as I discussed important topics with mostly male-identifying students, helped me lean into the gendered aspect of consent, substance use, and nutritious eating. This year’s work is only a starting point, as I have way more work to do here, but having this lens as I plan has been helpful. I’m looking forward to making more progress here as I dive into the tasks I identified at the last C21.

3) What did you learn in the process? (Link to any resources)

I learned to consider the WHY behind my question to better understand where the urgency is. I learned to identify my COALITION; who will encourage me, who will listen, who will challenge me and push me to think deeply about my work. I learned to consider OBSTACLES & THREATS in order to better prepare to face them. I learned to ANCHOR my action plan in existing mission and values statements, strategic initiatives, and professional goals. There’s already a ton of alignment, which makes it easier to work toward change. The concept of shifting culture that is longstanding (and influenced by beliefs and expectations in wider society) is still difficult. I’ve learned that I have much more learning to do before this project is finished – books to read (first up is Boys: What It Means to Become A Man by Rachel Giese), podcasts to listen to (IBSC has great work about masculinity), and school history and culture to learn more about. I’ve put together a “Positive Masculinity Resource Hub” as a starting point for learning more.

4) What is your big takeaway and what questions do you still have?

My biggest takeaway throughout this project was the speed at which a project of this undertaking moves, and how much work is needed for each small step. Each time we meet for C21 as a group, I find myself inspired by so many possible directions and such ambitious goals. Then reality sinks in the next week at work, and I get caught up on the day-to-day and struggle to complete the tasks I’d brainstormed or meet any of my goals along my designated timeline. I am trying to give myself some grace here, and to take it one step at a time, celebrating the small successes as they come and bringing people on board to keep the momentum going. Now I understand why so many C21 participants return as coaches to continue their Action Plans for another year!