Men's Center Drop-in Support Groups

As of January, 2024: While our physical premises re-opened to all groups and meetings in the Fall of 2021, we now encourage folks to wear masks if they feel safer when attending in-person meetings at the Men's Center. Our Support Groups are resuming in-person and continuing combined (hybrid) in-person and online (Zoom) participation.

To attend most online support groups, find the group below that interests you and then click the [Contact Group Facilitator] link on that page. Your contact info will be emailed to the facilitator and they will send you information on how to attend using Zoom.

General Men's Issues / Relationship Issues Support Group

Addiction Busters Support Group

Gay Issues Support Group

Choosing Healthy Sexual Boundaries Support Group

ManKind Project Open Circle

Men Facing Retirement Issues Support Group

Men's Wellness Support Group

There is no payment required to attend TCMC groups. However, during the transition to online programs, TCMC has experienced an increased shortfall in revenue due the temporary closure of our facility and requests donations of $3 to $10 (or more) to help sustain our program expenses.

To make a contribution to TCMC online, please visit tcmc.org/payment-donate.html, or use Venmo by searching @twincitiesmenscenter in the app or by hovering your smart phone camera over the QR code below:

SUPPORT GROUP MEETING GUIDELINES

(download the PDF of these guidelines.)

IN PREPARATION FOR THE SUPPORT GROUP:
Support Groups begin promptly at 7:30 PM and will continue to 9:30 PM. Any late arrival is disrespectful to all group participants as is any early departures; please invest in the full two hours time. Note, early arrival will allow you to browse through our many community resource and library materials (these may be checked out if you are a member).

Support Groups are safe and confidential—a place to talk freely. When you attend a TCMC support group, you agree to keep all you hear to yourself. We don’t carry away reports of who’s there or what is said. We require that no notes be taken. Carry away only your own growth material, in your heart and in your mind. Confidentiality is of Utmost Importance.
The Support Group is not a therapy group. There is often a fine line between support and therapy, but be aware that we are not here to change or “fix” anyone. If you want to change (grow), we are here to support you in that effort.
The Support Group is to be a Chemically Free environment. It is important that we all come here with as clear a mind as possible. If you are under the influence of alcohol or nonprescription mood-altering drugs, we will request that you excuse yourself and come back at another time in the proper mind set.
Support Groups are to be smoke-free. If you need to smoke, please step outside the building to accomplish this need. Exiting and returning to the group should be in a nondisruptive/respectful manner.
The Support Group will be Free from Sexual Harassment. If you engage in inappropriate remarks or behavior, we will request that you excuse yourself. Sexual fraternization is not allowed on the premises.
Judgmental statements that “bash” a group or individual are never appropriate in support groups because they destroy the trust that makes the group a safe place to discuss feelings.

CHECK-IN: At this time,

Give your Name; tell us a little about how you Feel and where you are at, keeping this reasonably short (2 minutes max). If you have an issue to discuss, ask for time. You may use you first name only if you wish to be anonymous.
Do not interrupt another participant during their check-in—this is their time only.

SUPPORT GROUP ISSUES DISCUSSION: During this extended time, be responsible for yourself as to:

Feelings which are neither good or bad; they just exist. Your feelings do not need to be logical...they’re your feelings and that is okay.
Staying on a feelings level as much as possible; your story is very important; your feelings are paramount.
Asking for the time you need, and seeing to it that you get it.
Trying not to theorize or philosophize; use “I” statements as much as possible.
Your right to disagree or challenge a position; be respectful, use appropriate non-judgemental language, and confront only when approved by the receiver.
Advice giving. We are not here to give advice. If you feel you have advice to give, always ask the recipient if he or she wants it. Exercise your own judgement when advice is received.

CHECK-OUT: at approximately 9:20 PM, is a time for closure to the evening group.

Again without interruption, you have about 1 minute to state how you how feel, whether or not your needs were met, and departing salutations.

CONTRIBUTIONS will be solicited during check-out and an attendance report will be passed (you do not need to put your real full name on this log). We use the attendance log to allocate resources between the different groups. We do not report names or personal information to any other entity.

Please remember that the Men’s Center needs your financial support to continue our operation. It is suggested that a sliding scale of $3 to $7 be considered. No one will be turned away due to a lack of monetary funds.

Support Group Info

LOCATION & DETAILS

Support Groups meet at:
Online, Phone and/or in person (unless noted differently).

All Support Groups meet at:
Twin Cities Men's Center
3249 Hennepin Ave. So, Suite 55
Minneapolis, MN 55408 USA

(Please contact Group Facilitator for meeting details).

Support groups begin promptly, so arrive early such that you can browse the many resources and library materials. A donation of $3 to $9 helps keep TCMC operational. Liquid refreshments are available at a separate donation rate. All groups are men only, except where listed for women and men.

SUPPORT GROUP MISSION

A Support Group is a safe place for people who need support and healing and who may be in personal crisis; to share and be heard when telling about experiences, feelings, and perceptions; in a chemically free atmosphere of mutual respect, confidentiality, and self responsibility. The group will be conducted within the guidelines of the following mission statement:

"The mission of the Men's Center Support Groups is to create a safe place, in times of personal and social challenge, for men, women and any gender to receive and to give support to one another. Attendees share feelings and experiences which facilitate Self-Acceptance and Personal Growth."

SUPPORT GROUP FACILITATION

A support group will be hosted by a Facilitator. A Facilitator will be an individual who volunteers after previous participation in Men’s Center Support groups, who desires to contribute their time and skills after appropriate training as a host of these groups. Although each group has a specific focus, all groups are open to general issues that concern individuals in their personal growth. The sessions are primarily for support; they are not therapy groups.

Facilitators must be approved by the TCMC Board, and are required to attend an annual training session. TCMC Support Group Facilitator Training Manual - [207KB PDF] latest revision: 2023.

Any issues relative to groups or to becoming a facilitator should be addressed to the Support Group Coordinator.

DISCLAIMER

NO events or groups at the Twin Cities Men’s Center (TCMC) are to be considered an endorsement by the board or by the membership of TCMC. TCMC is not responsible for perceived undesirable outcomes or side effects for the participant in our events/groups. These are attended at your own risk.

Drop-in support groups are an official activity of the Men’s Center and as such we wish to hear any feedback you may have concerning these meetings. We encourage that you go:
1) Directly to the Facilitator involved
2) To the Support Group Coordinating committee
3) To the Grievance Committee of the Board of Directors if the above two do not resolve the problem situation.

We cannot take responsibility for the actions or words of individual participants but only for facilitators pursuing their tasks as volunteers. Though they are given training in group process, they are not acting as mental health professionals nor are they giving therapy. The Twin Cities Men’s Center is not classified by the state as a mandated reporter for child or other types of abuse. Nevertheless, some facilitators may be licensed professionals who are mandated by state law to make these types of reporting; and some facilitators may feel
bound by their ethics to take action when:
a) revelations of child abuse or neglect are discussed,
b) threats of imminent suicide are made,
c) threats of harm to anyone else in the group or outside of it are proposed.

Any reports as to the above situations made by group members might be actionable. Participants must consider these possibilities before revealing any potentially damaging information for which they might be held responsible.