
EXPLORE THE NEW CAMPAIGN
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The new Men’s Initiative campaign seeks to inspire male athletes to become better men. In a rapidly changing world, the time is now to begin conversations concerning relevant issues, redefine what it means to be a good man, and assess the need for athletes to become positive role models.
The mission of the Men’s Initiative is
“To enhance the integrity and well-being of men for the benefit of families, communities and the world.”
The Vision of the Men’s Initiative is
“Men strive together for an equitable, compassionate and sustainable world.”
The Men’s Initiative Values
ACCOUNTABILITY
Living our values, by focusing on rigour, evidence and evaluation of everything we do, to demonstrate its impact.
AUTHENTICITY
Relentlessly telling the truth and walking the talk, recognizing that inner work creates outer reality.
EMBRACING DIFFERENCE
Collaborating and putting purpose before ego, valuing diversity and dignity.
COURAGE
Having difficult conversations, ensuring a commitment to dialogue not debate.
CURIOSITY
Exploring with openness, humility and a commitment to learning.
STEWARDSHIP
Tenaciously maintaining a cross-generational orientation for sustainability and legacy.
TRUST
Acting with integrity and embracing the hard, personal work that is essential to earn the confidence of others.

Programs
We conduct leading edge programs for men that help men connect to their deepest values and become a constructive force for good in their families, work and society.

Community Building
We serve as a hub to connect men, women and organizations that are working to help men and to build a better world through men’s work.

Research
We conduct research to determine the most effective methods for helping men of all ages experience enhanced well-being with the aim of replicating best practice and influencing policy.
Made possible by the generosity of:
Leon Judah Blackmore
Foundation
Mohammad H. Mohseni
Charitable Foundation
Dr. Larry Goldenberg
Made possible by the generosity of:
Leon Judah Blackmore Foundation
Mohammad H. Mohseni Charitable Foundation
Dr. Larry Goldenberg
We recognized an overwhelming need to change our culture within the fire service if we were ever going to help our members. And without a doubt, since running our first six BC First Responder Resiliency programs under the guidance of Dr. Shields and Dr. Kuhl from UBC’s Men’s Initiative, the change in the individual participants and in fire departments across BC has been and continues to be extremely positive. The immediate goal was to change the stigma associated with mental health and create a safe space to share our stories, take a knee and get the help when we need it. We firmly believe that the difference this program is making is significant; if we can be healthy and resilient at work, we can be healthy at home with our families!
Gord Ditchburn
About The Men’s Initiative
The Men’s Initiative was founded to be a catalyst in the global conversation about the state and impact of men in the world. We want to bring people together and use our collective effort and wisdom to enhance the integrity and well-being of men. Together, we are mobilizing men around the world to be a force for equity, compassion, and sustainability in a rapidly changing world.
Our Founders
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Dr. John Izzo, Ph.D
Founder
John has worked with executives and leaders for over thirty years across 500 companies helping them connect to the legacy they want to leave. He is passionate about the role men must play in creating a more sustainable future and the role that inner work has in that process. He is the bestselling author of six books including Awakening Corporate Soul and Stepping Up. He is an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. Outside of work he loves tennis and nature but believes that friends are the most important hobby of all.

Duncan Shields, Ph.D RCC
Founder
Duncan has been a counsellor and trauma therapist for the last 20 years, and is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. In his work and research with veterans and first responders he has observed how men have endured and caused suffering, and how they also stand as essential builders of a peaceful, just and compassionate society. “I have been impressed by the men of integrity that I have worked with and how, standing together in courage, they have labored to change their part of the world for good”. When not at work, Duncan is either reading and learning or sailing a traditional sloop built with his wife and daughter.

David Kuhl, M.D., Ph.D
Founder
David is a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. Integrating medicine, psychology and the social sciences is fundamental to his work. As a clinician/researcher he has been listening to the stories of men for more than 25 years and has developed an understanding of the physical, emotional, and spiritual depth of their suffering. He has also witnessed their personal growth, deepening relationships, and commitment to justice, peace and collaboration. He is passionate about enhancing the integrity and wellbeing of men. Time with his family and friends, fitness, reading and music are vital to David’s wellbeing.
What it Means to be a Part of The Men’s Initiative Community
As part of the Men’s Initiative Community, over time you’ll be part of a movement seeking to showcase best and promising practices in men’s work and create links between fragmented efforts to help men make positive contributions in the world. New members of the community will be empowered to:
CONNECT WITH OTHERS ON MEN’S Well-Being
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LEARN LEADING EDGE STRATEGIES
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SHAPE A NEW DEFINITION OF MASCULINITY
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REIMAGINE THE ROLE OF MEN IN SOCIETY
HEAR ABOUT NEW RESEARCH ON MEN
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DISCOVER BEST PRACTICES FOR GROUP WORK
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CONNECT TO YOUR DEEPEST VALUES
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BUILD A MORE SUSTAINABLE WORLD
CONNECT WITH OTHERS ON MEN’S Well-Being
–
LEARN LEADING EDGE STRATEGIES
–
SHAPE A NEW DEFINITION OF MASCULINITY
–
REIMAGINE THE ROLE OF MEN IN SOCIETY
HEAR ABOUT NEW RESEARCH ON MEN
–
DISCOVER BEST PRACTICES FOR GROUP WORK
–
CONNECT TO YOUR DEEPEST VALUES
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BUILD A MORE SUSTAINABLE WORLD
Enhance the integrity and well-being of men
Join the Men’s Initiative to be part of a collaboration focused on building a sustainable and equitable future for humanity. We will work together to courageously embrace the future and leave behind aspects of ourselves that no longer serve the global movement of change. Together, we’ll connect to and through men’s integrity for the well-being of all.
Contact Us: info@mensinitiative.com