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Robert Bly is regarded by many as a prophet of men’s awakening. Although he resists affiliation with specific organizations or schools of thought, his poetry, prose, conferences, public appearances, and audio/videotapes have been sources of inspiration for two decades, especially for those engaged in mythopoetic and men’s initiation work. His prose poem, “Finding the Father,” became a metaphor for our task in the early years, and his best-selling Iron John (Bly, 1990) opened the door to the joys of reclaimed masculinity for many thousands of men.

Born in 1926, Bly was educated at Harvard and the University of Iowa, and received a Fulbright Award for advanced study in Norway. His first book of poems, Silence in the Snowy Fields, appeared in 1962. He has since published approximately 40 books, including other volumes of poetry, as well as collections and translations of prose and poetry from an impressive variety of languages. Two of his recent books are Eating the Honey of Words: New and Selected Poem and The Half-Finished Heaven, translations of the best work of the Swedish poet, Tomas Transtromer.

Robert Adler is author of the book, Escaping the Job Rut: Losing the Misery and Finding Your Mission. He was the first Texas participant in the New Warrior Training Adventure Weekend in June, 1989. Mr. Adler resides with his wife in Houston, Texas.

Irwin Aloff, a former professor, is a relationship counselor, seminar leader, and a facilitator. An active member of New Warrior Chicago and the Mentor’s Action Network, he serves as a certified integration group facilitator and a Commissioned Ritual Elder. Irwin’s mission is to share his wisdom, wounds, and wit to heal hearts and nurture healthy living relationships. His grandchildren give him great joy.

Dieter Ammann has been an executive with a large government agency and now owns his own firm, Pathways to People. He consults and presents workshops on management, communication, and team-building skills. Dieter is a graduate of the New Warrior and ABC trainings, has staffed New Warrior trainings, and has led integration groups. Married for many years, he has two adult children, a son and a daughter.

Asa Baber originated the MEN column in Playboy in 1982 wrote it until his death in 2003. He was the father of two sons, Jim and Brendan. He also served in the United States Marine Corps.

Francis Baumli, Ph.D., is a noted author on men’s issues; his works have been published in American Man, M. The Humanist, Asahi Shimbun, and many other publications. Best known for his work as the Missouri representative for the Coalition of Free Men, he hosted the radio show, Men Freeing Men for several years and edited a book by the same name. He received his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Missouri - Columbia in 1976, has served on the faculties of several colleges and universities, and has pursued studies in counseling psychology and neurology. He has published widely in professional journals such as The Philosophical Forum, Contemporary Philosophy, and International Studies in Philosophy. He is married to Abbe Sudvarg, a physician with a specialty in family practice, and has two children, Dacia and Marion.

Dmitri Bilgere is a longtime activist in the men’s movement. As a writer and seminar leader, Dmitri has come to see that men and women actually are more alike than they are different. His mission is to heal shame and to facilitate gender reconciliation by teaching the power of the shadow. He wrote Beyond the Blame Game: Creating Compassion and Ending the Sex War in Your Life, a how-to gender reconciliation guide. He has been facilitating the Shadow Work process and deep emotional work for more than 15 years. His web site is www.dbweb.org .

Lawrence J. Diggs is a writer, producer, and lecturer on sociological, psychological, biological, and legal issues, especially those that uniquely impact men. He has created workshops, seminars, and radio and television programs whose theme is bringing true equality to gender issues. He wrote and produced the audiotape, “Introduction to Men’s Issues,” and has had 15 years of experience in broadcast and related arts in the U. S., Europe, and New Zealand. A 1987 graduate of Antioch University, he has extensive and rare knowledge of the microbiological process in the production of vinegar and wrote the unique study, VINEGAR: The User Friendly, Standard Text, Reference and Guide to Appreciating, Making and Enjoying Vinegar (Quiet Storm Trading Co., 1989).

Frank A. DiLallo has practiced individual, marital, family, and group counseling for the last 20 years. Mr. DiLallo is also the Pastoral Counselor for Central Catholic High School, of Toledo, Ohio, where he directs a counseling ministry for faculty, students, and their families. He holds a masters degree in counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a certified Chemical Dependency Counselor in Ohio.

Patrick Dougherty, MA, LP, is a licensed psychologist in private practice in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is a storyteller, writer, and adjunct faculty member at St. Mary’s College of Minnesota. As an ex-Marine who fought in Vietnam, he uses his storytelling to speak of the complexities and ambiguities of war. His work, including several essays and professional articles dealing with men’s issues, has been published in journals and books. He co-teaches a graduate counseling course entitled Working with Men in Psychotherapy.

John Everingham, Ph.D., retired recently as Associate Professor of Oral Biology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he was an award-winning teacher of histology. He earned his Ph.D. in anatomy at the University of Washington and holds B.A. and M.S. degrees in zoology. Dr. Everingham studied humanistic psychology and related subjects for 30 years, exploring his own existential predicament and sharing some of what he learned. A restless searcher, he sensed for many years that something essential was missing from his “curriculum,” and at last discovered that for him the overlooked factor was internalized shame. He has been active in New Warrior programs since 1987, in recent years as a leader of Elders. His poem, “Rowing the Rio,” explores whitewater rafting as a metaphor for the soul’s journey and the importance of paradox. A divorced man, he has three adult children and two grandchildren. He may be contacted at 847-657-0677

John H. Gagnon, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist in private practice, working with adults, couples, and families. He received his doctorate in psychology from Union Institute in 1982. He has taught at the University of Connecticut and has lectured at Yale Medical School; he has written several technical articles and authored Wounded Healer (Ablex Press). He lives with his wife, El, who teaches history & English, and he has an adult daughter and son-in-law, Isabelle and Luke Johnson.

John Giles died August 22, 1996, of AIDS. In his last months, John was surrounded by his partner, family, and loving friends. He also finished a number of original musical compositions, and was able to hear them performed. We miss John and bless his memory. Giles held Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Illinois, and advanced certification in musicology from the University of Michigan and in voice performance from Northwestern University. He served as Director of Music at the Unitarian Church of Evanston, Illinois, from 1981 until his death. Partially as a result of the spiritual journey described in this chapter, he was elevated to Lay Minister of Music in 1991.

A talented tenor, John was a regular chorister in the Chicago Lyric Opera Chorus for nearly a decade, and performed leading roles in opera houses and oratorio societies. Beginning in 1983, he composed numerous cantatas, choral works, and songs, and presented workshops on the “Healing Power of Music.” John enjoyed swimming, cycling, reading histories, participating in politics, and spreading his message of healing to others.

Michael Greenwald, J.D., received his B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Swarthmore College in 1970, and his J.D. from George Washington University in 1976. From 1977 to 1989, and from 1991 to 1999, he served as a trial lawyer in private practice, representing businesses and individuals in all manner of disputes. From 1989 to 1991, he served as a mediator in private practice. In 1999, Mr. Greenwald left the practice of law to become an entrepreneur and business consultant. He lives on Lake Michigan near Chicago with his wife, Tracey Foreman, and their two Labrador retrievers. Greenwald attended the New Warrior Training Adventure (NWTA) in April, 1987, and co-founded the New Warrior Network, now known as the Mankind Project. As one of seven cofounders, he contributed to the vision guiding the Network’s growth, using his legal skills to build a safe and strong secular corporate structure. He participated in developing the curriculum of the NWTA and the leadership training programs. Most recently, he spearheaded the effort to broaden the multicultural perspective of the Project. He was one of the first to recognize the significance of the initiatory function of the NWTA.

John S. Guarnaschelli, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus, retired from Queensborough College of the City University of New York. He lives in New York City with Maria, his wife of 35 years. He has been engaged in the quest of his own Men’s Work for 12 years, and is the founder and current director of ON THE COMMON GROUND, a non-organization for men in NYC. He particularly wants to thank both his wife and his friends, Michael McGarry and Justin Cordes, for their generous and irreplaceable support composing chapter 20, and would welcome discussion with anyone who wishes to talk further (at a reasonable hour!) about anything proposed in it.

Ian Harris, Ph.D., is a Professor of Educational Policy and Community Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, where he has taught a course on male identity since 1978. He has been an active participant in the Mankind Project, Milwaukee, a counselor at Batterers Anonymous, and is the author of the book Messages Men Hear: Constructing Masculinities.

Andre Heuer, D.Min., M.A., LICSW, develops and teaches curricula in men’s life skills and human sexuality, and has worked with men in adult correctional facilities. He is a psychotherapist in private practice in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is well known for his workshops for men in the Twin Cities and in other locations. Dr. Heuer hosted a radio program that deals with men and their lives, and leads training workshops on interpersonal relationships for business and professional groups. He is involved in professional, educational, and pastoral ministry and conducts workshops and retreats for churches in spirituality, family life, and men’s issues. He holds masters degrees in education and psychology, and his doctoral thesis focused on the effects of family, society, and the church on men’s self-image and spirituality.

John Higgins, M.S., is a sales representative (independent contractor) in a publishing related field. He holds Bachelor and Masters degrees in secondary education and library science, respectively. He first met his biological father at age 37 – a very positive and fulfilling decision/ experience. He regrets not doing it sooner. He has been happily married to his wife, Norma, for more than two decades.

Jack Kammer has been active in activities related to men’s issues for many years. He was Executive Director of the National Congress for Men for 16 months. He conducted a talk show called Men, Sex, and Power at a Baltimore radio station for several years, and is the author of Good Will toward Men: Women Talk Candidly about the Balance of Power between the Sexes (St. Martin Press, 1993).

Gershen Kaufman was educated at Columbia University and received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Rochester. Professor in the Counseling Center and Psychology Department at Michigan State University, he is the author of Shame: The Power of Caring (1992) and The Psychology of Shame: Theory and Treatment of Shame-Based Syndromes (1996). He is the co-author with Lev Raphael of Dynamics of Power: Fighting Shame and Building Self-Esteem (1991) and Coming Out of Shame (1996). With Lev Raphael and Pamela Espeland, he wrote Stick up for Yourself! Every Kid’s Guide to Personal Power and Positive Self-Esteem (1999) and Teacher’s Guide to Stick Up for Yourself (2000). (Complete citations are found in References.) He has lectured widely on the role of shame in personality, psychopathology, and psychotherapy, as well as its significance for gender, culture, and society.

Bill Kauth, M.A., is a visionary with great ability to get things done. He is a founder of the New Warrior Training Adventure weekend and The Mankind Project. For many years the Wisconsin organizer of the New Warrior Traing Adventure, his recent activities focus on global expansion of the work and on the creation of new and advanced experiences, such as the Inner King and Warrior-Monk trainings. His mission is to create a safe planet through empowering men.

George Lindall is a psychologist with NL Consulting in Minneapolis. His practice specializes in coaching executives about organizational performance. George also works with recovering addicts on intimacy and commitment issues.

David L. Lindgren, M.A., is a practicing psychotherapist, co-founder of the New Warrior Network (now The Mankind Project), and creator of a core curriculum for men. Michael “Lovable Moose” prefers anonymity. He came to Windsor, Ontario, in 1964 to learn tool and die making, and now works as a Tooling Supervisor. Married in 1971, separated in 1996, and now divorced, he has two adult daughters.

Jim Lovestar has lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for many years, where he is an outstanding massage therapist. His mission is to touch the divine essence in all beings. Coming from a history of fear and mistrust toward men, he is committed to heal that within myself and to assist every man he encounters to trust himself and other men.

Christopher Miller earned his B.A. degree in psychology at Northwestern University and his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees at the Chicago Theological Seminary. He has extensive training in individual, marital, and family therapy, and has been an adjunct faculty member at the Chicago Theological Seminary. Currently, he is the director of a pastoral counseling center in Evanston, Illinois, where he lives with his wife and two daughters.

Bob Porter, M.S.W., has been an individual, marital, family, and group therapist since 1981, and is an instructor at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. He has been facilitating men’s groups and workshops since 1982.

Buddy S. Portugal is a psychotherapist in private practice and organizational consultant to corporations and businesses. He is co-creator of the Victories of the Heart weekend (formerly The Men’s Room), and co-author of the book Victories of the Heart (Mark & Portugal, 1996).

Philip M. Powell, Ph.D., grew up in tough surroundings and has tried to help others who grew up in similar or even better circumstances. He feels for people. He earned his Ph.D. from the Committee on Human Development at the University of Chicago in 1981. He taught psychology at Yale University for 5 years, and for nearly 20 years was a professor in the Department of Educational Psychology, University of Texas, Austin. Since his retirement in 1996, Dr. Powell has been teaching English to gifted and talented 7th and 8th graders in Cedar Park, Texas. His 12 year old son, Kirby, attends the same school and is a member of the gifted program.

Al Ring, M.D., is a Clinical Professor of Pathology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He received his M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1958. He has conducted research in physiology, embryology, chemistry, and clinical pathology, and has published more than 40 articles and books on a variety of medical subjects, including anatomic and clinical pathology. Dr. Ring has received many honors and appointments in the medical field.

Roy U. Schenk, Ph.D., is trying mostly unsuccessfully to be retired. After a couple of decades of working as a chemist and biologist, he became committed to creating a joyful, peaceful world. He attempted to create an alternative, cooperative model business, but found that “progressives” refused to support his efforts because he refused to support privileged treatment for women. He then decided that society’s acceptance of women’s areas of presumed superiority prevented significant world betterment by creating shame in men for their persumed moral/“being” inferiorities. So he began challenging these beliefs and began developing a vision of how to attain a joyful, peaceful world. He is open to speaking, workshop presenting, and dialoging concerning his vision about transforming our world. He can be reached at (608) 255-4028, Fax (608) 251-0658, or less certainly at or by letter to MPC-BEP Press.

David Shackleton is a thinker, writer, and speaker on gender, a men’s work leader, and editor/publisher of Everyman: A Men’s Journal, the only Canadian magazine of the men’s movement. He has dedicated his life to articulating and achieving the vision of real equality between men and women, and is writing a book about why the women’s movement is so powerful under the banner of powerlessness. He may be contacted at PO Box 4617, Station E, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5H8, Canada, or via E-mail at editor@everyman.org; or the web site, http://www.everyman.org.

Rich Tosi lives in Michigan, is married to Char, and is the father of two sons. He was an officer in the Marine Corps, served in Viet Nam, and worked for many years as an engineer with General Motors. Tosi is a founder of the New Warrior Training Adventure, past president of the New Warrior Network, and continues to lead NWTA weekends in North America and other continents.

Tom Williamson, M.A., has worked with the Nassau County Department of Health, Office of Social work. He conducted a private inquiry for the New York Center for Men into why battered men do not seek help. He is the long-time president of the National Coalition of Free Men. Currently, Mr. Williamson is employed in the computer industry as a technical writer.