How do we better communicate care to men? What does care sound like or look like to men?

In December 2022, we convened a “What Happened to Us?” Unconference to process the gains and losses of the pandemic so that we can transition into the Next Normal well. From the discussions, a profound conversation emerged around the “dialect of care” for men, convened by a group of diverse men sharing about their lived experiences and how words from their loved ones sometimes didn’t “sound” like care to them.

Broadening this conversation, we convened a group of men for a Citizen Circle to better understand:

• What are the most frustrating words and actions that you have experienced as a man?

• What are the specific words and actions that men need to feel more cared for?

From the stories and insights generously and graciously shared by the participants, we compiled a community resources comprising insights on how we can better communicate and express care to the men in our lives.