There is a Drought
Where are all the men?
In the world of volunteering, community action and community work there is a drought of male input.
In our Wellbeing Listener courses, the majority of participants are women (90%). When I asked for people to fill in a survey about mental wellbeing through Facebook only 3 men responded (out of a total of 54 people). The charities and CICs that are represented in our local forum are overwhelming represented by women.
It strikes me that we need the voice of men more than ever in our local communities… but not in the traditional sense.
We need a new energy from men.
It’s time for men to start directing attention to communities, to volunteering and to be supportive; for men to start being interested and recognise the hidden, unpaid, un-acknowledged work that is on-going in communities, families and society.
Historically white men have been the voice of western civilisation, of news, of philosophy, of science, of theology, of commentary, of exploration, of colonialism, of war, of progress, of medicine, of psychiatry and politics.
However we don’t want the voice of men in the traditional sense. We don’t require a knight in shining armour – we don’t need a warrior to save anyone.
Communities will flourish when men enable those who are reticent and quiet to be heard. When men release a different type of energy in the world, it will be like rain on parched ground.
We need a new type of male leader.
Society longs for male leaders that use their drive and focus to keep asking the questions that need to be asked; questions about inequality, poverty, abuse of power.
We need men to encourage and highlight the great community work that’s on-going and for men to ask uncomfortable questions of other men; to challenge prejudices around women, the poor, the BAME-community, the climate and economics.
We need men to realise that they exude a compelling energy when they share from an open, honest and authentic space.
The full potential within our society will only be released with a different kind of energy. We don’t want the old ways (of might, strength, wealth and power) to dominate society.
Society yearns for the full spectrum of male energy. It’s time for men to realise they are needed more than ever … the cultural narrative of masculinity is constricting and suffocating for everyone.
And as a woman I aspire to listen and understand. I need to realise that many men feel trapped in the narrow, construct of masculinity displayed in society. I want to be curious, ask questions and deeply listen.
If this resonates with you (whether you are a man or a woman) please let me know. I have some ideas of how we might start this conversation.
About Inner Compass

Liz Scott & Stu Newberry are trainers, coaches and speakers. They work with individuals and groups across the UK. They also help develop coaching cultures (founded on wellbeing) within schools and organisations.
Recent Articles
The World is Shifting – Can You Feel It?
In this book you’ll discover the true secret behind listening and the power of listening out for True Nature
To Listen is To Love
In this book you’ll discover the true secret behind listening and the power of listening out for True Nature
Recent Podcasts
Podcast 50 How to Talk to Teenagers
If you want to talk to teenagers then you first must learn to listen. Inspiring wisdom from Marie Arymar
Podcast 49 The Truth about Mental Health
Listen to two psychiatrists exploring a hopeful message around mental health
Discover how the Inner Compass can guide you
Explore our articles, podcasts and resources
Become a Wellbeing Listener
Get in touch with us to start a conversation
How can you uncover your in-built resilience and wellbeing? What's the best way to share a message of wellbeing with others? The Inner Compass can guide you.
Our articles, podcasts and resources will help people like you find the language to share the Inner Compass (also known as the Inside-Out understanding) with others.
Discover the simplicity of powerful listening. Our Wellbeing Listener programmes are affordable and accessible.
Do you want to find out more about Inner Compass? Or have questions about the Inside-Out (Three Principles) understanding? Get in touch.
Discover how the Inner Compass can guide you
How can you uncover your in-built resilience and wellbeing? What's the best way to share a message of wellbeing with others? The Inner Compass can guide you.
Explore our articles, podcasts and resources
Our articles, podcasts and resources will help people like you find the language to share the Inner Compass (also known as the Inside-Out understanding) with others.
Become a Wellbeing Listener
Discover the simplicity of powerful listening. Our Wellbeing Listener programmes are affordable and accessible.
Get in touch with us to start a conversation
Do you want to find out more about Inner Compass? Or have questions about the Inside-Out (Three Principles) understanding? Get in touch.
Subscribe to be kept up to date with news, information and resources and we'll give you a choice of FREE introductory audio courses to help you connect with your Inner Compass.
0 Comments