Community Dialogue: Male Connection and Belonging

It Takes a Village: A Community Dialogue on Male Connection and Belonging

Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025*

Location: UCF Downtown (DPAC 106)

500 W Livingston St, Orlando, FL 32801

Time: Doors open 6:00 p.m. | Program 6:30p.m. - 8:30p.m.

*June is National Men’s Health Month

Light, healthy, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

More Information about the Event:

Join us for a powerful and grounding community dialogue co-hosted by The Male Wellness Collective and the Peace and Justice Institute. Together, we’ll explore the disconnection many men and boys experience with themselves, each other, and with society at-large—and the collective desire to change that.

Whether you’re on your own healing journey, supporting the young men, in your life, or showing up as a mentor, educator, or ally, this session is for you.

The gathering will begin with a practice centered on respect and community building, followed by a trauma-informed mindfulness exercise. From there, we’ll engage in storytelling, reflection, and discussion to explore the emotional, mental, and social wellness challenges men face today—and how we can co-create spaces of connection and belonging. This initial dialogue will set the foundation by sharing both data and lived experiences, while also shaping the direction of future gatherings. Attendees will be invited to share insights, offer feedback, and connect with others committed to building a more connected and emotionally healthy future for men and boys.

All are welcome to attend!

Learning Outcomes:

· Increase awareness: Understand the current state of disconnection and wellbeing among men and boys through data and personal narratives.

· Build connection: Engage in trauma-informed mindfulness and story-sharing to cultivate presence and emotional safety.

· Foster reflection: Identify personal and cultural barriers to male vulnerability, emotional expression, and belonging.

· Co-create possibilities: Contribute ideas and energy toward next steps in building a supportive community culture for our men and boys.

· Inspire action: Leave with one tangible insight, resource, or connection to carry forward.

Parking: City-owned street parking is free after 6 p.m.

Host Organizations: Peace and Justice Institute, The Male Wellness Collective

For Questions, Contact: cmVzaWxpZW5jZSB8IHBlYWNlanVzdGljZWluc3RpdHV0ZSAhIG9yZw==

Accomodation Requests: We strive to create an environment that is hospitable and accommodating for all people. To make a request for an accommodation, please give us two weeks of notice prior to the event by emailing Britney Pierce at YnJpdG5leSB8IHBlYWNlanVzdGljZWluc3RpdHV0ZSAhIG9yZw==.

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Orlando.