NEW SOUTH WALES

Staying connected:

A handbook for involving men

in groups and clubs

A COTA NSW Mate to Mate Project

Page 2

Acknowledgements

COTA NSW thanks all workshop participants in Sydney, Penrith and

Wyong for contributing their time and ideas to this resource.

For their additional support, we are particularly grateful to:

Granville Men’s Shed

Computer Pals Blacktown

CatholicCare Carer Support Program (South Western Sydney)

The Shed at Emerton

Staying Connected: A handbook for involving men in groups and clubs

ISBN: 978-0-9804223-5-1

Published by Council on the Ageing (Inc) NSW 2015

Edited by Jane Bringolf

This handbook and related videos form the final part of the COTA

NSW Mate to Mate Project. The project was funded by NSW Family

and Community Services and carried out in partnership with the

Men’s Health Information Resource Centre, University of Western

Sydney

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Contents Background ...................................................................................... 4

Who should use this handbook ....................................................... 5

Attracting older men to groups and clubs ....................................... 6

Designing and disseminating promotional material........................ 7

Language is important ..................................................................... 8

Checklist for language and terminology .......................................... 9

Design and layout of promotional material .................................. 10

Checklist for promotional material ................................................ 12

Website content ............................................................................ 14

Special events ................................................................................ 15

Use of media outlets ...................................................................... 16

Use of “freebies” ........................................................................... 16

Use of signage ................................................................................ 17

Other promotional activities ......................................................... 17

Tactics to get men to join and keep them coming ........................ 18

Group process ................................................................................ 20

Ongoing tactics .............................................................................. 21

Why men are reluctant, reticent or resistant ................................ 22

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Background

The COTA NSW Mate to Mate Connecting Older Men project was

undertaken in partnership with the Men’s Health Information and

Resource Centre at the University of Western Sydney. Extensive

research was undertaken which involved older men throughout all

stages of the research process. The project began by focusing on

connecting older men to community services and then the project

broadened to finding out what encourages and discourages men from

staying connected to community activities.

As the project progressed, it became apparent that groups and clubs

were vital in keeping older men connected and that a practical resource

to assist them in this task was required, and this handbook is the result.

Lunchtime at the Granville Men’s Shed

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Who should use this handbook

This handbook is designed for groups and clubs as a ready reference

to attract and retain male members and participants, particularly

older men. Staying connected in later life is a major factor in

maintaining physical and mental health. Much has been written on

this subject and will not be repeated here. The focus for this

handbook is on the “how-to” – practical tips and ideas for

encouraging social connectedness, particularly in the form of joining

a group and participating in a community activity.

From the first idea we started talking with men in the spirit of co-

production. Consequently much of the information was gathered

from three hands-on workshops involving older men and community

service providers who run groups for men, as well as field visits. Four

short case studies are also included.

There are four main sections:

1. Designing and disseminating promotional material

2. Tactics for attracting men

3. Tactics for retaining men

4. Why men might be reluctant to join a group or club

As men like to get their information from other men, eight short

video clips of four men talking about their experiences are included

in this resource package. The videos also serve as an example of

what can be achieved with an ordinary camera and free Microsoft

Movie Maker editing software, and are also an example of another

way to reach out to men.

The video clips can be downloaded from the ‘Community Resources’

section of our website: www.cotansw.com.au/council-on-the-

ageing-nsw-get-informed-publications

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Attracting older men to groups and clubs

The workshops included discussions about the stereotyping of all

men as being capable, confident and able to manage themselves in

new social situations. However, the opposite might be true for some

men. Consideration should be given to the unease of older men in

new social situations who are not confident about moving outside

their comfort zone and trying something new. Once men become

disconnected from the community, the more their confidence is

likely to diminish.

When first thinking about attracting new members, most groups

think about promotional material and this is where the handbook

starts. However, other tactics can be just as successful, if not more

so, as research suggests that men prefer to get their information

from other men.

The workshop sessions produced long lists of reasons that men

might give, and do give, for not joining a group or club. These were

collated and sorted into themes and are at the end of this

handbook. They serve as reminders of factors to consider when

seeking new male members. The full lists can be downloaded from

the ‘Community Resources’ section of our website:

http://www.cotansw.com.au/council-on-the-ageing-nsw-get-

informed-publications

Brainstorming ideas at the Wyong Workshop

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Designing and disseminating promotional material

Promotional material can be the first impression of a group or club –

so make it a good one!

The main theme emerging from the workshops was that

promotional material should focus on what is important to the

potential new member and not on the organisation or group – look

outward to men, not inward to the organisation.

Certain words and pictures used in brochures, on websites and in

conversation can have a negative effect on some men. The language

of current male members is a good guide to the words to use.

Active language where men feel they can make a contribution,

achieve a goal, or help others, creates a more positive first

impression of the group. Language used in promotional material

needs to avoid the use of jargon, community service language that

indicates “care” or “support”, and words that might indicate

reduced independence. Gender based semantics can also matter:

men like to “help” but not “volunteer”; men “make things” and

women “do craft” activities, for example.

Promotional material should reach out to the intended reader, not

be an advertisement for the “good works” your group or club does.

Avoid emphasis on branding the group or club, particularly those

being run by larger organisations.

The name of the group can also have an effect on first impressions:

consider the suitability of the name and whether this might be

stigmatising. If possible, particularly for larger organisations that

auspice men’s groups, use short generic names, such as Thursday

Club or Men’s Lunch Club, for example. Both new and existing

groups can ask men to choose a name for their group.

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Language is important

Retaining a sense of dignity, independence and capability are

essential. Use an active voice rather than the third person. For

example, “We invite you to come and join us”, rather than

“Everyone is welcome”. You can change “This service has been

operating for ten years” to “We started the group ten years ago”.

Avoid any reference to being incapable, dependent and being cared

for. The key points are:

Avoid jargon The community service industry has its own language and a history in the care or medical model. For example: “Frail” or “Frail Aged” indicate weakness, feebleness, and dependence. “Day Care” is something for children. “Care” is for the sick. “Assessment” sounds like a test. “Client” is something a solicitor has.

Words to avoid

Focus on words that imply activity, participation, accomplishment, enjoyment, etc. Help, assist, care, elderly, aged, lonely, isolated, needs, are examples of words that men find disempowering.

Use “male-friendly” language

Men view community services as a female dominated industry. Use language that indicates men are welcome to join and participate. While some men respond to terms such as “mate” or “bloke”, others do not favour these terms. Much will depend on the type or purpose of the group if using these terms.

Avoid a long or stigmatising name

This is your first chance to attract male members – it is the first impression of the group. Avoid a long name – use a name that members might use.

Translation into languages other than English

If you have your material translated, make sure it is checked for language suitable for men from that culture, and that it retains the subtleties of “male-friendliness”. Do not use Google Translate.

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Checklist for language and terminology

Language is welcoming, empowering and retains the dignity of the intended reader □ There is no jargon – government funded community service groups are more likely to use this □ The language is simple and clear. Short sentences are used so that people with poor literacy or English language skills can understand it

□

The key points are emphasised with a picture to help with clarification □ Text relates clearly to the pictures used □ Male-friendly reference is not lost in translations into other languages – avoid Google Translate □

CASE STUDY: The Journeymen

On finding that male members in carer support groups tended not

to speak up and participate in mixed groups, the men were invited

to join a men-only group. One of the first tasks was to find a name

for the group. The coordinators asked the men to start thinking of

a name and they also devised a survey. Together they reviewed

the suggestions, and through discussion they talked about the

purpose of the group and how they have all been on a journey in

their caring role – hence the name “Journeymen” was agreed

upon. A good name helps to de-stigmatise the group and also

assists with attracting funding as it is specific and distinct. In this

case the name also had to reflect the values of the umbrella

organisation, CatholicCare, as well as being respectful to the

members.

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Design and layout of promotional material

Feedback from the workshops indicated that a DL envelope size or

A4 tri-fold is the preferred size for a brochure or flyer. This makes it

easier for men to fold once and put in their shirt pocket or back

pocket, making it more likely that they will take a brochure home.

A quick search of the Internet for “designing a brochure” could be

worth the effort. Some basic tips for a trifold brochure are:

Keep the margin size equal: The margins between panels in a

trifold should be twice as wide as the outer margins so that you

have equal margins in each panel when it is folded.

Order the information: Think about how the brochure will be

opened by the reader. Both the outer flap and back (centre)

panel are visible before opening the brochure then the inner flap

becomes visible. At the same time the left panel is exposed. The

inside inner flap (far right panel) is the last section to be viewed

– so don’t put any critical information there.

Use the inside 3 panels wisely: Use this space for key

information. With this small space keep words to a minimum –

keep sentences short and to the point. Avoid reducing font size

to include extra words. It needs to be easy to read.

Placement of graphics: For more impact and maximising space,

consider bleeding the picture off the edge and/or across two

internal columns (go across the margins). Make sure graphics

are relevant to the text. Place graphics neatly, not randomly.

Font size and type: Use a sans serif font (that is without curly

bits such as in Times New Roman) as this is not helpful for

people with reduced vision. Most sans serif fonts (Arial,

Helvetica, and Calibri) are good at font size 11 or 12.

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Justification: Keep text left justified. Full justification (to create

a straight left and right edge) stretches the text and makes it

more difficult to read.

Emphasis: Don’t use underline, capital letters or italics for

emphasis – use bold. Minimise the use of upper case and italics

as this disrupts the flow of reading.

CASE STUDY: Men in the

Kitchen

Computer Pals Blacktown is

located in a new community

centre that has a dedicated

computer room and a caterer’s

kitchen among other facilities.

Computers are used as a focal

point to bring people together

in a range of activities and

groups. The Men in the Kitchen

group was set up by promoting

the activity as “cooking with

computers”. This entailed

looking up recipes on the computer or tablet, choosing one and then the

group cooks the dish in the community centre kitchen. Each week they

cook a different dish and in the process compile a small recipe book of

favourites.

Newspaper article: Lessons in plating up

Blacktown Advocate

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Checklist for promotional material

While some of these items are obvious, it is good to check that

nothing has been missed.

Checklist for content

The name of the group is short and catches the eye □ The focus is on what the potential new member could be interested in (not what you are interested in telling them) □ Detailed information about the background to the group is provided in another document, possibly a welcome pack. □ Activities are listed succinctly and pictures show people enjoying themselves or being involved in a task □ Sentences are short and clear □ There is just enough information to present the group as stable and well run □ The day(s) of the week, time(s) and place of the meeting or activity is clearly shown □ The costs of being involved are clearly stated, both joining and ongoing □ The name and phone number of two people to contact (preferably men) are easy to find and read □ Information on transport and how to get there is provided (perhaps also a map) □ It has been proofread by another person □

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Checklist for layout

Pictures are used to show participants in action to represent both task and people □ Pictures with related text show what happens in the group (helps to give a “flavour”) □ The font size and type is easy to read and only one font style is used □ The layout of the design is simple and does not look cluttered □ There are wide margins and lots of white space to make it easier to read □ The size of the document is DL envelope or tri-folded to DL size (can fold easily to put in pocket) □ The name of the group is in the top third of the front page (so it can be seen in a DL size brochure rack) □ The layout, pictures and text present a positive image to make it look welcoming to new people □ Current members have been asked for their opinion on the design □

Photos of people in action

emphasise both the social and

practical aspects of the group.

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Website content

Much of the information for brochures applies to websites. While

many groups will not have control over website design, they may

have control over the way that language is used and the amount of

information provided. Scrolling or sliding banners on websites are

popular, but for older visitors, and particularly those unused to using

websites, these can be very distracting and possibly disorientating.

Here are some additional points to consider:

Checklist for websites

The home page welcomes the visitor and encourages the reader to look further into the site □ All pages have a large font (not less than 12pt) □ Detailed information about the background to the group can be put on an “About us” page □ It is easy to navigate to other sections of the website □ A FAQ section or “what is” section about the group has been included □ Past activities with pictures are included and show the history of activities (can make a picture gallery) □ Upcoming activities are listed clearly with relevant information (time, place, day) □ Contact Us page has a name, email address and phone number of a contact person(s) as well as a standard pro-forma Contact Form

□

There are no more than three clicks to the relevant information □ The website is kept up to date (it is discouraging to see the last post was a year ago) □

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Special events

Have an open day or other event and advertise with a big banner

in a prominent location

Have a special social day or evening (no committee meeting to

sit through)

Have more face to face interaction – info booths at fairs,

markets, local shopping centre

Network with groups with similar goals and create a local “expo”

to advertise group activities and volunteering opportunities

Have a bring a mate day - encourage existing male members to

bring another man

Have a BBQ in the local park with a large sign for your group so

others can see you having fun. Be prepared to speak to anyone

who looks interested – make the first move to introduce

yourself.

CASE STUDY: Emerton Shed

Starting out as Emerton Men’s Shed this group has become more

of a community centre – hence they changed the name to “The

Shed”. Its history as a place for men means it is mainly attended by

men. It is open Monday to Friday and some government outreach

services such as Centrelink visit once a month. This is an attraction,

particularly for those who do not use computers. Each Wednesday

they have a free barbeque lunch which attracts people of all ages

from the surrounding area. They have bread and fruit donated

which people can take home. A wall mounted television with

comfortable chairs in a corner encourages conversation in a small

group. Large logs under trees provide a more private and casual

environment where people have quiet one to one conversations,

sometimes with outreach workers. The informal approach

encourages men to talk.

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Use of media outlets

Use the local radio for information and promoting events/new

member days

Use availability of folk media, the arts, pageants and celebrated

events to promote the group

Use community media channels with media releases with a

human interest story related to the group

Use social media - Facebook and Twitter

Get a spot on the local community radio and tell good stories

about the people and the activities, but don’t make it sound like

a “service” or “caring” or “for the lonely”

Use a range of media for getting information out - don’t rely on

one method

Use of “freebies”

In some situations men can be attracted by free or gratis items such

as a lunch, food to cook and share, second hand books, or help to

access the internet and social media.

Approach the local chamber of commerce, supermarket for

donations of food items

The local library often has old books they no longer loan

The local service clubs might have connections with businesses

that can provide in-kind donations

Free and convenient access to services and information can also be

attractive. This is includes free use of a computer. Some government

services have outreach workers who might be available to make

regular visits, such as health workers and Centrelink staff.

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Use of signage

Street signs to the Shed

(see the Council for this),

it’s also advertising

Have a sign on the club

bus indicating who you

are and that “we are

enjoying ourselves”

A large sign for the club

building that can be seen

from a distance

Have a sandwich board

with the name of the

group to put out when the group meets and/or at special events

or BBQ in the park

Other promotional activities

Put brochures in suitable places: library, GP surgery – go where

men go

Letter box drop in the local area

Existing male members to seek out opportunities for giving

presentations at other group meetings and gatherings

Testimonials of current members who could present and

advertise the group to churches and other clubs

Increase word of mouth promotion - encourage existing

members to talk about the group, what happens, how good it is,

once people start they keep coming, etc.

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Tactics to get men to join and keep them coming

Depending on the type of group or club, there can be different ways

of retaining men in the group. It may have taken courage and effort

to get this far. Consequently, a warm welcome is essential.

Sometimes the first contact is made at another location, such as a

street stall, or by telephone. Listed below are some of the ideas

generated at the workshops.

Specifically invite individuals – make them feel personally invited

Offer to provide transport for the first time, or agree on a time

and place to meet so you can arrive together

Many men are used to women being organisers – telling them

when to be ready and what to take – you may need to do this

Assign “meeters and greeters” for each gathering to make sure

newcomers are welcomed

Have a first contact person who has a checklist to make sure all

important points and FAQs are covered

Ensure there is consistent welcome information for new

members and visitors

Make up a welcome pack with answers to questions they may

have after their first visit (so you don’t have to burden them

with lots of information straight away)

Have one point of contact who knows how to encourage, not

just to list off by rote the time and place, etc.

Contact person to find out some background info – to help with

selecting a buddy

Contact person to arrange a buddy to accompany the new

member initially and to ensure quick integration into the group

Seat newcomers near someone who can buddy and befriend

new members

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Newcomer induction process is known and used by everyone -

include the basics - toilet, kitchen, transport, and parking

Invite to have a look - not join in the first instance - take the

pressure off joining right away

Wear name tags - it is difficult to remember all the names

Have a 24 hour phone line with recorded message (dedicated

phone number) with promise to call back (and do call back!) This

is so that the phone number stays the same regardless of

personnel movements and doesn’t go out of date on publicity

and the website.

Shake hands warmly - women should do this too when greeting

men - both hello and goodbye

Ask members what they can do – use the skills within the group

CASE STUDY: Granville Men’s

Shed

This Shed is typical of what most

people would expect in a Mens

Shed – woodwork, metalwork,

machinery and tools. The

machinery takes up most of the

available space, so there is no

room for a “social corner”. To

overcome this, they have one

day a week dedicated to social

activities: outings, a barbeque

lunch or guest speakers. Men who are not confident with machinery

can be given other tasks. From time to time the Council gives them a

contract to make a batch of items. This year it is bird nesting boxes

which have several steps in the making – cutting, glueing, painting,

assembling, and most men can undertake at least one of the tasks.

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Group process

These points were provided by workshop participants as good ways

to make people feel welcome and included:

Seating arrangements are important - a circle is good for

including everyone

Don’t break into small groups - at least, not straight away. This

can inadvertently isolate newcomers

Keep the conversation uncontroversial at the beginning (be well

behaved)

Introduce new people to members - get them to briefly describe

themselves, or get some background info and do the

introduction yourself (less embarrassment)

Get new people to talk about themselves (to a buddy) initially –

don’t bamboozle them with lots of information about the club.

See where the potential connections are with others, what

interests he has and/or how you can ask for his help

A television set (switched on) with seating can be a good

“escape” for men who are feeling socially awkward at first, and

programs can be a conversation starter

Identify tasks that newcomers can do with another person to

make them feel helpful and included

Looking up a recipe on the

iPad at “Men in the Kitchen”

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Ongoing tactics

The need to belong can be a powerful motivator. Establish a sense

of belonging quickly to keep men returning. Here are a few tips from

workshop discussions:

Ask men what they’d like to do, see, and/or hear - survey those

who have left or are irregular attendees to find out the reasons

Listen to members and what they like or don’t like then action

that

Challenge new and existing members with a task or project - for

those that like a challenge or competition

Follow up once-only attendees

Make sure they go home happy

Invite speakers on issues of interest - that is, if they want them

Ask for help – make him feel useful

Check that transport is not going to be a problem in the future

Provide “free stuff” - lunch – tea and biscuits - food to take

home – a chocolate – a lucky door prize – free computer use

Computers can be used

as a base point for

other activities:

photography, cooking,

music downloads for

exercise, creating a

family tree, patterns for

making things

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Why men are reluctant, reticent or resistant

The workshop discussions produced a long list of potential reasons

men might not be motivated to join a group or club. While some

reasons are logical and understandable, many others could be

categorised as expressing reticence or resistance. Three themes

emerged: psycho-social, health and disability, and practical barriers.

It is quite likely that some men will have more than one factor for

their reluctance to join a group or club. Consequently, there is no

single solution to attracting and retaining men in a group.

Psycho-social reasons:

These aspects could be related to depression or fear of moving out

of a comfort zone, for example: “It sounds boring”; “I’m just not a

joiner”; “it’s not for me”; “I’m happy as I am”. Or they could be

genuine expressions of the individual’s situation.

The stereotypical man is expected to be confident and in control,

but taking the first step alone can be very daunting for some men.

Fear of making a fool of oneself, of not fitting in, or concern about

not being able to get out of an uncomfortable situation adds to the

potential reluctance.

Having English as a second language or having experienced

discriminatory behaviour in other groups can have an ongoing effect

on willingness to join a group. Men need to be confident that there

will be a reasonable number of men to talk to in mixed groups –

they tend to shy away from groups where women predominate.

Health and disability reasons:

Some of these aspects are difficult to overcome with any tactics.

While being in a group can be good for mental health, it is not easy

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to overcome the effects of depression and anxiety to get motivated

to join a group in the first place.

Compensating for and overcoming physical disability should be dealt

with regardless as it is a requirement under disability discrimination

legislation. However, an environment of background noise can be

very isolating and distressing for men with hearing loss. Coaching

group members in ways to identify and include someone with

hearing loss is important.

As people age they tend to start limiting their activities as some

things become more difficult to accomplish. They may also begin to

become concerned about having an “incident” in public, or being the

centre of attention if special arrangements or help are needed

Practical aspects

These are probably the most genuine of reasons for not joining,

particularly in terms of transport and cost. Being too busy with

family commitments, such as child minding, or caring for their wife

or parents are other practical aspects to consider.

Not having access to relevant

information is also a difficult issue to

address – if men don’t know about a

group, they can’t join! Finding the

places men go regularly, such as the

doctor’s waiting room, shopping

centres, and the local council and

library, are good places to place

promotional material.

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To download all videos and other resources related to this

handbook, as well as a digital copy of the handbook, you can:

Visit the “Publications” page of our website at:

http://www.cotansw.com.au/council-on-the-ageing-nsw-get-

informed-publications

Then click on the “Community Resources” tab to access all resources related to this handbook

CONTACT US COTA NSW is located in the Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts Building Level 6, 280 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000 Web www.cotansw.com.au Email info@cotansw.com.au Phone (02) 9286 3860 Fax (02) 9286 3872 Toll-free for callers in regional NSW 1800 449 102