From mental health issues to the trauma of incarceration, we often overlook the challenges and joys of the men in our lives. That’s why ACER was excited to partner with Global Fatherhood Foundation on an event honoring International Men’s Day this month.

Twice every year, ACER organizes a Family Fun Day, and we believe that collaboration is essential to a successful community event. When ACER program manager Aru Sasikumar found out that Sam Mwangi, Executive Director of the Global Fatherhood Foundation, was starting to plan for International Men’s Day, she knew there was a chance to combine efforts and advance health equity in our communities.

“With men’s issues, there’s immediate stigma,” Aru says. “There’s a tendency to just look at it through the lens of patriarchy, but when we work on men’s mental health, for instance, we can reverse that patriarchy and make our communities more equitable.”

“Men in so many of our communities are going through similar things: loneliness, social injustice, divorce and family challenges,” Sam says. “When Aru came on board, we started to think about the International Men’s Day event differently, considering how we could make it more inclusive and family-oriented.”

That reframe and focus on collaboration dramatically increased participation, drawing over 100 people to engage in conversations and connect with resources. The event was so culturally diverse that Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman praised the organizers, emphasizing that “This is what Brooklyn Park looks like!”

This event would not have been possible without: Siengkane Lao MN, Minnesota AGAPE Movement, Lao Center, USLAA, SEWA, COPAL, TaskForce Inc., Brooklyn Park City, Brooklyn Center City, Brooklyn Center Community Schools, EC and FE Osseo Area Schools, and Africa Let’s Talk.

Check out photos from this great event on Facebook and learn more about the Global Fatherhood Foundation!