Online GBTQ+ Coffee & A Story: Physical Distancing Edition!

**UPDATE: We've decided to increase the cap on participation to allow more guys to join and to test what we might do online in the future.

The Zoom link is provided below. That's all you're need to join the call!

**PLEASE SEE THE VIRTUAL FORMAT section below for important info and to ensure that you are ready with Zoom capability for this ManKind Pride Chicago online gathering.

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TOPIC: LESSON LEARNED

Tell us a personal story about an important lesson you learned about yourself--in the world, in relationship to others, regarding your greatness, your limitations, what you really want. What shifted? How? Why?

VIRTUAL FORMAT

• This is a virtual Coffee & A Story hosted on Zoom. If you are scheduled to join this circle, you will receive a Meet-Up message from one of the organizers 1-2 hours ahead of time with “one-click” login information. If you have not used Zoom before, you should download and install the app ahead of your first meeting by following the simple instructions found here: https://zoom.us/download

• Please take responsibility for preparing and managing your own technology. We will do a quick review of the Zoom screen and tools before we begin so that each man—especially those new to Zoom—feels comfortable and confident in participating.

• Out of respect for the other men and the group, please be on time. Participate from a quiet, private location that allows all men to hear and share freely. Please ensure that you your sound is sufficiently turned up. All men will be participating with their video on—we want to see you!

WHO WE ARE, ETC.

We are a welcoming, easy-going group of GBTQ+ men who get together once a month to share personal stories around a specific topic—and drink coffee. Telling and listening to stories is one of the oldest activities known to us humans.

We have fun and are frequently touched by what others share, and by what we share ourselves. We sometimes go out to eat afterward.

How We Share Stories Virtually:

-- We will start at 2:15pm, each participant located in a quiet, private remote space and logged into the Zoom meeting. With other technology put away or silenced, we will briefly check-in as a group and then spend 60-90 minutes telling stories from our personal experience.

-- Each story is limited to 3-4 minutes and is shared by a man uninterrupted by questions or cross-talk (aside from gasps, laughter, acknowledgment, or other forms of expressiveness).

-- When a story is over, we all have the opportunity to inquire into the storyteller’s own experience and to share how the story impacted us personally.

Our Orientation:

-- When we gather, we honor and respect each man present, his story and everything else he brings with him—his background, history, beliefs, orientation, strengths, limitations, etc.

-- We are mindful of how our words can impact others, even if unintended.

-- Each man decides how he wants to participate, or not.

-- This is not the space to debate ideas, argue points of view, or try to advise or fix someone else.

Holding the Space:

-- Every man who participates helps hold the space for the group and for each other man. In addition to enjoying our time together, we value safety, respect, and confidentiality.