By Casey Bakken
On Tuesdays in Mini there is a different routine. Instead of newspaper class and block we have a large group meeting followed by groups. At the meeting Doug, Randy, Joanne, Pauline, and Ramona tell us about trips, fundraisers, Vo-Tech and chew us out for being absent, being late, having pop in the rooms and other stuff. The groups are Women’s Issues, Social Issues, and Men’s Issues. I’m going to tell you about Men’s Issues.
Men’s Issues consists of 18 guys. The group is led by Joanne Johnston. First we all check in and tell how our week has been and then if anyone needs more time he gets to talk about whatever is on his mind. Everything that anyone says in Men’s Issues is confidential so I can’t say much about it, but generally people talk about problems they’re having with other people (especially girls and bosses), family problems, school problems, and chemical concerns. Everyone gets a chance to begin to work through these things. Some of us have different ways of looking at the same thing, but it’s true that we have a lot of the same problems. Joanne makes sure we listen to each other and keeps the talk focused.
A good trust level is built in Men’s Issues but it takes a long time for guys. Because of that the group usually is formed at the beginning of the year and doesn’t let any new guys in. That’s all I have to say about Men’s Issues except that if you’re here in the beginning of next year and you’re a guy you should consider joining. It’s your only chance to spend two whole hours with Joanne and that would make a great day anytime.