Student Wellbeing

Accept Your Invitations (It is not about the golf!)

Following on from my last newsletter piece, I encouraged our SFX Dads to explore what it looks like to be a male in 2019. Do you think it has changed since our dads were the same age? How can we best communicate this to our boys as they slowly change and develop into young men?

Back in 2012 I was invited to a camp, run by Williamstown Rotary for men (like me) involved with an organisation called ‘Challenge’. This camp took place in Mathoura and when our group arrived the ‘leader’ said, “There are two ‘rules’ this weekend. The first is we are going to go around the table and you will share with the group what has led you to being here? The second is that everyone plays golf in the morning.” 

The next day after breakfast the ‘leader’ approached me and I told him that I didn’t play golf. Well, he didn’t take ‘no’ for an answer and reluctantly I found myself in the last group to tee off on a round of nine holes. For the first time in two years I found myself having fun; mixing with other men, many who were going through a similar experience to me. The golf was a great way for all of us to laugh, chat and connect. 

What did I learn from this gentleman and his two rules? He knew the importance of men needing to socially connect with other men. I guess some men shrug off their social invitations more readily than others. Perhaps with an ‘I couldn’t be bothered’ or ‘I am tired’ approach.

So my next encouragement to you gentlemen is to accept your social invitations. Better still as you grow in confidence, put out social invitations to other men. It might be a bite to eat, or a hit of golf or tennis. It could even be the Parish Men’s Night!

There you go! You are invited! Friday November 22nd, 7 pm in the Parish Hall, cost $40 and our guest speaker is Greg Champion. My invitation to you and yours to accept.

Thanks for listening and hope to see you there,

Guy Toomey