I am no expert on making things happen but just like everyone else here, I have gained common sense.

The biggest fear I have of the men's movement is that I will get caught up in something that I can't get out of because I have a kind heart. And to be honest, I see kind hearts everywhere I look in the men's movement.

If I start something, I know just like everyone else here, that I will have to follow through and finish what I started. And I can see that men already have been in here for decades and I know that some have backed away knowing that they have given more than their fair share and allow the next generation to step up with their own ideas.

If I am to be a part of the new ways to stop men being seen as the perpetrator and to stop women and minority groups to suffer through being considered victims (seriously, victim status is the worst thing you can do to any group of people because you make then powerless) I want to get in, fix something tangible and get out.

And I have a strong feeling I am not the only men/women who think this way. After all, who wants to be like feminists? Who wants to have a black heart?

In my studies with management, teams are the way forward now. With information technology available to everyone, there is no need for a select few to make decisions. The greatest thing available to any entity is the flow of information. So much has changed with the use of computers.

Luke is the prime example of teamwork.

He and his team found an important piece of legislation to focus on. They had a start date and a finish date. Because the legislation will be passed or not on a certain date. After that date the team will end also. They only came together for that one job. Yet, of course they may choose another but each team member will decide if they want to be a part. And new team members may come on board for the new project.

Just say, for example, that John wants to put forward a project of DV awareness.

John will do these things.

He will ask members of other teams if they can contribute. Once he has his team (10 people plus or less) he makes a date for them to interact with ideas so as to make a plan. Then he oversees the plan in action helping where ever he can the members of the team.

Just say he asks me, Julie, to participate.

I would put forward the month of July as a possible awareness month. And I would suggest we have something planned to email all community groups in our countries.

Now just say Tera is also in that group. She may offer to find e-mail address of all the groups.

But then FFFF (oh, yeah he is also in the team) may suggest we also contact all media outlets. So he finds the addresses for media outlets.

Can you see where this is going.

So we start in July 1st, send out heaps of e-mails, finish July 31st.

Project completed and feedback analysed.

John is not dragged into a lifetime commitment. Neither is Julie, Tera or FFFF.

Thanks for that Jools.

Project teams, of volunteers, may well be the way to go.

We also need that 'term' commitment. Teams need to be reliable so that plans don't just fade away for lack of leadership and followers.

Is John putting together something for domestic violence awareness? If so, this is right up my alley and I'd be happy to participate. I am already in contact with men who have been victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and I want very much to educate the public in regard to this issue. Research shows that women are more likely to be the aggressors in intimate partner relationships, and resources for help and support for men are next to zero. This must change. We need to raise awareness and create groups for men, run by men, or this issue. If there's any way I can assist, please let me know!

Tera, I hope John puts something forward as well.

I like working in teams because you are motivated by the fact you are answerable to others. And others and you can support each other.

Being a lone ranger is tough because you have to self motivate. It can also be lonely.

On the issue of DV, I don't think we can do much about the shelters unless any of us are prepared to take that on in our local area. Major commitment.

But we can change laws and policies. Awareness is a big part of changing laws and policies.

John has everything on DV.