These regional trainings introduce Aspirational Masculinity and the Aspire New York framework. Aspirational Masculinity is the philosophical approach to engaging boys and men in a positive and deliberate examination of male identity and the relationships and behaviors of and between boys and men. The approach, developed by Don McPherson, is rooted in the work to end men’s violence against women and focused on the outcomes we want and hope for boys and men. Aspirational Masculinity represents a shift in how to engage boys and men in a positive and proactive approach to living in AWE (authentic, whole and evolving) and, is designed to enlist male leaders throughout the Aspire “social ecosystem.” The Aspire social ecosystem is comprised of schools (K-12 and higher education), workplace, families, and communities. Aspire New York is a framework designed to establish common language throughout the social ecosystem and employing an “excellence and advancement” approach that links the four quadrants of the social ecosystem.

Attendance at the statewide conference that was held in Syracuse on June 8 – 9 *is not* a required prerequisite to attend a regional training. Those who attended the conference are encouraged to reach out to school, community, and business partners – especially those organizations and individuals who have been difficult engaging in the masculinity conversation and/or who work directly with boys and men (youth sports, etc.) – to invite them to attend a regional training. Each regional training will be covering the same content. There is no registration fee to attend.