Unmute Yourself

The workshop for men who are ready to re-energize themselves, their relationships, and their communities

The next workshop starts January 24, 2022 and runs from 7:30pm-9:40pm ET for 4 weeks.

Sessions will take place in a secure videoconference led by trained facilitators who will lead participants through a series of individual reflections, collaborative activities, and group discussions. Each week will focus on a specific theme:

● Jan 24 – Week 1: Connection – Explore what greater connection with yourself and others might look like for you. Learn to navigate your emotions.

● Jan 31 – Week 2: Agreements – Take inventory of your significant life agreements and their impacts. Learn a simple and effective technique to increase accountability in your life and relationships.

● Feb 7 – Week 3: Beliefs about Ourselves – Surface both self-limiting and self-affirming beliefs and how they influence your identities and relationships. Practice transforming your beliefs to reinforce new choices.

● Feb 14 – Week 4: Vision – Access inner resources connected to your unique gratitude and vision. Design your next steps to apply these skills and concepts in your life.

Who is this for?

Men who are ready to live with greater self-awareness, intention, and purpose in their lives. In today’s world that is more distant, disconnected and “remote” than ever before, it can be an isolating experience to be a man. We’ve been conditioned to keep our feelings “on mute” as a way of surviving and being in service to others. While creating that space for other voices is more important than ever, our responsibility as men begins with hearing each other and being heard. This series is for you if you are ready to unmute yourself and open up, speak up, and show up in ways you may not have before.

Facilitator Bios

Harold Siefken

Born and educated in Germany, Harald has lived most of his professional life as an Electronics Design Engineer in Ontario. He enjoys adventures, whether journeys take him into the depth of his own psyche, into discovering Canada on a motorcycle, or hiking and camping the many beautiful parks this country has to offer. As a certified Health and Life Coach he shows people in high stress jobs that “there is more to life than just work”, thus finding deeper meaning and connection in life. Harald joined the Mankind Project in 2012 where he is recognized as a Leader in Training. These days he enjoys life goofing around with his grandkids in Muskoka, where he lives with his wife Amanda and his dog Cassie.

Walter Sienko

Walter has been an adventurer, an author, world-cyclist, artist, photographer, spiritual seeker, teacher, and counselor. He has been a “Quester” his entire life. Walter holds a Bachelor of Psychology Degree, completed three years of training with the Transpersonal Therapy Center, and holds post-degree diplomas in counseling, working with men’s groups and non-violence. Walter has been a professional counselor and has supervised social workers in the areas of abuse and masculinity for over a decade and was awarded the Rich Tosi award by the ManKind Project for his service to the community. Walter has studied, taught and developed community through training with various schools, mentors and teachers from around the world for over 20 years. Walter has developed a keen sense of awareness of human consciousness and uses transpersonal methods to help guide others on their life journeys. Walter is actively involved in self-development groups, and also offers and facilitates individual and group healing through sessions and trainings. He is a deeply wise teacher who embraces the adventure of life with humor, wisdom, courage, and greatness.

Juan Laracuente

I am currently in my second year pursuing my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. After undergoing my own life experiences and traumas I wanted to find a way to heal. I utilize what I have learned from my trauma responses and post trauma growth to help others. My passion to help others overcome adversity is strong and apparent. I am a volunteer for victims of abuse. I also work as a disabilities support worker, working with developmentally challenged individuals. I strive to be the change in the world by doing what I can to help create that change.

Dave Uez

Dave holds an MBA from York University and a Certified Human Resources Leader designation from the HR Professionals Association. He has designed and delivered training and development programs in several countries in North America, Europe and Asia, has in-depth experience in recruitment & selection, performance management, and talent management, and has taught in business programs at several colleges and universities. Dave recently moved to the not-for-profit sector after a global career in technology, insurance and manufacturing. His current volunteer work includes mediation with Community Justice Initiatives in Waterloo Region, supporting men’s circle work and training in the ManKind Project and singing Bass in the Waterloo Region Police Chorus.

Peter Russell

Peter graduated from Glendon College in Toronto with an Honours BA in English literature in 1975. After
graduation, he obtained his real estate license and began selling residential real estate in Central
Toronto. In 1981 he obtained his broker’s license and ran his own brokerage firm with a partner until
1994. Peter still works as a broker in the city.
In October 1997 he was invited to take the New Warrior Training Adventure weekend by one of his
clients. The experience was profound and life changing:
“My big take-away from the weekend was the concept of Accountability. For the first time in my life, I
understood that my behaviour(s) have an impact on the world around me whether those impacts were
intended or unintended.”
I am still actively involved with MKP. I have staffed over 40 NWTA weekends and sit regularly in an I-
Group. Sitting in circles of support with other men never gets old. What I learn inspires me to pay-it-
forward and hold space for others wanting to journey well.

Cost of the 4 weeks workshop is $50.

We are committed to ensuring that this offering is accessible. Financial support is available if needed. Please contact etienne.jr.dupuy@gmail.com

Testimonials

The Unmute Workshop was excellent. It is the start of my journey to become more emotionally aware and connect with my men’s circle in my hometown. I am so grateful to this program and wish I was in one sooner. The facilitators are exceptional and really make you feel comfortable which makes it much easier to be vulnerable and take one’s mask off. 🙂 – Sanjay G.

You only get what you put into it. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and dig deep. Surprise yourself and you will not be disappointed.

Great way to initiate openness and express feelings. – Frank B.

This was a great workshop that helped me gain a more profound understanding of myself as a man. By providing some relatively simple exercises and creating a supportive environment in which to practice them, I was able to gain some awesome insight into myself and my relationships. Huge help, and a great experience. – Graeme S

It was a great experience considering I have never done anything like this, ever!

The Unmute workshop helped me relate to other men who share my experiences of neglect, abandonment and isolation. It is also an opportunity to make new friends &/or to deepen the values and understanding of masculinity. – Omar S.

This workshop was amazing and gave me the self-confidence to dive wholeheartedly into some of the things that I am struggling with as a young man. The camaraderie and support shared by everyone in the group is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. This workshop was incredible and has changed my outlook on life. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone looking for guidance and clarity on how they’re showing up in the world and for strengthening relationships and friendships with those they hold close to their hearts.