All of these factors are bringing needed attention to the exploitation of the less powerful by inside dominator social structures. It is critical from a cultural perspective, to recognize dominator principles and a hierarchal power structure as the real problem. All those who are weaker and more vulnerable are and have been at the mercy of this dominator structure for almost 5,000 years.

Rather than blaming each other and becoming even more polarized, we feel it is important for men and women to identify their common wounds. Only then is it possible find the common ground necessary for healing this ancient gender rift that haunts us as a species.

Some Facts About American Men & Women
Whether you are a man or woman, here are a few fast facts to consider:

– The ratio of homeless men to women is about 3:1.
– The suicide ratio of men to women is about 4:1.
– The incarceration ratio of men to women is about 9:1.
– The homicide victim ratio of men to women is about 9:1
– The occupational fatality ratio of men to women is about 9:1.
– The drug addiction ratio of men to women is about 5:2
– Combat death ratio (since the first Gulf War) of men to women is about 33:1.
– Women live on average seven years longer than men.
– The college graduation ratio of women to men is about 4:3.
– Women are a minority in the U. S. Senate and the House.
– Women are more likely to experience domestic violence (4 to 1).
– Women are more likely to be living in poverty (6 in 10 are women).
– Women are more likely to be sexually assaulted. 1 in 5 women report being raped.
– Pay inequality is real. Women make 78 cents to every dollar a man makes.
– Women are more likely to be stalked.1 in 7 women reported being stalked. 1 in 18 men report this.

From this place of inner work, it becomes possible to move beyond old relationship patterns, myths, beliefs and projections, and towards equality and the sharing of power. Through processes of deep listening, taking personal responsibility, offering forgiveness, and accepting opportunities to choose love, participants will work to restore the web of interconnectedness between men and women in ways that move beyond patriarchy. Here we also can seek ways to reconcile other polarized issues that have traditionally separated groups of people: young and old, natives and non-natives, and East and West.

A unique aspect of these two weekends is the participation of 14 Ukrainian professionals who have long experience in using group process to resolve gender differences. Our partner organization, The Smokebrush Foundation, is providing funding to help bring this group of Ukrainian men and women to Colorado for two weeks to participate in this first-ever international collaboration. These two weekends are part of a larger 12-day community celebration, Manitou Chooses Love. Contact Judy Piazza at smokebrushlivingarts@gmail.com for more information on these events.

Ukraine occupies a unique geographic position: it sits on the “corpus callosum” of the world’s brain. During the last 25 years, it has been synthesizing the best of the East and the West. Psychologically, Ukrainians are showing the world how to unify differences and create a more caring and coherent world. While Ukrainians are also struggling with gender issues, they have cultural skills that help them reconcile their differences and restore the web of social connectedness.  Americans tend to “split” against those with whom they have conflict and view them as bad or wrong.  Ukrainians do something very different. If they “split” at all, it is against themselves, and then they work to heal the split internally.

What Each Participant Will Learn To:
– Better understand their internal struggles men & women face between their inner masculine and inner feminine aspects.
– Find their voice to express their truth and be heard in a safe and sacred container.
– Identify the core gender issues that contribute to the rifts between adult men and women.
– Heal any underlying childhood traumas that contribute to the conflicts in adult relationships.
– Experience heart-centered approaches to resolving gender-based conflicts.
– Negotiate to get their needs met in healthy and productive ways.
– Identify and reclaim projections that cause splits against self or other.
– Discover and change personal beliefs that support a dominator worldview.
– Have multiple opportunities to Choose Love while reconciling gender issues.
– Work to reconcile other polarizing issues that separate native & and non-native people, youth & elders, and East & West.
– Have opportunities for follow-up groups where participants can continue the gender-based dialogues begun during the workshop.

The Format:
The format will be experiential, with circles of men with men, women with women, and men and women together to explore the long-term impact of their core wounding. They will share ways their wounding has created recurring cycles of trauma and conflict in their adult lives and relationships. Together they will explore effective ways to heal these gender-related issues. These workshops are designed to help both men and women find their voices, be heard, and be honored.

For more Information on Housing, Transportation, etc. or any questions:
Call us at (719) 445-0565 or email us at cicrcl@bellsouth.net. Upon request, we will provide a list of motels, AB&B and B&B near the venue. We urge you to go to Hotels.com or other online booking sites to get the best available price for these housing locations. We look forward to seeing you in May in Manitou Springs, CO (Just west of Colorado Springs)

Travel Information:
The COS airport is served by direct flights from various U. S. locations on Delta, United, American, Alaska Air, Allegiant, and Frontier Airlines. Manitou Springs is about 30 minutes from the airport and ground transportation is available.