Keith Mothersson
(aka Keith Forrester-Paton in
some official contexts)
2b
01738 783677
07815 653389
Keith[dot]mothersson[at]phonecoop[dot]coop
An experienced
communicator looking to create workshops, events and written materials
to
encourage boys and men to become more aware of how we damage ourselves
and
others whenever we chase after the mirage
of ‘real manhood’.
·
A
richly varied history of intellectual and social involvements gives me
the
confidence and flexibility to draw out the best from many kinds of
group;
·
Infectious
enthusiasm coupled with down-to-earth practicality;
·
Commitment
to anti-sexist ways and goals;
·
Many
years of therapy and reflection upon my own sexism helps me to
empathise with
both sides in the ‘sex war’ in less judgmental and naïve ways.
In
1974 I co-founded the
Other Achievements (central
focus on Peace and Sustainability)
From
the mid 1980’s I sought to develop a
philosophy and practice in defence of civilian immunity from attack by
armies
and other male gangs. (Co-founded Institute for Law and Peace and World
Court
Project) After we had successfully secured an advisory ruling on
Nuclear
Weapons from the International Court of Justice at the Hague in 1996 I
concentrated for some years on Sustainability Issues. In 2000 I
initiated three
projects which have subsequently taken root (concerned with Waste
Reduction,
Fruit Promotion, and Education for Natural Death and Green Burial).
Present Orientation
At a time when the global mainstream of male-dominated politics and Business-as-usual is threatening Mother Earth as never before, I feel a need to refocus on more ‘nitty-gritty’ issues of gender and social inclusion.
Although I hope to reach out to ‘missing men’ I do not see my work as in any way competitive with that of feminists, nor would I exclude any women who might wish to attend men’s groups or events, except by negotiation with local women’s forums.
·
I
am looking for opportunities to work with boys, ‘youth’ and older males
of all
ages.
·
I
would be keen to work with groups of boys, ‘youth’ and ‘men’ across a
wide
range of contexts. Among issues which might be explored are those to do
with
identity, bullying, work, unemployment, money, sex, health, fathering,
‘relationships’, media images, crime, alchohol and drugs, sport, etc.
·
I
am particularly interested in how males become ‘real boys’ and ‘real
men’
especially through repudiation of perceived ‘femininity’ and through
‘manly’
performances in various kinds of gangs and fraternities – and how we
can
intervene to encourage young males to stay true sons all their lives,
without
wasting years down the ‘real boy’ or real Man’ cul-de-sacs! .
·
I
have a special interest in working with coaches and teams to develop a
values
based approach to football.
·
In
addition I am available to share my experience and ideas to support
those who
are formulating and/or attempting to implement anti-sexist strategies
for
reaching out to ‘the missing men’.
Some more about me:
Experience and Activities
Since leaving
school in
·
taught
in a secondary school in
·
gained
a first class Honours degree in Sociology and Psychology from
·
lived
in both urban and rural settings in
·
been
involved with a wide range of social movements and voluntary groups;
·
worked
in the building industry and latterly as a self-employed gardener as
well as
several periods of home-making, childcare, etc.