Quick Facts
Population of interest
The CSS Men’s Group is a program for newcomer men who wish to better understand what being a man in Canadian culture looks like, and are experiencing challenges with, or seeking a deeper understanding of the settlement process, from a male newcomer perspective.
Location
Catholic Social Services, Edmonton - Alberta
The need
When a family moves to a new country, the transition can be challenging for men. Cultural perspectives around masculinity and the role of men in Canadian society can oftentimes appear very different than the cultures from which many newcomer men have been raised in. Not understanding these cultural differences can place newcomer men in compromised positions and impede the settlement process.
About the intervention
The CSS Men’s Group meets twice per month and consists of 2-hour in-person sessions with a set curriculum of courses offered throughout fall and winter terms. During the warmer summer months, the group participates in an assortment of outings and experiences. While the focus is on Education, the CSS Men’s Group is also an opportunity for newcomer men to experience opportunities, such as camping, which they might not otherwise experience, creating a better sense of mental well-being. The group also has a social component, intended to address some of the isolation many newcomer men may be experiencing, reducing the sense of isolation.
The fall and winter sessions consist of the following topics:
- Back to School: explores the nature of Canadian education, assists with choosing and registering their children in schools and highlights the role parents play in their children’s education.
- Intercultural Awareness for new Canadians: examines the differences between cultures, under the perspective of “all cultures are different, but no culture is better than another”. This session explores expectations and social norms in Canada, and is based in intercultural research.
- Mental Health for Men: explores the stigma around men’s mental health, examines some of the psychological difficulties some men may be experiencing and where to go for help.
- Anger, Anxiety & Mindfulness: creates an understanding of the science and psychology behind anger and anxiety, the effects of long-term experience of these conditions and looks at how mindfulness can be a useful tool to control anger and anxiety.
- Rights, Racism and Obligations: creates an understanding of Canadian history, the Charter of Rights and Freedom and what to do if experiencing racism or a hate crime.
- Finding A Job in Canada: finding a job can be difficult, especially when cultural norms differ from one’s home country. This session examines how to find work in Canada, how to create a Canadian resume and prepare for an interview in Canada.
Men can sign-up and attend in person, with sessions offered on Tuesdays from 4-6 PM. Sessions are held at the Catholic Social Services office (8212 118 Avenue, Edmonton).
A diverse team of facilitators with intercultural expertise, lived experience, and professional training leads the sessions, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where men feel supported. Men discuss common challenges such as identity struggles, understanding masculinity in Canada, mental health struggles and understanding the expectations and rules around being a man in Canada.
Facilitators guide parents in building respectful relationships, improving communication, and setting healthy boundaries. Men learn about Canadian cultural norms around gender, and aspects of the settlement process.
Another key element is connection. Men meet others facing similar experiences and build a supportive community where they can share ideas and feel less alone. Many participants leave the sessions more confident, understood, and supported. By the end of the sessions, men feel better equipped to navigate masculinity and Canadian cultural differences and expectations.
What's promising?
The CSS Men's Group program provides newcomer men a welcoming and safe environment to connect and explore the concepts of masculinity, while exploring how to build a bridge from how they perceived male roles in their previous culture with Canadian cultural and gender norms.
Key takeaway:
Culture’s are all different, and knowing the cultural norms in Canada can assist newcomer men with the settlement process. Traditions are formed over time within cultures, and what might have worked or been acceptable in one culture, may not in another. As a man in Canada, there are rights, responsibilities and obligations which newcomer men must have an awareness of.
Feedback
Feedback is almost always positive, as clients appear to appreciate the courses offered, which allow them to better understand and adjust to Canadian culture. Oftentimes, there are aspects and nuances around Canadian culture which many newcomer men may not be apprised of, and the men are incredibly receptive to this and always wanting to learn more. It provides a safe space for men to connect, be vulnerable, and expand their understanding on pertinent themes relating to men.
Participants have stated:
- “I hope to continue to have such lessons and lectures. Thank you.”
- “Mr. Meers is very well experienced in mental health issues. Hope he will continue discussing this very essential topic. Kudos to CSS Men!”
- “I really enjoyed cuz the teacher was very nice and kind.”
- “Ed was very inspiring and he was very /instructor. Kudos Ed! Thank you.”
About the organization: CSS serves all people, regardless of faith, sexual orientation or cultural background, with humility compassion and respect. All courses offered through the Intercultural Education department are based in rigorous research, intercultural theory and hands on experience addressing the issues faced by Canadian newcomers.