How to Start a Men's Group

Evan Nash
Apr 10
2 min read

Starting a men's group is some of the most meaningful work a man can undertake. The following guide was developed by Jarod Brown, VP of The Men's Council, based on decades of hands-on experience forming successful groups in the Charlotte area and beyond.

Where It Begins

It is always easier to place a man in an existing group. But when all groups are closed, the work of forming a new one begins. This process takes time — typically about a year of collecting names, staying in communication, and inviting prospective members to open visitors' meetings.

The Hosting Model

Forming a new group requires an existing group willing to host twelve to fourteen new men across four of their meetings. What initially seems like an intrusion into a sacred space quickly becomes something energizing — for both groups. Many men realize how deeply their own group has shaped them, and helping birth a new one gives everyone a boost.

Why Start with 12 to 14 Men

Some men will withdraw. Life gets in the way. Some discover men's work isn't the right fit for them yet. Starting with 12 to 14 ensures that even with attrition, a strong core remains and the group survives.

Choosing the Right Men

These peer-led groups are for men who are basically emotionally healthy. Some men carry wounds that require individual work before they can benefit from group work. Through visitors' meetings and direct conversation, motives and readiness tend to become clear quickly in sacred space.

Launching the Group

Once the group is ready to launch:

Attend four meetings with one or two established host groups
Find a meeting space and establish a consistent meeting time
Choose two men willing to take on early coordination — setting up the contact list, reaching out before meetings, and following up when a man goes quiet
Have members from the host group attend your first four meetings to help establish norms and rituals

A Sample Meeting Agenda

Agendas vary, but here is the one Jarod's group has used for many years:

6:30 – Drumming: Creates an arrival window and clears the space. Non-verbal, grounding.
7:00 – Opening Circle: Light a candle, state an intention, voices together (om). Transition from ordinary to sacred space.
Business: Agreements, upcoming events, any group logistics.
A Reading or Poem: Deepens the transition into the work.
Meditation: 4–5 minutes, silent or guided.
Headlines: Each man declares his presence and offers a brief headline. The group discovers who may need more attention.
Check-ins: Uninterrupted time for each man to share from the heart. A timer helps ensure all men are heard.
Feedback (optional): Not advice or fixing — sharing your own inner experience and reaction to what was shared. Powerful when done well.
9:00 – Closing Circle: A committed closing time matters. Circle up, bring in names, close together.