Hey there,
I'm Derek Smith

What does being a man mean?
I started MenInCommunity because I’ve witnessed and felt, personally and professionally, the power and growth that can occur when men come together with intention. So many of us are told and shown that being a man primarily means being closed off. We have kept certain things bottled up to navigate our lives and not be too much or seen as different. We are shown that being a man means being productive and achieving goals. Checking off the next thing on the list and striving to do more. What has all that left you feeling like? The paradox is that when we give ourselves time to slow down and allow compassion into our awareness, we bring more passion and clarity into our lives, making us more productive and connected as a result. I wasn’t told how to be a man, or what being a man even meant. Through being a mentor, being mentored, witnessing and feeling what men haven’t been taught, I’ve realized we need safe spaces to redefine what it means to be men. We don't stick with societal gender norms here. This is not a boys club. We are engaging in healing practices. For ourselves, for our families, for our communities.

Experience
For over 4 years, I’ve worked at various non-profits and a state agency mentoring and coaching at-risk youth, specifically young men. I’m currently getting my Masters in Social Work so I can provide therapy to men, with a specialization in young adult men. I have received my YACEP Yoga Alliance 25 hour breath coach training certification. I believe in the power of simple somatic practices and group spaces to help men regulate their emotions while connecting with their true selves and other men.