WWU's Men's Resiliency Program holds cookout to launch new initiative

WWU's Men’s Resiliency Program launched a new Male Success Initiative (MSI) with a Sunday Cookout on Oct. 6 at Forest and Cedar Park.  The event hosted 30+ people from Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, and Northwest Indian College for a barbecue style cookout and introductory activities.

The Male Success Initiative is an evidence-based immersion project to create connection on campus for male-identifying students from historically marginalized Black and Brown communities.  The purpose is to support and advance the outcomes of students by providing programming that empower students with the skills and knowledge necessary to foster cultural identity development and academic excellence.  The MSI will also provide opportunities for the exploration of masculinity, the building of cross-cultural connection, and community service learning to strengthen the sense of brotherhood among all WWU students who self-identify as males from historically marginalized Black and Brown communities.

The group will meet weekly on Mondays at 4 p.m. in the Ethnic Student Center, Room 740.  Meetings are co-facilitated by Brandon Joseph, Men’s Resiliency Program coordinator, and Adam Haizlip of Student Outreach Services.  Sunday Cookout events will be held monthly at various parks in the community.

Questions about the Male Success Initiative can be directed to brandon.joseph@wwu.edu.