The Men's Development Network 2.93

The MDN is a developmental and consultative organisation that works on four levels; locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Nationally the Men’s Development Network has volunteer representatives across Ireland. The distinct functions of the Men’s Development Network feed into and inform each level so that the benefits of the work is spread throughout.
In the early nineteen nineties men working in the social care field; probation, youth work, addictions, academia & health, came together to discuss what was rapidly becoming a crisis. They realised that there were no initiatives to work with men on their own development in their localities. This was having a negative impact on families in particular, but also across many broad professional fields of social care. It was decided to organise and lobby to highlight the issues.

Along with its overall aim to work with men towards achievIng beneficial change the Men’s Development Network does specific work on issues that have been identified as needing particular attention including:

The Men’s Development Project funded by Department of Community Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs facilitating men’s community leadership in communities affected by marginalization.

Maintaining men’s development through our National Network funded by the Dormant Accounts Fund through Pobal.

Promoting men’s health nationally in partnership with the Department of Health & Children and the Health Service Executive.

Co-ordinating the Domestic Violence Intervention Programmes funded by COSC through the Department of Justice, and Law Reform.

Providing counselling and support on an individual basis funded by the Family Support Agency.

Gender Equality Mainstreaminq funded by the Department of Education & Science, and the Equality Authority

Working with particular groups of men including Traveller Men, Male Refugees & Asylum Seekers, Male Victims of Violence, Unmarried & Separated Fathers funded by the H.S.E., Area Partnerships and other Agencies.

Researching men & men’s issues funded by the Katherine Howard Foundation, Health Service Executive, Cosc and Pobal and Area Partnerships.

Providing training and education on men’s development work and men’s health, nationally.
In addition, the Men’s Development Network provides key services by:

Organizing and training our representatives across Ireland that carry the networking function in their counties.

Maintaining and supporting a nationwide membership comprising both individuals and groups.

Promoting academic discourse on men.

Providing educational programmes for teachers, students, boys and young men in education at 1st, 2nd and 3rd level and links to other parallel programmes.

Making alliances with other organisations that are working towards the improvement of people’s lives.

Representing men’s development work in Ireland at E.U. level.
Informing research on men and men’s lives in Ireland and in the EU.

Establishing and maintaining relationships at international level with the main movers on men’s issues.

Preparing publications on men, and ways of working with men, funded by Atlantic Philanthropies.