My MANifesto

On December 6^th, 1989 I was 4 years old. The same day 25 year old Marc Lepine brought his Mini-14 rifle into a Montreal University classroom and shot 28 women; 14 women died. This event will forever be known as “The École Polytechnique Massacre”. Many Canadians still remember this day and mourn for those who were lost in a senseless scene of brutality. A piece of information that was unknown to many is that this engineering classroom was not only populated by women. Aiming his rifle to the classroom, he told all the male students to separate themselves from the women. After firing a shot in the air to prove that it wasn’t a kind of prank, every single one of the 50 men complied and moved aside.

Back when I attended the CSE the guys read a book by Dr. Larry Crabb entitled “The Silence of Adam”. In it he recounts the scene that took place in the garden, where Eve is tempted by the snake.  However, through analyzing the narrative in its original text, it’s reveal that Adam, the one who was to protect Eve, was sitting on the side lines as the whole thing was taking place. Even the first man failed to act.

My name is Bill Dykstra and I help run the CSE’s young adult program called “Emmaus”. This year I’ll be participating in a global campaign to raise awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer and other men’s health issues. The campaign is called MOVEMBER. During the month of November men grow mustaches to raise awareness for men’s health.

This year I have decided to organize an initiative to host a Movember Men’s Brunch. On November 24^th at 11am, we will gather to have brunch and be informed on men’s health issues (venue tba). In addition to this a video will be presented entitled “The Man Talk” by Catholic apologist Matt Fradd.

Young boys are often given no role models to look up to. Men, do you want to have occasion that you can spend time exclusively with other men and gain a deeper understanding of how and why you were made this way?

Society and the media have portrayed fathers as unintelligent, miserly, lustful, oafs. Women, do you want to see men break the “Homer Simpson mold”? Do you wish to see men become empowered to live virtuously?

In planning this event I will need your help. On October 17^th after Emmaus at 622 Tache, there will be an organizing meeting for those who wish to be involved. Men and Women are both more than welcome to be a part of organizing. Emmaus begins at 7:30pm.

If you would like to contact me ahead of time, email me at b.dykstra@inbox.com