USMSA News 14 - Jan 2024

The US movement is growing! 2024 USMSA Update from Mark Winston

Hello US Shedders! 2023 was a milestone year in many ways for USMSA. We were asked to be presenters at a number of national conferences and represented the US Shed Movement for audiences aligned with the American Society on Aging, Rotary, and the Men’s Health Caucus, as well as having an opportunity to enthusiastically share the US story with a group from Germany interested in starting the Shed Movement there. At one Zoom conference we attended, we met a woman from North Carolina who became a passionate supporter of the Shed Movement. She has now helped to launch three Men’s Sheds in a period of less than 10 weeks. Never have we seen this type of success before. Tammy Sutherland is now working on opening two additional sheds in North Carolina. In my own experience with the movement, I can unequivocally state that when women decide to assist in breaking the cycle of isolation, do not get in their way. As the late Louisiana Shed Founder Buelah Laster said, “Nobody better get in my way - I will run them over.”

A tip of the hat goes out to Nathan Sarea for his valuable contributions at the many national and international conferences we spoke at during these past months. Another tip of the hat goes out to Bob Jewell and Tommy Folk for hosting the Monthly Shedders Meetings. These workshops offer valuable exchanges of information for new and established sheds across the country. I would invite everyone to attend. “We Are Stronger Together.” And finally, USMSA welcomed new Board Member Sandra Manon. She is a mental health professional whom we met at one of the Monthly Shedder’s Meetings, and who has already redesigned and relaunched our new Facebook page! She is a true blessing to the movement. Happy 2024!

Due to the work of Lewis Bishop and Phil Smith , we have our first shed opening in Texas.

Dave Gilson is starting the first shed in California. Thank you, gentlemen, and congratulations!

A tip of the hat goes out to Jimmy Boyd for his help with the Men’s Health Network. Jimmy retired recently but his experience with Congress and various administrations is invaluable to our cause.

"“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C. S. Lewis" by brightdrops is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

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