Get Invovled!

Set to take place May 29th of 2026 at the Chatham Capitol Theatre, we invite the male youth of Chatham-Kent as well as their teachers/coaches/leaders and mentors to step outside “the box” for a full day conference/workshop experience devoted to exploring their mental health and well being, challenging the traditional lens of masculinity as well as promoting positive and healthy peer/gender relations and equitable leadership.

The event will be free to participants and lunch will be provided.

Participants will also be part of an exciting, yet informative, digital series and documentary film!

Community donations to cover the costs of this summit go to The Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre- taxable donation receipts will be provided!

SUMMIT SCHEDULE

9:45 am - 2:00 pm

9:45-9:55am- Mayor Darrin Canniff and CAO Michael Duben- Greetings/ Inspiring a future generation of equitable leaders

9:55-10:15am- Dr. Brendan K. Hartman Intro and Key Note Speech "Growing up Male Today"

10:15-10:30am- Brief intro to each of our 3 other facilitators

10:30- 10:45am- Travel to Workshop #1

10:45- 11:30am- Workshop #1 half the group with Dr. Brendan "Disconnected: How Gender Can Suppress Our Selves, Our Relationships, & Our Purpose–And the Journey To Reconnection"

Workshop #2 half the group with Johnny Cole "“From Bystander to Brother: Calling Young Men Into a Culture of Accountability"

11:30am- Noon- LUNCH BREAK

Noon- 12:20pm- Professor Neil Shyminsky speech "Countering toxicity and myths about masculinity"

12:20- 12:30pm- Travel to Workshop #2

12:30- 1:15pm- participants go to opposite workshop from previously in the day

1:15- 1:25pm- All participants meet back in theatre

1:25-2:00pm- Wrap up/group Q&A

Meet the Summit Speakers

Dr. Brendan K. Hartman

Dr. Brendan K. Hartman is a sociologist specializing in the social-emotional development and wellbeing of boys and men–and how this connects to the wellbeing of all genders. He holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Edinburgh and is an adjunct professor at the University of the Fraser Valley.

Professor Neil Shyminksy

Neil Shyminsky is a professor of English at Cambrian College in Canada, and is also known on social media as “Professor Neil.” At the heart of his online advocacy and academic work is the promotion of diverse and inclusive practices of healthy masculinity and the rejection of restrictive, toxic, and harmful ideologies of masculinity.

Johnny Cole/Hey Brother Co.

Johnny Cole is the founder of Hey Brother Co., a leading voice in the movement to redefine masculinity for a new generation. As one of the youngest facilitators in the men's work space, Johnny is an emerging leader guiding Gen Z boys and men into a healthier, emotionally connected, and socially accountable model of modern masculinity.

Nick Cholmsky

Nick Cholmsky is the Men's Speaker for the Youth Resiliency Project, a mens-focused initiative within the Canadian nonprofit Love The Skin You're In. His work inspires youth to think critically about the ways in which social and popular media present self-worth, sexuality, bodies, gender, and race. His signature school assembly, A Breath Of Fresh Air, empowers boys to explore mental health, friendships, romantic relationships, and body image in healthy ways.