Some days it feels like you’re carrying three jobs, everyone’s emotions, and a broken printer on your back, doesn’t it? We act like we can handle absolutely everything, all the time. And maybe you can, but here’s the thing, you don’t have to. Just because you can carry it, doesn’t mean it belongs to you. It’s totally okay to put some things down, the worries, the expectations, the stuff that…

Originally built to offer innovative learning that encouraged critical and creative thinking during the global rise of fascism in the 1940s, despite its many struggles Goddard College remained defined by its opposition to authoritarian and oppressive efforts, its support of marginalized groups and its radical approach to learning until it was closed by its board and president for reasons caused by their own mismanagement.

The Goddard Spark is an effort to reignite the “spark” that made Goddard College so special in the form of a new lifelong learning program primarily hosted on the Goddard College campus in Plainfield, VT inspired directly by and aiming to intelligently evoke the pedagogy, values and culture of Goddard College. It being developed by Goddard alum Adam Myers in partnership with Execusuite, the new owners of the Goddard College campus and the Goddard trademark.

You can find a full FAQ here: https://goddardspark-org.us.stackstaging.com/frequently-asked-questions-for/

Goddard’s forced closing robbed not only future students from its life changing approach to learning but also broke the hearts of staff, faculty and students who poured the hearts and souls into the school for years, and for some decades. It was a very special, transformative, deeply essential space that quite literally changed the lives of all that attended. It deserves to have its legacy live on.

The Goddard Spark instructors will be collectively offering a large variety of unique and accessible curriculums that will explore everything from music, personal empowerment, community organization, leadership, and beyond in inclusive, diverse and compassionate student-first environments that recognize and respect individualized learning styles and meet individual needs.

Please help us fund this incredible project <3

Also, if you can’t donate right now, sharing this fundraiser is also incredibly helpful.

Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. It means the world to those whose lives were changed by Goddard and wish to see its transformative environment live on and touch the lives of those who hadn't yet gotten the privilege before the college was shut down.

PS: if any of you are interested—particularly those who know less about Goddard—here are a few links that you might find useful in developing your curriculums, promotions and understanding the context The Goddard Spark is being built within. Obviously these are a little outdated but I think they’re still useful.

Goddard’s Closure:

https://www.highereddive.com/news/goddard-college-vermont-closure-final-days/718361/

Goddard’s History:

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/goddard-college-vermont-history

My own words on Goddard

My Journey Through The End of Goddard:

https://youtu.be/m_Wivs5vJGQ

In Praise of Goddard’s Unique Spark (that this new iteration is named for):

https://youtu.be/ffbrn64hJxA

Growth is not just for children or adolescents; it's a lifelong journey. For men, personal growth encompasses a wide spectrum—physical, mental, emotional, and social. In today’s fast-paced world, men often face pressure to succeed in various aspects of their lives, whether it’s in their careers, relationships, or personal goals. But true growth isn’t just about external achievements; it’s about understanding oneself, evolving, and becoming the best version of who you are. This article explores the different aspects of men’s growth and how to foster a well-rounded, fulfilling life.

Physical Growth: Building Strength and Health Physical growth often gets the most attention, especially in men, due to societal expectations around strength, fitness, and athleticism. However, physical growth isn't just about lifting weights or building muscle mass—it’s about overall health and wellness.

Exercise and Fitness Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health and achieving personal growth. Whether it’s through weightlifting, running, swimming, or yoga, exercise strengthens the body, boosts energy, and enhances mental clarity. Fitness also improves cardiovascular health, reduces stress, and increases overall longevity.

Nutrition and Diet A balanced diet plays a crucial role in men’s physical growth. Consuming the right nutrients, vitamins, and minerals fuels the body for performance, recovery, and mental sharpness. Proper hydration and avoiding excessive processed foods also contribute to better health and well-being.

Rest and Recovery Physical growth isn’t just about what you do during the day—it’s equally about what happens when you rest. Getting enough sleep, managing stress, and allowing the body time to recover from physical exertion are essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall vitality.

Mental Growth: Expanding Knowledge and Skills The mind is a powerful tool, and mental growth is just as important as physical development. Developing mental faculties involves continual learning, critical thinking, and expanding one’s horizons. Men who focus on mental growth are better equipped to handle challenges, make informed decisions, and lead in various aspects of life.

Reading and Continuous Learning Knowledge is power, and one of the best ways to foster mental growth is through reading and education. Whether it’s a self-help book, a technical manual, or a work of fiction, expanding your reading habits can open new perspectives and strengthen your critical thinking.

Skill Development Mastering new skills is a crucial part of mental growth. Whether it's picking up a new language, learning coding, or honing a craft, continually developing new skills keeps the mind sharp and adaptable. In a rapidly changing world, the ability to learn and adapt is essential for staying ahead in both personal and professional life.

Mental Health Awareness Taking care of your mind is just as important as physical health. Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and therapy can help men manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. The importance of mental health awareness has gained more attention, breaking down the stigma that often prevents men from seeking help.

Emotional Growth: Building Stronger Relationships Emotional growth is key to creating meaningful relationships and understanding one’s inner self. Men who are emotionally intelligent can better navigate their relationships, manage conflicts, and communicate effectively.

Self-Awareness Emotional growth starts with self-awareness. Understanding your emotions, triggers, and responses is crucial for emotional maturity. When you’re more in tune with your emotions, you’re better able to understand and connect with others.

Building Empathy Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Developing empathy helps men build deeper, more meaningful relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. It also fosters stronger professional relationships, as empathy is essential in leadership and collaboration.

Healthy Emotional Expression For many men, expressing emotions can be challenging due to societal expectations around stoicism and emotional restraint. However, being able to express emotions healthily and constructively is vital for emotional well-being. Learning how to articulate feelings and communicate vulnerably can lead to stronger, more supportive relationships.

Social Growth: Connecting with the World Around You Social growth involves building and nurturing relationships within your community, network, and society. It’s about expanding your social circles, learning from others, and giving back to your community.

Networking and Mentorship Networking with others, seeking mentors, and engaging in social activities can help men grow their social skills and career opportunities. Mentorship, in particular, is a powerful tool that not only helps men grow but also allows them to pass on wisdom to the next generation.

Giving Back to the Community Social growth is also about contributing to society and giving back. Volunteering, mentoring others, or simply helping out in your community can provide a sense of fulfillment, strengthen bonds, and foster a positive social impact.

Balancing Work and Personal Life In the quest for success, it’s easy to get caught up in the grind of work. However, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for personal and social growth. Making time for family, friends, and hobbies ensures that you remain grounded and connected to the people and experiences that bring joy and meaning to your life.

Conclusion Men’s growth is a continuous process that requires attention to all aspects of life—physical, mental, emotional, and social. By focusing on each of these areas, men can unlock their full potential and lead fulfilling, balanced lives. Growth isn’t just about achieving more; it’s about evolving into a more well-rounded and self-aware individual. Embrace your journey of growth, and remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is progress toward becoming the best version of yourself.

Celebrate with me, Tumbltown, I completed WebAIM's Accessible Documents course and received my certificate today! Huzzah!

Two main takeaways:

Wow I don't think I could have learned this on my own just surfing the web to figure it out. There was a lot content I'd never heard or considered before.

Darn it all, you really do need to pay for Acrobat Pro to be sure you're doing it right. LibreOffice can generate purportedly accessible pdfs, but to completely vet it I need to buy Acrobat Pro. Thankfully, between this course's clear instruction in both text and video, I was able to learn what I needed without buying a subscription, but it's something I'll have to consider in the future.