About the California Men's Gatherings
The California Men's Gatherings began as an annual event in 1978 and has grown to three yearly weekend events (called "Gatherings") — one held over Memorial Day weekend (Spring), one over Labor Day weekend (Summer), and one over Thanksgiving weekend (Fall). We also have two smaller annual weekends; Harbin Hot Springs in March, and a Spirituality Weekend in February or March.
The CMG is incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is overseen by a statewide Board of Directors, which meets throughout the year and across the state to conduct and discuss operational and policy issues.
CMG also holds an Annual Business Meeting each year to elect officers and consider and discuss changes to the CMG Bylaws, open to all.
Each of our three yearly gatherings is planned by a volunteer group of men called a Planning Committee. Men in the Greater Los Angeles area plan the Spring CMG; men in the San Francisco Bay area and Sacramento plan the Summer CMG; and men in the Greater San Diego area plan the Fall CMG. There are also almost 200 local events and workshops created throughout the year by the five area Event Committees.
CMG Mission Statement
The California Men's Gatherings (CMG) creates and fosters a safe and supportive community where we can take risks that not only educate, but also challenge, inspire and revitalize our emotional, spiritual, social and physical lives through local events, workshops, weekends and CMG retreats called "Gatherings."
We value the spirit of volunteerism, leadership and mentoring in all we do. We value understanding, compassion, inclusion, consensus, trust, collaboration and transparency, and we strive to share these gifts with our community-at-large.
CMG reaches out to, and creates space where all men, regardless of sexual orientation, age, race, religion or background, can find a different way to connect -- more openly...more honestly...with less fear...and a lot more fun.
We are committed to offering the opportunity for all men to learn, grow, connect and support one another by "Building Community One Man At A Time."
What are our activities?
The primary activity of the California Men's Gatherings is to create gatherings and local events in a safe and supportive environment where all men can confront, risk and experience the challenges necessary for genuine growth, transformation and empowerment as men.
Who attends?
The men who attend CMG Gatherings (and our hundreds of local events) are a diverse group of varying ages, beliefs, religious traditions, and spiritual practices. We have differently-abled men and men from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. While CMG'ers are predominantly gay and bisexual, all men 18 years or older are welcome including those who are transgender or straight.
Our non-profit status
The California Men's Gatherings Inc. (CMG) is incorporated as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization. Donations to the California Men's Gatherings Inc. are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the IRS.