Gathering
Under the Oak
The first men's circle in Diemen.
For men · 21 and older
A small group of men who meets regularly for unguarded conversations; to investigate, with a council of men, the riddles of life.
We ground our conversations in our personal experiences. Examples of themes we may touch on include friendship, relationships, identity, authenticity, burnout, ambition, personal agency, emotions, self-acknowledgement, acceptance.
What to expect
- Come as you are; no experience needed.
- What is said here stays here.
- Receive questions or advice only if you ask or consent to them.
What makes a men's circle powerful: we start with support and connection, but we are also ready to challenge ourselves, to keep each other accountable, to go together into something that is difficult with fierceness and committment. We listen to give and receive openness and acceptance, but also, when needed, to engage with the spirit of “let's get to the core of things and let's figure this out together.”
Practical information
We meet in Diemen; we also welcome men from Amsterdam, Ouder-Amstel, Amstelveen, Weesp and the region nearby.
- start 18.30 sharp, end 20.30.
- max 6 participants.
- language: English unless everyone is comfortable with Dutch.
- donation: 5-10€ recommended.
- near metro/train Diemen-Zuid - you'll receive a precise address upon registration.
Your host
Raphael
My name is Raphael. I live in Diemen and I started Under the Oak.
I grew up without a strong father figure and role models. So I tried to first figure life out from books; most of them old, full of romantic and outdated ideas of what a man is meant to be. I found my way eventually, but by trial and error, making mistakes I didn't need to make. What I was missing wasn't advice. It was other men to think alongside.
I hold Under the Oak because I wish it had existed for me sooner, and out of gratitude to the people who eventually helped me: this is my way to pass that on. My hope: that here you can set some pressure down, speak openly without being judged or fixed, feel heard, and feel like you belong.
I come from more than one culture and feel at home with diversity. Before this circle, I've taught for many years, facilitated empathy circles, and mentored people young and old.
Gatherings are announced on Hipsy.