Michael Gurian

Michael Gurian will provide a short introductory session, Setting the Stage, with thanks to the Santa Fe Boys Fund, Dr. Paul Golding, and Dr. Bonnie Ellinger, as well as last-minute logistical information; then he will set the stage for the Conference with the importance of understanding boys and men in our new millennium, including delving into the male brain. As many people have sensed already, for various political reasons, protecting males as males gets short shrift in national, international, and community discussions. That paucity, Michael will point out, is a primary reason our males have fallen behind worldwide: we avoid understanding males as males and pay a terrible price.

Michael will also provide a keynote during the Conference titled Saving Our Sons. We are living in a complex age, one in which children are overusing digital tools and tech; our definitions of sex and gender are being negotiated in social media, academe, and our schools; violence surrounds us; and teachers and parents feel almost desperate for tools to help the children in their care. In this keynote presentation, Michael will explore how the minds of boys learn and grow, including brain differences that impact K – 12 education, and early childhood, family life, and social emotional development throughout the lifespan. He will provide insight into best teaching, parenting, counseling, and mentoring practices targeted to sex of the brain. Michael’s presentation include brain scans that display sexual dimorphism (male/female brain differences) as he focuses on educating, raising, and counseling boys, and educating, raising, and counseling girls.

Michael will also lead two working lunch discussions in which he, and other available keynoters, will answer questions that participants might have based on the keynotes and Conference subjects.

Michael Gurian is a marriage and family counselor in private practice and the New York Times bestselling author of thirty five books. His books are published in twenty three languages. As a social philosopher, he has pioneered efforts to bring neuro-biology and brain research into homes, schools, corporations, and public policy. The Gurian Institute, which he co-founded, conducts research internationally, launches pilot programs, and trains professionals. One of the world’s foremost gender experts, Michael travels extensively to provide keynotes and consulting. Michael has spoken for the United Nations on violence against women; helped provide information on boys’ and girls’ educational needs to the White House; and briefed Members of the 114th Congress on the boy crisis in America. A number of Michael’s books have sparked national debate, including The Wonder of Boys, The Wonder of Girls, Boys and Girls Learn Differently, Leadership and the Sexes, Saving Our Sons, and Boys, A Rescue Plan (with Sean Kullman)