The DUDES Club, founded in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside in 2010, provides a safe, men-only space where participants can foster a sense of community, trust, and self-worth while addressing holistic health topics. Originally designed to support Indigenous men disproportionately impacted by systemic barriers, the program has grown to include around 45 clubs across Canada, each incorporating cultural elements like Elders, shared meals, and local Indigenous worldviews. Administrative Coordinator Rome Mahdavi, a former participant of the Club’s youth initiative, highlights its unique approach to addressing men’s health and healing through decolonized and restorative practices. With ongoing efforts in advocacy, research, and funding, the DUDES Club aims to expand its reach and deepen its impact on men’s health across the nation.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
On the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver in 2010, the DUDES Club opened its doors as a men’s only space that focused on creating an atmosphere of safety, which allowed men to develop trusting relationships. Over time, men gained a sense of belonging, purpose, self-worth and a sense of community. As a result, a culture was established where men could discuss physical, social, emotional, spiritual and mental health topics. Men across the nation have started Clubs in their own communities, to date there are around 45 clubs in Canada, which you can find on our website. As a general rule, all DUDES Clubs have an Elder, Doctor, share a meal, meet regularly and host activities.
What problem does it aim to solve?
It is no secret that men are resistant to go see a doctor. Males, particularly Indigenous men are at greater risk for depression and suicide. It is also known that due to colonialist activities such as residential schools and wardship Indigenous men face more barriers to health care and more often face incarceration, homelessness, and mental health challenges. All of which lead to higher death rates, depression, stress, and socio-economic challenges. These reasons show why an accessible culturally focused program, like the DUDES Club, is relevant to Indigenous men. The DUDES Club can provide inner cities to remote communities a way for men to reconnect to self, family, community, and culture. The bottom line is the healthier men are, the healthier communities will be.
When did you start/join it?
I started in 2020 as a participant in DUDES Clubs Youth Initiative; neXup. neXup works with younger men and male identifying youth, addressing intergenerational and substance issues; and facilitates accessible peer support, mentorship, and educational/employable opportunities. DUDES Clubs believes in uplifting and empowering participants, which led to me having the confidence to apply to an open position and being brought on the team as a Project Assistant in 2021.
What made you want to get involved?
I chose to become involved because of the harm that is perpetuated through colonial and patriarchal systems of oppression, and I saw DUDES Club as a decolonized approach to addressing these issues. Men, particularly Indigenous men in Canada face a disproportionate burden of health issues. Additionally, mens-only spaces that are focused on restorative justice rather than punitive measures are sparse and/or inaccessible. DUDES Clubs is a unique participant-led space that fosters a collective and safe healing opportunity for Indigenous, marginalized, houseless, and/or isolated men. In an effort to assimilate Indigenous men, colonialism has stolen the knowledge and purpose men used to have in order to be healthy and productive members in their communities. Clubs aim to facilitate a low-barrier space where men can rebuild these tools and knowledge, with the incorporation of local Indigenous worldviews, Elders, and health professionals.
What was the situation like when you started?
Since 2010, as a team we mostly operated online, only getting together in person for events, gatherings, and conferences. There were about 30 operational clubs in the province, and we were working hard to advocate for mens health and healing.
How has it changed since?
In 2019, we were gifted our current space on Frances and Clark, which became our office and venue for community events and DUDES gatherings. There are now around 45 operational clubs nation-wide with a couple others starting up and mens health is becoming a bit more known as an important sector of healthcare. In 2023 we collaborated with Novo Nordisk’s film team to create a short film on mens health; ‘Wheel of Health’, which you can view on our youtube channel.
What more needs to be done?
Advocacy, funding, and research is always an integral part of this work. Clubs are supported by grants, in-kind support, and generous funders.
How can our readers help?
If you are interested in supporting our work and mens healing nation-wide, please donate here.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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HIM – Health Initiative for Men
