Today we’d like to introduce you to Francis Donald.
Francis, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
BroActive started as a result of my desire to build strong male relationships in a new city.
I moved to San Diego in July of 2016 from Dallas, Texas. Growing up in Dallas, I attended St. Mark’s School of Texas which is an independent boys school. I left St. Mark’s to attend Nazareth College where I was a member of the men’s lacrosse team. I’ve always had an abundance of fulfilling male relationships in my life so when I moved to San Diego, I found myself starting over from scratch.
Fortunately, I was introduced to November Project, a free workout community. There I started to recognize the type of driven, intelligent, and mindful males I had been searching for. The next step was to figure out how to build relationships with them! I guess you could say I’ve had a tougher time meeting men than women in San Diego!
As I’ve navigated my early 30’s and this community, It’s become clear that people are just busy and to get them to slow down, you have to present them with meaningful programming or activities. That is where BroActive comes in. It’s a men’s community group… a collective designed to promote mindfulness, fellowship, and physical wellness among men in San Diego.
We will do this through programming that will explore activities men may not typically share with each other while expanding their minds through thoughtful conversation. The culmination of this programming will ideally spark and evolution of how we see ourselves and perceive masculinity in this changing world.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No road is smooth. But I have far from struggled. I live in Pacific Beach, teach spin at Rush Cycle in Bird Rock, and work in La Jolla. Live is f*@#ing good! As many of us are, I am most challenged by turning ideas into action. That’s why I am so grateful for the platform and support provided to me by Lululemon.
Becoming an ambassador for the La Jolla store was an instant jolt of empowerment and the catalyst necessary to bring the idea of BroActive to life. I can’t tell you how many Instagram handles I have created accounts for… I’m naturally an idea guy, but this is the only one that I’ve really felt compelled to pour time into. I feel like BroActive is a solution to a problem, even multiple problems.
Friendships, community, positive masculinity, that’s what this group is promoting. It’s not a counter-culture to the women’s movement, yet a much-needed supplement or bi-product. So maybe that’s the obstacle/challenge… convincing men that their role in society is changing and they/we need to spend time cultivating more meaningful relationships that allow space for depth of thought and experience.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m still learning how to clearly articulate the BroActive mission and purpose. The organization is very much in an embryonic phase, and I am relying on the feedback of others to help shape and mold the “why.” What I can tell you is BroActive is most simply monthly programming for men. I am currently working on programming with Snake Oil Cocktail Co. and Writerz Block to kick off our schedule.
Imagine a group of men getting together to get a whiskey education from a local mixologist and learn to make Old Fashioned’s. Or going to South San Diego to explore the world of Urban Art and graffiti. There is certainly a place for getting together to do fitness, but there are so many more venues for that. We are more interested in providing men with expansive experiences like getting pedicures and fashion lessons or introducing practical knowledge like cooking lessons or basic car maintenance.
All the while, setting an intention for each event. What would it look like to engage in a group where the intention was to omit basic conversation like the weather, where you are from, or what you do for a living. Adding in the exploration of our biggest fears or reflecting on our earliest perceptions of masculinity. BroActive aims to transform the content of conversation among men.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
I am most proud of the response I have received from other men. The openness, acceptance, and acknowledgment that there is a need for this sort of programming. That in itself is invigorating.
Contact Info:
- Email: broactivesd@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/broactivesd
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/broactivesd
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
