Its that time again: The Mennonite Church USA convention is July 8-12 in Greensboro, N.C. I’m excited for several things. A few days prior, theAnabaptist World Inc. Board of Directors will meet in Greensboro. (On this page, you can see who they are.) I learn a lot whenever we are together, and I’m grateful to work with them.

On July 8, just before the convention gets rolling, there will be a Women’s Summit, with a great lineup of speakers and worship leaders. I expect it will be good for the soul.

If you’re coming to Greensboro, please stop by the AW booth. You’ll likely find me there, and possibly other AW staff: editor Paul Schrag, digital strategist Juan Moya (our convention photographer) and intern Mackenzie Miller.

For extra incentive, we’re doing a fun book giveaway. Folks can register for a chance to take their pick from a set of books drawn from the big collection in AW’s Newton, Kan., office (see above for some of them).

A few weeks ago, Mennonite Men had a survey in their email newsletter where they mentioned exploring ways to honor boys coming of age from an Anabaptist perspective. If you aren’t subscribed to their newsletter, I recommend it. If you are interested in their survey results, I believe they will present them at the convention.

As a mom of two boys, I’ve wondered how to create identity-building experiences for young men rooted in the values of following Jesus. I hope our boys learn that male privilege comes with unique responsibilities and opportunities to create community, nonviolent resistance and allyship.

Many of us have had a rude re-minder this year that toxic masculin-ity is alive and well. Initiatives like this from Mennonite Men give me hope for a better way for our young men.