"How Not to Be a Dick" cuts to the heart of how we men exist in the world. Using a combination of illustrations, personal narratives, and concepts from rational emotive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, I dig into the core challenges of male use of power. The thesis is that POWER is always in play, but we can be conscious about distributing the COST of its use, and allowing for maximum autonomy of all parties. Basically, it means not bullying people and being a dick, but the book provides insight into why even the "nicest" guys often flip and react with violence and aggression. It provides tools to help avoid these pitfalls. This book is not intended to be a solution, but more of an opening for discussion around the harms we've caused and the harms we've withstood.

Robbie Pollock (indefatigable) is a multidisciplinary teaching artist who uses his lived experience to promote creative vulnerability as a tool for personal growth and societal change. He’s the Prison Writing Program Manager at PEN America and he collaborates with educators, arts, and justice organizations to highlight the humanity behind the walls and the transformative power of connection.