That question and others will be explored during a daylong conference, "A Day for Good Men: Finding Support in a Community of Men," on Saturday, Feb. 19, at Cal State Northridge.

"The bottom line is that regardless of our lot in life, all men are confronted with common stressors such as balancing work and play, the pressure to always be tough and health issues, to name just a few. This day will allow men to participate in a community where they can just 'be,'" said Ivor Weiner, an assistant professor of special education at Cal State Northridge and director of the university's Family Focus Empowerment Center, co-sponsor of the conference.

The conference, which is also sponsored by the Men's Center of Los Angeles, will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Grand Salon of the University Student Union on the east side of the campus off Zelzah Avenue.

The day's topics include family, relationships, physical health, emotional well-being, careers, aging and spirituality. Keynote speaker Stephen Johnson, founder of the Men's Center of Los Angeles and a psychotherapist and educator for more than 30 years, will share his understanding of what it means to be a good man in today's fast-paced culture.

Weiner said the conference presents a great opportunity for fathers, including fathers with disabled children, to network with other men.

"Too often, fathers do not have many opportunities to join men's support groups and many men tend to have a difficult time opening up or talking about the stress, fear, grief and even the joy they experiences as parents of a child with disabilities," Weiner said. "This is a opportunity for them to just have fun and bond with men who might or might not have children with disabilities."

The conference is open to men 18 years and older and to young men between the ages of 15 and 17 if accompanied by a parent. Registration is $50 and includes a light breakfast and box lunch.