Women around the world are finally speaking out about the sexual harassment and/or assault they have experienced in their lives, giving some men the time to reflect on their own behaviors and think critically about their relationships to women. After #MeToo spread like wildfire throughout social media, men responded with hashtags of their own, such as #IHearYou, #HowIWillChange and #IWillSpeakUp. These hashtags were used for men to show their respect for the women bravely sharing their stories as well as pledge to improve their own behavior in order to better the environment for women. Men working to improve themselves and their peers for the betterment of women is not a new concept. In fact, there are organizations that have been dedicating themselves to this exact mission for years, some even decades. As Ted Bunch, who co-founded A Call to Men, a men’s violence prevention and socialization organization, stated: “Many men haven’t felt this is their problem because they don’t see themselves as the bad guy. But what they don’t understand is that even though most of us are not abusive, we are silent. And that makes us a bad guy.” With the upsurge of interest in women’s issues and what men can do to help, these organizations are receiving more attention, and rightfully so. The following organizations supply tools for men to help eradicate toxic masculinity as well as improve society overall in regards to the treatment of women.
We are thankful for our community and for all the ways you promote healthy, respectful manhood and prevent violence and discrimination against all women and girls. #NextGenManhood pic.twitter.com/q3ekA6NpIL
— A CALL TO MEN (@acalltomen) November 23, 2017
A Call To Men
The purpose of this organization is perfectly summed up in their mission statement: “Help create a world where all men and boys are loving and respectful and all women and girls are valued and safe.” Not only do they work to prevent gender discrimination and violence, but they also aim to help men embrace a “healthy and respectful manhood”. This organization uses the concept “The Man Box” to describe what society thinks of as a man. The Man Box limits the definition of masculinity and is constantly reinforced by society. A Call To Men works to upend and expand this view of masculinity, which allows boys and men to embrace their own healthy masculine identity and in turn prevents men from objectifying women, which reduces violence against women and girls. A Call To Men also has a program aimed at male youth. LIVERESPECT™ Healthy, Respectful Manhood Curriculum is a tool that coaches, teachers, and other mentors can use to help middle and high school age boys develop a healthy sense of masculinity as well as prevent bullying and dating violence. A Call To Men started the hashtag #IWillSpeakUp, and has been lauded by renowned feminist Gloria Steinem, who calls their work the “basis for world peace”.
So excited to share the results from our 2016-2017 MOST and WISE program survey. The best part of our work is seeing the growth in our young people. Check out our latest press release to learn more: https://t.co/Xm390lg6NG pic.twitter.com/rBcg3hERBS
— Men Can Stop Rape (@mencanstoprape) December 4, 2017
Men Can Stop Rape
This organization started in 1997 in response to “the epidemic of violence against women”. The founders recognized that violence against women was an extreme problem, but that most of the prevention efforts were directed at women and girls in terms of risk-reduction and self-defense, instead of directing them towards men and boys to prevent them from committing violent acts in the first place. Men Can Stop Rape works to mentor male youth and mobilize them to prevent violence, both against women and other men. By helping young men create their own healthy and positive ideas of manhood and masculinity, they in turn develop healthy relationships and a healthy view of women and peers in society.
Glide
An organization based in San Francisco, has part of their “wellness” mission devoted to men “unlearning” violence. With weekly drop-in groups, Men In Progress is a Violence Intervention Program that works with men to support them and help them gain understanding and strength in their relationships. By learning how to avoid and manage conflict, as well as respond instead of react, men are able to have positive relationships free of violence. So not only is Men In Progress a support group for men of all backgrounds, it is also a tool for men to learn more about themselves and their relationships and “unlearn” violence.
Throughout the nation, there are many more local organizations dedicating their time and resources to redefining masculinity, helping men have healthier relationships, and minimizing violence against women and girls. From college campuses to community centers, men are coming together to try and better themselves as well as their communities in the hopes of inspiring positive change and improving the quality of life for women everywhere.
By: Cianna Allen