What Makes a Man? The White Ribbon Campaign & Woman Abuse Prevention Month
November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month and the 25th anniversary of the tragedy that inspired the White Ribbon Campaign. In recognition of this important initiative, we reviewed the work of Michael Kaufman & Jeff Perera. They are the CoFounder & Community Engagement Manager, respectively, of the White Ribbon Campaign, the largest organization of men in the world working to end violence against women and girls, to promote gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity. As a part of Woman Abuse Prevention Month, the White Ribbon Campaign is once again holding an informative two-day, discussion-focused event exploring how ideas of manhood impact us in everyday life with the annual What Makes A Man Conference. Open to all genders. A conversation for everyone.‘We need more maps to manhood – to help men and boys. We need a new way to fight…for one another. It’s a conversation we need to have right here, right now. They say the size of your actual heart is the size of your clenched fist. To open your heart is to open the fist. Open up and let go. This is the path forward.’
-Jeff Perera
Jeff Perera’s TEDx Talk ‘The Ladder of Manhood’ explores how the degrees of separation are shrinking as the circle of violence surrounds us all. Watch the full video below:
Jeff also recently helped with an interactive campaign called ‘Draw the Line.’ The campaign challenges common myths about sexual violence and equips bystanders with information on how to intervene safely and effectively. You can find out more here.
For our audience, we’ve also got a complimentary link to a full chapter of Michael Kaufman’s book, Man Talk; What Every Guy Oughta/Gotta Know About Good Relationships, including:
1. As a man, when it comes to anyone you’re dating, hooking up with, kissing, flirting madly at, or sleeping with, I care that you treat them with respect, and that you get treated with respect, too.
2. As a man, I care that you never, ever, physically hurt that person or do something that you know will cause deep emotional harm, that will bring shame to you and your family, that will get you kicked out of school, or that will land you in jail.
3. As a man, I care that you get a chance to be the good man that you are and that you feel truly good about the choices you make.
4. As a man, I want you to know how important it is for you to speak out against abusive language and abusive relationships, and let the guys around you know that neither has a place on your campus or in your community.
Want to be an active participant? Join White Ribbon on Nov 21st and 22nd in Toronto for What Makes A Man 2014…It’s time to draw new maps to manhood. Join the conversation on twitter with the hashtag #WMAM2014