David and I have been working together to promote the idea that we need more mens' resources throughout North America.
We also present anger management and conflict resolution courses for men who have been mandated by the courts to addend because of domestic abuse and other forums of violence. Earlier this week we discovered that a group of men have been working together after the Quebec massacre of women. They decided to take a proactive approach and are now have the largest campaign to end violence against women in the world.
We have a meeting with our local federal representative On May 7th and after we see how it goes David and I are planning to start a white ribbon campaign in Manitoba because there isn't anyone involved here as yet.
I hope you will check out the information below from their website and help us spread the word about the good work they are doing all over the planet. They started at the grass roots level and are creating a ripple effect that is being felt around the world. It is a wonderful reminder that each one of us has the power to make a difference. These are men who are out there speaking out and they organized themselves...and it shows there are a LOT of healthy, whole men who are strong enough and grounded enough to be gentle. Women...lest we forget that they are out there!
About the White Ribbon Campaign
What is the White Ribbon Campaign (WRC)?
The White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) is the largest effort in the world of
men working to end violence against women (VAW). In over fifty-five
countries, campaigns are led by both men and women, even though the
focus is on educating men and boys. In some countries it is a general
public education effort focused on ending violence against women.
How did the WRC get started?
In 1991, a handful of men in Canada decided they had a responsibility to
urge men to speak out about violence against women. Wearing a white
ribbon would be a symbol of men's opposition to violence against women.
With only six weeks of preparation, 100,000 men across Canada wore a
white ribbon, while many others were drawn into discussion and debate.
What does it mean to wear a white ribbon?
Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge to never commit, condone or
remain silent about violence against women and girls. Wearing a white
ribbon is a way of saying, “Our future has no violence against women.”
What is the goal of WRC? How is this
accomplished?
accomplished?
The main goal of WRC is ending violence against women in all its forms.
We accomplish this in five ways:
- Challenging everyone to speak out, and think about their own beliefs, language and actions.
- Educating young people, especially young men and boys, on the issue through the educational resources we produce.
- Raising public awareness of the issue.
- Working in partnership with women’s organizations, the corporate sector, the media and other partners to create a future with no violence against women.
- Supporting White Ribbon Campaigns around with our experience, resources and networks.
When is the focus of WRC?
WRC in Canada runs its campaign from November 25 (the International Day
for the Eradication of Violence Against Women) until December 6,
Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against
Women. Other countries support 16 Days of Action from November 25th
until December 10th but campaigns can occur at any time of the year.
What forms of violence against women (VAW)
concern you?
concern you?
The most widespread problems are physical violence against spouses and
girlfriends (from hitting right up to murder) and sexual violence
(usually committed by a boyfriend, husband, trusted adult, or family
member.) There is also emotional abuse -- sexual harassment at work or
on the street, stalking, jokes that demean women, and controlling
behaviour. In some countries violence occurs in the form of genital
mutilation of girls and trafficking of girls and young women into
prostitution.
What about other forms of violence?
Although ending men’s violence against women is our focus, we are
concerned about all forms of violence. We are deeply concerned about
violence against children. We are concerned about violence among boys on
the playground, in the sports arena, in relationships, and in war. And
we are concerned by acts of violence by women against women or against
men, although these are not as extensive nor as frequently lethal as
men’s violence against women.
Unlike violence by some women against men, violence committed by some
men against women has long been socially acceptable and is deeply rooted
in beliefs of men’s superiority and of men’s right to control the lives
of “their” women.
Does this mean you think that men are bad?
We do not think that men are naturally violent and we don't think that
men are bad, however we do think all men have roles and responsibilities
in ending violence against women. The majority of men are not
physically violent. Researchers tell us many past cultures had little or
no violence.
At the same time, we do think that some men have learned to express
their anger or insecurity through violence. Far too many men have come
to believe that violence against a woman, child or another man is an
acceptable way to control another person, especially an intimate
partner.
By remaining silent about these things, we allow other men to poison our
work, schools and homes.
The good news is that more and more men and boys want to make a
difference. Caring men are tired of the sexism that hurts the women
around them. Caring men are also concerned with the impact of this
violence on the lives of men and boys.
Do you have opinions on other issues of the
day?
day?
Our goal is for all men and boys to get involved in a campaign devoted
to creating a future without violence against women. Within the WRC
there is a great diversity of opinion on many important issues,
including ones relating to moral, religious and political beliefs. These
issues are important, but they shouldn’t prevent men from working
together to stop domestic violence, sexual assault, and sexual
harassment. And so we agree to hold diverse opinions. We include men
from across the political spectrum from left to right, of all religions,
ethnic and racial groups, and backgrounds.
Does everyone have to wear a white ribbon?
Some campaigns use cloth ribbons or small white ribbon pins shaped into
our distinctive logo. Others have the white ribbon logo printed on
T-shirts or hats. Some use cloth or plastic wristbands. And some only
use the logo on posters, pamphlets, or in TV ads.
Who starts local and national campaigns?
The White Ribbon Campaign is unique in that it is a decentralized effort
that believes that people know best what will most effectively reach
men and boys in their community, school, workplace, and country. In that
sense, anyone who believes in the goals and philosophy of the WRC can
start a campaign. We encourage White Ribbon supporters in each country
or community to work together. In some countries there is an official
White Ribbon organization.
Are women part of WRC? Do they wear the ribbon?
In Canada, the WRC is primarily a campaign of men, aimed at boys and
young men. But we have women on our board and on our staff. Many local
campaigns are encouraged by women’s groups, many are led by men and
women together, and women participate in many, if not most, activities.
In some countries, campuses, and communities, White Ribbon is led
exclusively by men. In others, it is a joint effort or even one where
women are leading.
Although the ribbon started as a symbol of men’s opposition to violence
against women, in many schools and communities both males and females
wear the ribbon. For men, it is a personal pledge, for women a show of
support that men and boys have a role and responsibility in ending
violence against women.
What are your relations with women's groups?
We acknowledge the expertise and central role of women in challenging
violence against women. With tremendous heroism, they pioneered this
work; they set up support programs for women and pushed for social
awareness and legal change. It is essential for our local groups to have
an ongoing dialogue with women's groups in their community. Real
progress will only be achieved in partnership with women’s
organizations.
Who runs the White Ribbon Campaign?
In Canada we have a volunteer Board of Directors as well as a small but
dedicated staff. Around the world, the WRC is led by many different
organizations. The heart and soul of the organization are concerned men
and women like you.
So what type of organization is it?
It's an organization like no other. Not only does it include men and
women from varying social and political perspectives, but it is an
organization that has avoided becoming hierarchical or bureaucratic. We
want to keep our emphasis on the community, on the schools and
workplaces.
How are you funded?
Although specific projects may be supported by the government, we do not
receive any core funding support from any level of government. We rely
solely on individual and corporate fundraising, events and project
specific government funding.
We recognize that intervention and support services for women who
experience violence are under-funded and under-resourced. Because of
this, for most of our existence we refused to apply for government
funding so as not to further strain these limited resources.
We now have a government funding policy which explicitly prohibits us
from applying for support and intervention funding. We only apply for
violence prevention funds in partnership with a women’s organization,
unless specifically invited.
Does this take money away from women's groups?
We support women's programs by encouraging men to give generously to
them and by encouraging schools and others to raise money. We believe
that by contributing to the reduction of violence against women, we are
contributing to the overstretched resources of women's services. And we
believe that as more men see this as an important issue, funding will
increase to women’s organizations. As mentioned above, we will only
accept funding for projects when partnered with a women’s organization,
unless specifically invited.
Do you provide grants or general financial
support?
support?
Unfortunately, the WRC is not in the position to provide funding or
grants for projects, organizations, or travel, or for establishing
national or local White Ribbon Campaigns.
How can I help?
We encourage you to support White Ribbon activities in your community,
and we encourage you to help the WRC in Canada and around the world with
your generous financial support.
Visit our blog:
Join the White Ribbon Campaign Facebook group:
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