It is time –> A Call To Men
In 2012 I was struck, hit upside the head, and right in the chest with the news of a friend who had been murdered. I had worked along side her to help create an event called Ecoplosion. She worked for Clemson University in the Master of Real Estate Development Program and was a crucial part of putting together a big economic development event in Greenville, SC. Her name is Marge Putnam.
I was struck in the head and in the chest. It knocked the breathe out of me to learn that this beautiful woman, mother, grandmother, community leader was killed by her husband who then killed himself.
I was struck in the head to learn the statistics. South Carolina ranks as the #1 state in the nation for women killed by men; 1 in 5 female college students are sexually assaulted; 1 in 4 women are the victims of domestic violence; and over 50% of middle and high-school girls experience sexual harassment in school.
WHY? WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?
Historically, the movement to end violence against women has been led by women. Why are men not a part of the solution? We are a part of the problem yet not willing to step-up and become an active voice, and active part of this advocacy to tackle the problem of domestic violence.
It starts with men teaching men. We see a beautiful woman walking sidewalk, and we give them the “up and down” look. We hear a sexist remark in the locker room or a joke that is degrading towards women at the water cooler, and we laugh rather than challenging it. We notice a buddy acting controlling towards his wife or girlfriend, and we say nothing. We teach our sons to “man- up” and “be a man” rather than showing their true emotions. We grow up with this “man code” engrained in our ethic, and our sons learn this from their fathers.
Why are we doing this? We are real men with real hearts and we can create a movement to stop this cycle. We are business men, faith leaders, coaches, teachers, real men with the wherewithal to stand up and say no more!
Today, advocates are now working to engage men as allies in the effort to promote a healthy view of masculinity and to work towards ending all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls.
April 24th – A Call To Men
On Thursday, April 24, we are calling all men to attend a community breakfast at ANMED Women’s & Children’s Hospital in the Peggy Dean Room from 8:00am-9:30am entitled, “A Call To Men: Equipping Men to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Keynote speaker, Tony Porter, co-director of a national organization called A CALL TO MEN, will discuss how men can be engaged in the movement to end violence against women.
Tony is recognized nationally and internationally for his expertise in organizing and educating men in the effort to create a healthier understanding of masculinity and to equip men as allies in the movement to end violence against women. He is dedicated to strengthening community accountability to end all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls.
Will Merritt of WCCP 104.9 radio will also be there to share his thoughts. Join Us! This is a FREE event for all men of Anderson. Join us, bring a friend and help us fill the Peggy Dean Room room at ANMED Women’s & Children’s Hospital.
Reserve your seat today! Registration is open now at www.acalltomenanderson.com.