"Gentleman, this is our time.  Today, right here, right now.  It is our time to take a stand and stop violence across the country.  We are here to say, that enough is enough and sexual assault and violence against women is not just a women’s issue.  We all have our reasons for being here, our unique and varying stories.  But somewhere along the line we found one another and turned our causes into movement.  And as our movement grew, we broke down the silos among our communities and our universities.  And what happens here will not end at this event in DC.  We have this chance to make a difference to ensure that 100% of our society mobilizes for this cause.  We have this chance to find ways to make our campus safe, to find ways to create a culture of action and not just talk.  Every campus needs to make this a priority and engage as many men as we can.  As we stand, so must others.  And to this mission we will be unrelenting, unyielding to a culture of violence.  We are not just men of families, or friends, or peace, we are Men of Strength."

-Nate Bronstein, American University Men of Strength

On Tuesday January 31, Men Can Stop Rape launched its national bystander intervention campaign WHERE DO YOU STAND? in Washington, DC. About 30 area high school and campus MOST Club members gathered at Georgetown University to discuss bystander intervention strategies and how men can prevent and respond to gender-based violence and sexism. Holly Kearl from the American Association of University Women spoke to the importance of men learning the skills to be active and positive bystanders when they see incidents of violence, especially physical and sexual assault, harassment, and stalking. Nate Bronstein of American University Men of Strength energized the room of high school and college students with the speech above. The students then role-played different bystander intervention situations and came up with strategies to safely and effectively intervene.

Check out our press release about the event, our WHERE DO YOU STAND? page with more information on the campaign, and our shop for WHERE DO YOU STAND? materials. Don't miss our limited time package deals to save over 20% on our training, banner, floor graphic, posters, postcards, and wristband.

“One night, Amber received a disturbing phone call from her friend. Amber’s friend was angry because her boyfriend claimed that Amber was calling her a slut and other negative names. Amber was horrified and could not understand why her friend would believe this guy considering his own history of abusive language and behavior. Amber explained that it was not true.”

Amber did not understand how her friend could accept someone speaking to her in an abusive manner as well as believing him over her, a true friend. Because of this situation, I was able to have the opportunity that many parents wish they have to talk with my daughter, Amber, about verbal and physical violence and the effects it has on young people. I was able to also share with her the idea of healthy masculinity.

Today, I take a stand as a mother and a woman in support of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Today, I shared with my friends and co-workers my dinner table discussion of teen dating violence with my children Amber and Chase. Please take the opportunity today, during a casual moment like dinner or game night, to discuss with your children the effects on victims of teen dating violence on young people and those who witness it. Become a part of the solution by promoting healthy masculinity. To find out more about how we at Men Can Stop Rape define healthy masculinity, visit our website at www.mencanstoprape.org.

Join me and others in taking a stand to create cultures free from violence, especially men’s violence against girls and women, by spreading the word about healthy masculinity. With your help, we can change some lives—and save many others. By making a donation today, you are supporting young men to use their strength to change lives—and save many others.

Thank you for caring,

Dena Wilson

Director of Individual Giving & Special Events

PS: Please send your tax deductible gift today. Your donation will help to prevent and reduce violence against women by addressing its root causes, negative attitudes associated with unhealthy masculinity. Make a difference right now.

Image: Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net