English
SpanishMobilizing men in the movement to end violence
A town hall-style meeting titled, “Men’s Call to Action” will be held at the Demmer Wellness Center Pavilion in Petoskey at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, May 29. The event is meant to encourage men in the community to collectively seek and develop practical ways to empower themselves, as well as the boys and young men in their lives to reach their greatest human potential. In the face of a highly violent media culture, Men’s Call to Action is one way men can become part of the solution in creating a future that is safe and equitable for all people.
“It is so critical for us to stand up and actively oppose violence against women,” said Bill Wilson a northern Michigan social worker who volunteers on the Violence Prevention team and is a 100 Men Campaign contributor. He referenced a recent national survey by the Centers for Disease Control which revealed that one in five women had been raped in their lifetime and one in four had been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner. “As a father of two daughters, these statistics frighten and anger me – they also motivate me to do my part to “man up” and join the work to end violence against women and girls,” said Wilson.
The Men’s Call to Action meeting also picks up where Joe Ehrmann left off. Ehrmann, a former NFL player, author, coach and educator, visited Petoskey last year for a lecture and coaches workshop. He stressed the importance of modeling and developing in young men and boys the essential qualities of empathy, compassion, competence, reflection and self-worth. During his time in northern Michigan, Ehrmann made clear we all have some kind of responsibility to make a difference in this world, and men and boys need to step up and help end this violence.
Area resident, Kevin Burns, who is also a Violence Prevention Team volunteer and 100 Men Campaign contributor said, “My participation with the Violence Prevention Team and 100 Men Campaign events has inspired me to get involved and make a difference regarding the negative cultural and social norms that contribute to violence and gender inequality. The Men’s Call to Action is another great opportunity.”
Men’s Call to Action will feature facilitated discussion and food will be available to those in attendance. The Demmer Wellness Center Pavilion is located at 820 Arlington Avenue in Petoskey. For more information contact the Violence Prevention Team Coordinator at (231) 347-1572.
“It is so critical for us to stand up and actively oppose violence against women,” said Bill Wilson a northern Michigan social worker who volunteers on the Violence Prevention team and is a 100 Men Campaign contributor. He referenced a recent national survey by the Centers for Disease Control which revealed that one in five women had been raped in their lifetime and one in four had been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner. “As a father of two daughters, these statistics frighten and anger me – they also motivate me to do my part to “man up” and join the work to end violence against women and girls,” said Wilson.
The Men’s Call to Action meeting also picks up where Joe Ehrmann left off. Ehrmann, a former NFL player, author, coach and educator, visited Petoskey last year for a lecture and coaches workshop. He stressed the importance of modeling and developing in young men and boys the essential qualities of empathy, compassion, competence, reflection and self-worth. During his time in northern Michigan, Ehrmann made clear we all have some kind of responsibility to make a difference in this world, and men and boys need to step up and help end this violence.
Area resident, Kevin Burns, who is also a Violence Prevention Team volunteer and 100 Men Campaign contributor said, “My participation with the Violence Prevention Team and 100 Men Campaign events has inspired me to get involved and make a difference regarding the negative cultural and social norms that contribute to violence and gender inequality. The Men’s Call to Action is another great opportunity.”
Men’s Call to Action will feature facilitated discussion and food will be available to those in attendance. The Demmer Wellness Center Pavilion is located at 820 Arlington Avenue in Petoskey. For more information contact the Violence Prevention Team Coordinator at (231) 347-1572.