Creating social change to correct unhealthy attitudes and behaviors starts with activism at the local level; it can happen in small, everyday actions taken by one person. Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) is releasing a short video called “Wave of Change” exemplifying that concept. The 6-minute video features the Van Dam family who owns and operates Van Dam Custom Boats in Boyne City, Michigan, and the actions every individual can take to help end violence against women and girls.

After watching a documentary on the subtle influencing factors that help perpetuate violence impacting 1 in 4 U.S. women, Steve Van Dam decided he did not want that kind of culture at his business. His son, Ben, echoes that conviction, “Actions one person can take, or the words that they say, or the way they conduct themselves will impact the person next to them and then that person will go forward and start to build a wave impacting and ending violence against women and girls.”

According to WRCNM executive director, Gail Kloss the goal of the video is to inspire people and businesses to stand up and take action to make our communities safer and stronger. “The thought of ending violence against women may seem overwhelming, yet any one of us can help make a positive difference by infusing every day and every action with the kind of values we hope to see in the future,” said Kloss.

WRCNM invites those interested in helping end violence against women and girls to check out the Wave of Change video and share it with friends, family and co-workers via social media. The Wave of Change video is available on the organization’s YouTube and Facebook pages and their website at www.wrcnm.org. For more information, contact the WRCNM Violence Prevention Coordinator at (231) 347-1572.