Last year, the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRC) launched a campaign to engage a vital sector of the community in the movement to end violence against women and girls.  Although the nonprofit agency calls it the 100 Men Campaign, that did not stop them from gaining the support of 125 local men during the first year.  The men who contributed helped fund a variety of awareness, education and prevention initiatives for local boys and men.  Every donor also agreed to take a public stand against sexual violence by having their names published in local newspapers.

According to Jan Mancinelli, WRC Executive Director, the campaign’s first year was a success.  “This was a first time effort, and although we were hopeful, we had no idea what kind of support we would receive from men in our local communities,” said Mancinelli.  “The fact that 125 men agree these crimes are a problem and are taking steps to do something about it is very encouraging.  It’s fantastic!”

 

The Women’s Center is asking men to support the campaign, again this year.  “It’s so critical to gain the support of men because they play a vital role in modeling healthy, respectful relationships.  And men who take a stand against sexual violence are sending an important message to perpetrators that violence against women and girls is unacceptable,” said Mancinelli.

 

In addition to promoting respectful, nonviolent relationships, the Women’s Center hopes efforts surrounding the 100 Men Campaign will help shift social norms that allow gender violence to occur.  “I have been working in the violence against women movement for 33 years,” said Mancinelli.  “There continues to be no shortage of victims—young girls and women who have been assaulted keep on coming to the agency for help.  How else can this violence stop unless we start changing how we view and treat women as a society?”  

With the 100 Men Campaign, the agency seeks to gain the support of men who are willing to become more aware of the problem; model respectful, non-violent behavior; stand up for victims; and voice their disapproval of violence against women and girls.  “Studies indicate that non-violent men want to help, but don’t know where to start,” Mancinelli explained.  “Our efforts in this campaign are to provide opportunities for non-violent men to learn, get educated, get involved and become a part of a movement to end violence against women and children.  The numbers of violent victimization of children, mostly girls, and women are staggering.  We know enough about these crimes now to work towards trying to make them stop.  We need good, well meaning men to become part of the solution.”

“We would love to have the support of at least 200 men, this year,” said Mancinelli.  “The funds raised will help us continue to increase awareness of these devastating crimes, offer community educational events and public forums, and further develop the Coaching Boys into Men program with local athletic coaches which teaches youth in the community to show respect on and off the field.”

Those who make a financial contribution of $100 or more by February 24 will have their names published in newspaper advertisements.  For more information on the WRC’s 100 Men Campaign, call the agency’s administrative office at 231-347-0067.

Photo Caption:

Pictured reviewing materials for the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan’s (WRC) 100 Men Campaign are (from left) WRC Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Program Director Chris Krajewski, Chip Hansen, Father Greg Brown, Mike Atchison, Mark Fralick and WRC Executive Director Jan Mancinelli.   The agency launched the program to provide a way for men in the community to become involved in the effort to end violence against women and girls.