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Men's Involvement Change
  • Speak out!
      • Don't just sit quietly when you witness a sexist incident. To paraphrase the late Paulo Freire, one who ignores abuse is not taking a neutral stance; rather s/he is taking the side of the abuser. Don't be complicit!
    • Challenge sexist language/sexist jokes. Language is a very powerful thing. Using derogatory language in reference to women (e.g., bitch, whore, slut, etc.) is demeaning and dehumanizing. And using jokes to make light of serious issues is also unacceptable.
    • Letter writing campaigns can be very effective. Write a letter to the editor if you have something to say. Write letters to TV network executives and advertising agencies that promote shows and ads that objectify women. Let politicians know that you won't support proposed laws that limit women's rights. Don't fund sexism, either. Boycott all forms of media that degrade and dehumanize women.
    • Do not remain quiet if you know of an abusive situation. While it may not always be a good idea to challenge the abuser directly (especially if you do not know the person), you CAN seek advise on how to intervene. There are available resources to help you figure out the best course of action. Contact the Women's Resource Center of the New River Valley, Cook Counseling Center, or the Counseling and Advocacy Coordinator at the Women's Center, Christine Dennis.
    • If you think that a woman in your life has been abused in any way, approach her gently and offer your support.
    • Join a campus and/or community organization that addresses gender issues. If you don't see one that suits your interests, start one! Men's anti-rape groups are becoming more common on college campuses around the country, and they provide wonderful opportunities for men to speak out against gender violence.
    • Challenge other forms of inequality and discrimination, such as racism and homophobia. It is important to remember that discrimination and violence in all forms feed on one another. Gender-based oppression cannot be eliminated unless oppression in all it's guises is dismantled!
  • Reflect on your own behaviors and ideas.
      • Think about ways in which you can be part of the solution, but also reflect on ways in which your behaviors and ideas might reinforce gender inequality. How do you treat women? Do you believe in gender equity? Do you dominate conversations with women, or interrupt women a lot? Do you use degrading language in reference to women? Do you support programming that portrays women in a negative light? Do you believe that gender violence is only a women's issue, or that women's behaviors cause gender violence? Be honest with yourself. This is an essential first step towards change.
  • Lead by example.
      • Be a mentor, and teach others about gender-related issues. Let your treatment of women and girls serve as a model for other men and young boys! Empower men and boys to embrace a masculine identity not predicated on control, power, and dominance.
  • Listen.
      • Discuss gender inequality and gender violence issues with your peers, colleagues and classmates. Listen to what women have to say on the issue. Talk with men about their feelings, too. Take the initiative to start a dialogue.

      Don't ever have sex with another man or woman against his or her will. If someone says "No," that means they do not want to have sex. Listen to them.
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