The Men’s Action Network kicked off its first meeting with an indoor/outdoor BBQ Thursday night.
The goal of the meeting was to gather young men interested in the program.
The Men’s Action Network is a group of men who are working to end sexual and relationship violence at the University of Wyoming. Its mission is to raise awareness and educate UW students in order help prevent incidents.
“Where I’m from, rape culture is everywhere. Then I come to America thinking things are different and they’re not,” UW freshman Vikram Singh said.
Violence and abuse are present all over the world. According to the 2011 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, one out of five women and one in 71 men in United States will be targets of sexual assault during their lifetimes.
Living in a society where violence is so prevalent, most people know someone who has been a victim of such crimes before. The members of Men’s Action Network are committed to educating themselves and others to make non-violent choices in their own relationships.
Jules Arthur, STOP Violence Program Coordinator and Men’s Action Network Advisor, clarified, “Because MAN is new to campus, the opportunities are endless for the events the group will put on.”
Some ideas done in prior years through the STOP Violence Program specifically include last week’s Slut Walk, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes and Take Back the Night. Many of these events help men better understand women’s situations in fun and interactive ways.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is an event where men put on high heels and literally walk, or sometimes run, a mile.
Men’s Action Network is not yet a Recognized Student Organization. The goal, though, is for it to become recognized before the end of 2012.
Many members feel strongly about ending violence.
“Now I realize, I can’t wait for everything to happen on its own. If I can make a change, I should work towards that. That’s why I’m here,” Singh said.
Future meeting times have yet to be announced, but they will be held in the Multicultural Resource Center. Students interested in joining can email Jules Arthur at jarthur2@uwyo.edu.
