Come join us for The “Ignore No More – Run For Respect” in support of the White Ribbon campaign! This 3K and 10K Trail run is happening October 8, 2017 in Goldbar Park at 9am. Our goal is to raise awareness and prompt discussion around mens’ roles in the prevention of Gender Based Violence (GBV). Research has shown the importance of engaging men and boys in the efforts to eliminate GBV. We are calling on athletes at all levels, recreational, high school or university to help raise the level of discussion on an issue that tends to be largely ignored in the community. This is an opportunity for good men to show their support and for women to see that good men do exist. We want those that have suffered from GBV on any level to know that they are not alone. That we do care and that there is help. Our objective is to provide a fun, family friendly atmosphere to do this by encouraging our youth sports teams to participate. This will open the opportunity for a discussion with our young men about what respect means. It will prompt discussion around healthy masculinity in a safe and positive environment.
” Sports and recreation are a gathering point for men and boys, and a space where masculine norms are formed and enforced (Minerson et al., 2011). Given the influence of athletes and coaches on men and boys, these norms can be far-reaching in the construction of masculinity. Research and practice literature make connections between sports, violence, sexual assault myths and violence perpetration”
~ Engaging Men and Boys in Domestic Violence Prevention: Opportunities and Promising Approaches
Run Origin
On October 2, 2015 athlete and utlramarathon runner, Mike Cameron lost his girlfriend, Colleen Lois Sillito in a cowardly act of domestic violence. Colleen was the victim of a murder/suicide by an ex-boyfriend Paul Jacob. Mike vowed to not let her story end there on her driveway. Mike has been working in a variety of different areas to help raise awareness and prevent GBV. This run is simply the natural evolution of his passion for running and his desire to make a difference in the community. You can hear part of his story here: https://www.facebook.com/michael.cameron.315/posts/10153795863061571
White Ribbon Campaign
White Ribbon is the world’s largest movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls, promote gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity.
Starting in 1991, we asked men to wear white ribbons as a pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls. Since then the White Ribbon has spread to over 60 countries around the world.
We work to examine the root causes of gender-based violence and create a cultural shift that helps bring us to a future without violence.
Our vision is for a masculinity that embodies the best qualities of being human. We believe that men are part of the solution and part of a future that is safe and equitable for all people.
Through education, awareness-raising, outreach, technical assistance, capacity building, partnerships and creative campaigns, White Ribbon is helping create tools, strategies and models that challenge negative, outdated concepts of manhood and inspire men to understand and embrace the incredible potential they have to be a part of positive change.
External Resources
http://preventdomesticviolence.ca/research/engaging-men-and-boys-domestic-violence-prevention-opportunities-and-promising-approaches
http://preventdomesticviolence.ca/sites/default/files/research-files/Promising%20Approaches%20to%20Engage%20Men%20and%20Boys_0.pdf
whiteribbon.ca