What is the M.E.N.'s Group?

 - The Men Encouraging Non-violence (M.E.N.) group is a collection of men from the ISU campus and the Pocatello community. The group encourages men to reflect on how their personal attitudes and larger social forces contribute to the justification of violence, including violence towards women. We feel that maintaining healthy relationships is an important aspect of ending violence. The M.E.N.' s group believes that all relationships should be founded on mutual respect. The victims of domestic, dating, and sexual violence and stalking include mothers, wives, girlfriends, sisters, nieces, and friends. Helping to spread the word about how to maintain a healthy relationship benefits ourselves.

 - The group's aims are to discuss aspects of men's lives that contribute to, perpetuate and reward men's violence and to design ways to counter these ways.

- Issues that concern us include defining masculinity, maintaining healthy relationships, and addressing the culture of male violence, including violence against women.

- Group members are involved in any or all of these activities: giving educational presentations, planning events, and hosting group discussions.

- The Group encourages men to reflect on how their personal attitudes and larger social forces contribute to the justification of violence, including violence against women.

 Maintaining Healthy Relationships

History

  -The group began in 2003 by the Director of the Anderson Center, the coordinator of Project Hope Advocacy Program, and four interested men.  The group was awarded a grant from the Department of Health and Human Welfare in the Fall of 2003, which enabled them to hire a part time graduate assistant/coordinator.  Since the group hired the coordinator they have been able to be visible around campus and to execute many different activities.  The group just received a second grant for the next academic school year and is looking forward to doing bigger and better awareness activities, programs, and presentations around campus and in the Pocatello community. 

 What Can Men Do?

 - Creating a non-violent future requires that we teach children appropriate behaviors and attitudes. First, make sure that boys know from a young age that "hands are not for hitting". Teach them how to deal with anger without using violence. Walking away, talking it out, and taking a time-out can be effective methods to help defuse anger.

- Children seldom bring up the issue of violence. Spend time with them; if the music, movies, or televisions shows they are watching and listening to depict women in a derogatory way, explain to them what your opinion is, and reinforce your message frequently.

- Be sure to practice what you preach.

- Behave towards women and girls the way you expect other men to (www.endabuse.org).

Programs

 - White Ribbon Campaign:  During the second week in February, the M.E.N.’s group invites men on campus and in the community to take a pledge to become part of the solution to end violence against women.  This campaign first began in 1991 when a group of concerned men launched an awareness campaign on the issue of men’s violence toward women in response to the December 6, 1989 murdering of 14 women at the University in Montreal, Canada.  Wearing the white ribbon is a male’s pledge “never to commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women.”  Today, the campaign is spread over Canada and in the United States, Russia, Spain, Mexico, Australia, and Norway. 

- Hands Are Not for Hitting: The M.E.N.’s group presents this fun-filled activity to children on the ISU campus and in the Pocatello community.  We understand the importance of influencing children at a young age to lead a life free of violence.  This children’s book is aimed at teaching children safe ways to deal with anger and what to do if someone hurts you.  In addition, the book identifies good, healthy ways to use your hands (i.e., shaking someone hand, giving a high-five, or giving someone a pat on the back).  When the book is finished each child gets to dip their hands in paint and stamp the on a certificate to take home. 

-Monthly Interactive Discussions: Once a month the M.E.N.’s Group hosts an evening interactive discussion and presentation hour in the Anderson Center Library (Graveley Hall North, Rm 112).  These discussions are open to all men who wish to learn more about ending violence.  This is a safe and welcoming environment for men to come share and discuss with other men from a variety of backgrounds who all have the same desire to end violence.

-Monthly Book Discussions:  Each month the M.E.N.’s group chooses a thought-provoking chapter or article in which they discuss monthly as a group.  These book discussions are open to all men interested.  If you have a book chapter or article you wish to be considered for the discussions, please let us know.   If you would like to become a part of this monthly discussion group, please contact the M.E.N.’s group at 282-6061 for more information. 

-RAD class for men:The Anderson Center and the Men Encouraging Non-Violence has a one credit class titled Rape Aggression Defense Class-Men's Section.  This is an opportunity for men to learn about gender violence in society and its impact on both men and women.  Topics to be discussed include: What Makes a Man?; Dating/Domestic Violence; Sexual Assault; Gender Violence in Pop Culture; and Stalking. If you are interested in becoming part of the solution to ending violence on campus and in the community, we encourage you to take this introductory course. 

This course is held during the last 8 weeks of class (Oct 18-Dec 6) from 1-3:30 on Mondays and is only ONE credit.  The course is HE 160 section 04 and the index # is 110388.  If you would like more information on this class please contact 282-6061 or emailing mensgrp@isu.edu  

-Volunteer and Internship Opportunities: Help us to build a core community of men who are visible models on campus and in the community for creating a world without violence by volunteering with the M.E.N.’s group.  We offer many great opportunities for men of all ages to volunteer and help with our cause.  The M.E.N.’s group is open to all male student, staff, or faculty from ISU and any interested male from the Pocatello community.

-Internship: The M.E.N.’s group offers a 3-credit internship possibility.  The intern will serve in an advisory capacity to the staff at the Anderson Center, including the Center Director and the Men Encouraging Non-Violence (M.E.N.’s) Group Coordinator, to help develop new gender-related programming.  These programs will be responsive to the needs of the ISU community and in keeping with the Center’s mission.  Not forgetting the fun and energetic atmosphere the Anderson Center depicts.