The MAN Plan
The vision of the Men’s Anti-violence Network of Utah (MAN) is a Utah – and an America – that is completely free of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and other kinds of interpersonal violence.
To achieve that goal, MAN of Utah is working to more fully engage men in the effort to prevent violence. We will do that increasing public awareness of violence issues, engaging men in prevention efforts, and ensuring that both boys and men understand appropriate male behaviors.
MAN Objectives and Strategies
Objective 1:
MAN will grow and expand its network throughout the state, making it a force for engaging men as advocates, allies, mentors and movers for social change in preventing interpersonal violence. MAN membership will be broad and diverse, and include business, community, public and faith-based leaders. MAN members will understand violence issues, and be strong and credible voices in speaking out against all kinds of interpersonal violence. MAN will continue to partner with the Utah Domestic Violence Council (UDVC), the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault (UCASA) and other anti-violence organizations.
Strategy 1:
MAN will maintain a robust and informative website that provides information about interpersonal violence and opportunities for men to get actively involved in violence awareness and prevention.
Strategy 2:
MAN will hold regular open membership meetings where participants can learn more about violence issues from those working in the field, and where they can hear updates on MAN activities and discussion of opportunities for individual and group involvement.
Strategy 3:
MAN will participate in activities sponsored by other anti-violence organizations in Utah, including UDVC and UCASA, while encouraging its members to individually support or join those organizations.
Objective 2:
MAN will work with other organizations to create greater understanding among men of the need to create healthy relationships and manage conflict and frustration through non-violent means. MAN will not only help men address these issues in their own lives, but teach them how to positively and effectively intervene on behalf of others – both actual and potential victims and perpetrators. We will create effective partnerships with community groups, business and news media and use cost-effective communications tactics to reach our key audiences.
Strategy 1:
MAN will create and implement an ongoing public awareness program to reach key audiences around Utah with compelling anti-violence messages.
Strategy 2:
MAN will work with local sports organizations to engage athletes in modeling and speaking out about healthy relationships and appropriate male behaviors.
Strategy 3:
Trained MAN speakers will be available to address business, civic and community groups across the state about the causes, effects and prevention of interpersonal violence.
Strategy 4:
MAN members will actively participate in key anti-violence events throughout the year including Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the National Fatherhood Town Hall.
Strategy 5:
MAN will assist other anti-violence groups to raise awareness of violence issues and prevention efforts in the business community and among employee populations across Utah.
Objective 3:
MAN will facilitate effective anti-violence programs on Utah college campuses, with a special focus on those located in Salt Lake, Cache, Weber and Utah Counties. We will assist students in organizing campus awareness campaigns focused on dating and sexual violence. We will work with student government, clubs and social organizations, emphasizing year-long campaigns instead of one-event activities. Our goal is to change attitudes and behaviors about healthy relationships and conflict management among male students.
Objective 4:
MAN will develop, implement and evaluate a comprehensive educational program that will teach young males (12-18) about interpersonal violence and dispel the myths, attitudes and beliefs that condone it. Targeted organizations include junior high schools, high schools, and after-school/extracurricular organizations across Utah. Multi-session, classroom-based, peer-led discussions with messaging reminders from peers and media will be included.
Objective 5:
MAN will support changes in state and local legislation and public policy that improves protection for victims, facilitates better enforcement of laws holding abusers and perpetrators accountable, and strengthens the family unit.