About the Programs

MY STRENGTH NEWS:

Pacific Grove High School (PGHS)

Marina High School (Marina HS)

Everett Alvarez High School (EAHS)

The My Strength Campaign was developed by Men Can Stop Rape, a nonprofit organization in Washington DC. The campaign revolves around the theme "My Strength is Not for Hurting" and encourages young men to take action to end sexual violence and to build healthy relationships.

Through the use of workshops and presentations utilizing tools such as posters, PSAs, banners, and other merchandise, the My Strength campaign focuses on the positive aspects of strength and masculinity. With funding from the California Department of Health and Human Services, our statewide coalition, the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA), developed a partnership with Men Can Stop Rape to bring the campaign to California where it is being successfully implemented by many rape crisis centers throughout the state.

At the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center, we provide the MY STRENGTH Campaign as extension of our existing Rape Prevention Education (RPE) Program. Targeting males between the ages of 14 and 18, the campaign is designed to raise awareness of sexual violence among youth and highlight the vital role that young men can play in fostering healthy, safe relationships.

By offering a message that is male-positive, non-violent, and that challenges traditional masculinity roles, it is our goal to build a community that promotes "strength of character" rather than strength for intimidation, force, or violence. We believe that prevention education is the first step in ending rape. With guidance and support young men can play an active role in the movement to end sexual violence.

Starting in the fall of 2005, MCRCC has experienced great success in building MY STRENGTH communities in schools throughout the Monterey Peninsula, at youth authority groups, and with athletic groups and organizations.

We feel that open discussion of the sexual assault and violence against women in a manner that is non-threatening is an appropriate way to begin changes in perception of commonly held myths surrounding relations between men and women.

The program offers a forum to discuss issues that are current, such as healthy dating relationships, personal boundaries and issues of respect. Introducing positive alternatives to the stereotypical dominant male role models presented in the media and in the community offers options at the crucial time of development from young men to adults. Preparing a tool box of skills young men can draw from, practiced in a safe environment where mistakes can be made allows for them to be more easily avoided and provides a greater likelihood that young men will stand up and speak out against sexual violence when presented with an opportunity to do so.

By creating a feeling of confidence and trust between young men and women, the goal of becoming allies in support of each other and in their communities can be achieved.

Simply put, the MyStrength message is one of respect. We CAN stop rape. Education is the first step in ending sexual violence.

For more information on the MY STRENGTH program contact Todd Crawford at (831) 373-3955 todd@mtryrapecrisis.org or Gilbert Salazar at  (831) 771-0411 Gilbert@mtryrapecrisis.org

Copyright © 2005 Men Can Stop Rape, Inc. † Photography by Lotte Hansen

Posters and radio ads are available at www.MyStrength.org.

Visit the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) at www.calcasa.org

PACIFIC GROVE HIGH SCHOOL NEWS (PGHS)

In 2006 Pacific Grove High School was the first school in the county to embrace the opportunity to form a MyStrength Club on their campus. Beginning with presentations to the football team during pre-season two-a-day workouts, the ground work was laid for a sustained MyStrength Club.

PGHS is now enjoying its third year of the MyStrength Club at its campus. The club boasts more than thirty graduates. Membership has been steady and enthusiastic, with a nearly 100% return rate of previous year’s members.

In 2008, eleven seniors went on to college and were replaced by a young diverse group of boys allowing the group to not miss a beat. The young men involve themselves immediately in the classroom, on their campus, and in the community offering their energy to support awareness and fundraising efforts. Each year members march in the ‘Take Back the Night’ demonstration, speak at outreach events, and help staff MCRCC’s annual ‘Together with Love’ 10k Run/walk. We could not have asked for a better start to this exciting program.

Additionally, Pacific Grove High’s MyStrength Club provided us the opportunity to attempt the first running of the “MyStrength Legacy” group. MyStrength Club members who have graduated from high school were invited to reunite and speak of their experiences in college and in their interactions after school. What resulted was a telling of the challenges, realizations, and trials that were faced by these young men and how the MyStrength Program has helped them. A brief video of their discussion has provided a valuable tool for the current club members by showing a perspective beyond that of the staff/facilitators.

Our thanks go out to the “Ex” members that took time out of their schedules to meet once again.

PG HIGH SCHOOL NEWS.pdf

MARINA HIGH SCHOOL NEWS (Marina HS)

Marina High School is second program in what we hope will be a long list of schools with active MyStrength Clubs. Formed in 2007, Marina HS started with over 25 members, which accounted for more than 10% of the student population on campus. This was a terrific way to send a strong message that a new club has formed and that it is here to stay.

Newly formed Marina High School, in just its second year of existence, allowed for the growth of the MyStrength Club to parallel that of the campus. The positive message of the MyStrength campaign was carried by these young guys who take real ownership of “their school”.

Club members feel the changes of their school very acutely from year to year as new kids arrive. Maintaining a “small school feel” even after the student body grows to match that of other area high school campuses is of paramount importance to MyStrength members from Marina High. Reaching out to the new, younger ex-middle school and transfer student, demanding a higher standard of behavior guided by the principle of respect taught in the MyStrength Club, is of utmost importance to this group. They are the ambassadors for change on their campus and in the community that surround them.

This year membership has increased to nearly thirty, which is twice the limit set forth by the program’s guidelines. At first daunting, the number or guys has not been a problem to manage. In fact, the group’s size offers the opportunity for a bold and powerful statement to be made from Marina High School that could not be made by a smaller bunch. When they march, speak, and participate in the community, their presence and energy is felt

MARINA HIGH SCHOOL NEWS.pdf

The club has not officially started but the principal is very optimistic about having the MyStrength Club at his school and has given his full support. The football coach is also enthusiastic allowing the club sessions to take place in his classroom. Facilitators introduced the MyStrength Club to the students by attending their club rush day, allowing us to explain what the club is all about. Many students support the club and are in favor of having it on their campus.

After the club rush day a social event was held and was open to anyone interested in becoming a member, or who simply wanted to know a little more about the club.

To date, 18 guys liked the concept of the MyStrength Club and are signed up to be members. We are hoping the club at Alvarez will pave the way for other schools in the area to consider having a MyStrength Club at their campus.

EVERETT ALVAREZ HIGH SCHOOL NEWS.pdf

For more information on the My Strength
contact Todd Crawford at (831) 373-3955
todd@mtryrapecrisis.org
or
Gilbert Salazar at  (831) 771-0411 
Gilbert@mtryrapecrisis.org

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