About the Program

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 through the use of workshops and presentations utilizing tools such as posters, PSAs, banners, and other merchandise. 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. The implementation of the My Strength program is a process that occurs in three stages. The stages are as follows:

First stage: Presentation of materials in high schools(hanging posters, window clings, etc.).

Second stage: Classroom presentations (offering one-on-one follow ups upon request).

Third stage: Forming clubs/groups to further propel the message (Example: student lead associated student body (ASB) groups, student body elect, and school leadership groups).

The broad appeal of this message is easily adapted to any environmentís unique necessities and social dynamics. We feel that open discussion of rape and violence against women in a manner that is non-threatening, absent of scare tactics (not consequence based), and that acknowledges that most men do not rape, is an appropriate way to begin changes in perception of commonly held myths surrounding relations between men and women. Highlighting issues by associating them with situations that are current, such as dating, first kisses, and bullying or fighting, we offer scenarios that young minds can easily project themselves into and identify with. Developing an awareness of these issues builds confidence in forming positive relationships in these vitally important early stages of social experimentation. Knowing where mistakes can be made allows for them to be more easily avoided. 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. We CAN stop rape. Education is the first step in ending sexual violence.

For more information on the My Strength, contact Todd Crawford at (831) 375-3955 or email him at: todd@mtryrapecrisis.org

Copyright © 2005 Men Can Stop Rape, Inc. †Photography by Lotte Hansen
Posters and radio ads are available at www.MyStrength.org.

Links:
www.MyStrength.org
www.MiFuerza.org
www.calcasa.org
www.mencanstoprape.org

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