Ottawa Community Initiatives
Some of the faces that made Man Talk such a success - Thank you everyone!
Read the final report
Lets continue to build on this momentum!
Algonquin College: National Day of Remembrance
Held in December, this event took place in order to increase awareness of Violence Against Women and to allow time for students to reflect on the tragedies women experience both locally and abroad. The event raised $220 for Interval House here in Ottawa. Above is a photo of the poster that students and community partners signed which hangs in the Rotunda B Building on Algonquin College campus. Algonquin thanks everyone for their support!
The Ottawa Sting Major Midget AA Hockey Team:
Here's the story of a dynamic group of young hockey players trying to make a difference: They began their fight to end violence against women on Friday, November 27th with an information session by Bailey Reid of "Neighbours, Friends & Families" and OCTEVAW which touched on healthy relationships, violence against women & an intro to the White Ribbon Campaign - a session which was very well received by all of the players.
This socially conscientious and thoughtful initiative really took flight when the boys had white ribbons sewn on their sweaters which they wore for their practice. The evening was even covered by CJOH! The players also wore their sweaters the following night, Saturday, November 28th in a game against the Gloucester Rangers (who agreed to wear white ribbons which were sewn on their shorts!) Posters and white ribbons for the spectators were available in the waiting area. On Monday, November 30th, the team played another game, this time on their own turf at Sandy Hill arena against the Kanata Blazers (who were also wearing White Ribbons). Close to 50 white ribbons were distributed to a mix of parents in the waiting room, and the game ended with a brief congratulatory talk by Zac Brunet about the White Ribbon Campaign. The boys continued to wear their sweaters throughout the week - no doubt sparking tons of healthily dialogue!
This amazing initiative had many active participants including seasoned Coach Steve Besharah, a roster of young assistant coaches, engaged parents and amazing hockey players.
Congratulations to all players, coaches, parents & supporters for an amazing, grassroots campaign aimed at ending violence against women and for setting such a positive and inspiring example for the Ottawa community!
Carleton University's Initiative
Our Role Men's Conference- looking at men's roles in ending violence against women.
Family Services à la famille Ottawa's Initiative:
Professional development seminars dedicated to the reflection and discussion of engaging men have been created to reflect on Man Talk and move forward with the development of effective community programming. Guest presenters for the seminars include representatives from Father's Programming & New Directions. The meeting will also include an information table dedicated to the White Ribbon Campaign.
Western Ottawa Community Resource Center's Initiative:
They have decided to add "Engaging Men and Boys" to their set agenda for VAW meetings and have also committed to working with the White Ribbon Campaign!
Canadian Community Innitiatives
Stitsville EMC
University of Lethbridge Initiative
A group of young men at the University of Lethbridge pledged to stop violence against women as the fist every White Ribbon Campaign was launched Monday. Campaign organizers also hope to draw attention to the levels of violence against women in Canada. Nearly a third of all female students have been victims of unwanted sexual contact at their school over the past two years and 18 per cent of those have been sexually assaulted....
Respect Women Website
Male violence against women is a serious issue in our homes, communities and workplaces, yet there is still a lack of acknowledgment and ownership of this crime. The subject is still very much taboo and although the severity of it in this province is alarming, to say the least, it is still very much a silent issue.
Engaging Men & Boys in Family Violence Prevention, NCFV E-Bulletin
This edition of the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence (NCFV) E-bulletin focuses on engaging men and boys in the prevention of family violence. We highlight current efforts in communities across Canada and around the world working to involve men
The Clothesline Project 2010 display at Ottawa Police headquarters on 474 Catherine St.
Canadian Council on Social Development
Vis-à-Vis - Canada's national newsletter on family violence featured a discussion about men being part of the solution in ending violence against women & children.
Bravo! Keep the Initiatives Coming!
Man Talk
Finding postive ways to engage men to end violence against women
community initiatives
white ribbon campaign
resources & links
Reports
Hidden From Sight
This report arose from a need to obtain a more global understanding of the current state of violence against women (woman abuse and sexual violence) in Ottawa.
May 2009
Launch
