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Men Stopping Violence Allies
What is a Men Stopping Violence Ally?
MSV Allies are men who add their voice to the vision of safer communities for women and girls. Allies influence the community, through business contacts, social networks, faith communities, academic institutions, and civic organizations.
Allies attend the True Ally Breakfast, hosted by co-chairs George McKerrow and Harold Dawson, Jr. The breakfast is held bi-monthly (odd numbered months) on the second Wednesday of the month. Originally scheduled twice a year, the frequency was increased at the request of men attending the breakfast, who also formed a steering committee to guide the growth of this important initiative.
At the breakfast, committee members are provided with an opportunity to network and an education that will help them spread the message of safety and respect for women and girls. One Ally describes the breakfast as, “a place where we can, with no judgment, get together with other men and discuss how to have relationships that empower women.”
Another Ally, Bill Bertram, said this about the Breakfast, "When George invited me to the breakfast, I had my reservations as to what exactly “Men Stopping Violence” was about. As an attorney, I think of violence as battering, physical violence against women. What did that have to do with me? I thought I was aware but didn’t realize the different levels and types of violence that can occur outside the realm of physical violence. It ranges from verbal to physical abuse. Men Stopping Violence creates awareness for me as a father to help my daughters recognize behaviors that are not acceptable. Now I have twin sons, seven months old, and am also learning things to pass on to them. Men Stopping Violence has been an eye-opening program for me to develop myself as a more understanding spouse and father."
For more information about becoming a Men Stopping Violence Ally, contact Shelley@menstoppingviolence.org.
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One Ally describes the breakfast as, “a place where we can, with no judgment, get together with other men and discuss how to have relationships that empower women.”
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