Joining Hands to Combat Gender-Based Violence
In a remarkable collaboration, White Ribbon, the United Steelworkers union (USW), and the Canadian Football League Players Association (CFLPA) have united their efforts to address a pressing societal issue—gender-based violence. This initiative, part of the upcoming Grey Cup festivities in Winnipeg, is set to pave the way for safer and more equitable workplaces and communities.
About Elevating Action Initiative
Elevating Action, launched in 2022, is a pioneering three-year initiative spearheaded by White Ribbon. The project's aim is to empower USW leaders, staff, and CFL players to conduct peer-based workshops that actively tackle gender-based violence while promoting healthy masculinity. Participants learn best practices to recognize and counteract toxic gender norms, fundamentally reshaping cultural perceptions in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
Key Goals of the Initiative
This ambitious program strives for significant cultural change by fostering respectful environments. Leaders in sports and labor are working together to encourage men to actively participate in dialogues surrounding the prevention of gender-based violence. Their engagement is aimed at instilling a strong understanding of healthy versus unhealthy masculinities.
Event Highlights and Panel Discussion
The Elevating Action event promises to be informative and impactful. Set for Thursday, the event will feature a panel discussion with distinguished speakers from the CFLPA and USW, including Executive Director David Mackie and USW District 6 Director Kevon Stewart. Moderated by Anna Rothney, the Executive Director of the Manitoba Federation of Labour, the panel will delve into strategies for achieving meaningful change and share personal anecdotes from their journeys in the fight against gender-based violence.
Engagement and Knowledge Sharing
Attendees will have the opportunity to partake in an interactive session lasting 45 minutes, followed by a Q&A segment. The engagement aims to equip participants with newfound knowledge and practical skills to tackle gender-based violence effectively.
Recent Impact and Survey Insights
Feedback from recent participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Surveys reveal that:
- All respondents reported improved knowledge and skills to combat gender-based violence.
- All felt better equipped to identify healthy versus unhealthy expressions of masculinity.
- Every participant committed to rejecting any form of gender-based violence, pledging to never remain silent.
Encouraging Media Participation
This event welcomes media representatives and the public alike, emphasizing the necessity of broad engagement in these discussions. Media presence will allow for firsthand insights from union leaders, professional athletes, and White Ribbon regarding their joint efforts to effect sustainable cultural shifts.
Contact Information for Further Inquiries
For additional details, attendees can reach out to the following contacts:
CFLPA: Brendan Heisler at (647) 453-4848 or b.heisler@cflpa.com
White Ribbon: David Garzon at 416-920-6684 x17 or dgarzon@whiteribbon.ca
USW Communications: Shannon Devine at (cell) 416-938-4402 or sdevine@usw.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Elevating Action initiative?
Elevating Action is a collaborative project aiming to prevent gender-based violence through leadership and workshops led by USW and CFL players.
When is the event taking place?
The event is scheduled for Thursday, with doors opening at 9:00 a.m. and the panel discussion starting at 9:30 a.m. CT.
Who are the speakers for the event?
Panelists include David Mackie from CFLPA and Mark Morgan from USW, among others.
How can attendees benefit from the event?
Attendees will gain valuable insights and skills to effectively address gender-based violence in their communities.
Is the public invited to the event?
Yes, the event is open to the public and encourages community participation.
