Dear Friends,
For four years now, men across Massachusetts have done something that has never been done before. A very diverse group of hundreds of men gathered at the State House and 10’s of thousands of men and boys across the Commonwealth participated in local events to make a public declaration of their commitment to hold each other accountable for the prevalence and pervasiveness of sexual assault and domestic violence. By standing united in this cause, they made a difference.
What kind of difference? Thanks to the tremendous participation in the 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 White Ribbon Day Campaigns, we are changing the dialogue in relationships, households and communities everywhere. We are excited by the possibilities that will come from this year’s campaign!
In preparing for the 6th Annual White Ribbon Day in Massachusetts,
Jane Doe Inc. has continued to engage in critical questions about
the foundation of our movement in Massachusetts and how this campaign
both reflects our progress and challenges our assumptions.
We have again chosen to focus this year’s WRD Campaign on men’s
violence against women in a human rights framework. By doing so,
we encourage identification and examination of the causes of and
contributing factors to violence against women. We also draw attention
to a continuum of violence across the world that targets women and
girls. Simultaneously, we hope to deepen our understanding of how
racism, heterosexism and homophobia, and the other isms manifest
and contribute to sexual assault and domestic violence where victims
are women and girls and where victims are people of color, GLBTQ
victims, elder victims, victims with disabilities and male victims.
This campaign is intended to welcome everyone - of all ages, races, ethnicities, professions, sexual orientations, gender identities and backgrounds – who share our commitment to finding solutions to ending violence against women.
We hope you will join this campaign. Sign the pledge. Become an Ambassador. Join as a White Ribbon Day Affiliate. Make a donation. Get involved. Make a difference.
Wishing you and yours peace, dignity and justice in the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Mary R. Lauby
Executive Director
