Guiding Principles
Like any purpose-driven organization, our approach, practices, and processes are guided by core principles of equity.
- Identifying the roots of violence and discrimination against women and girls
Men’s violence and discrimination against women and girls is rooted in a history of male domination that has deeply influenced the definition of manhood in our culture. This definition of manhood has three primary aspects that promote and support a culture of violence and discrimination against women and girls. It teaches that women are the property of men, sexual objects, and have less value than men. A Call to Men views these three components as an equation that equals violence against women and girls. - Elevating men’s work
Preventing domestic, sexual, and all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls is primarily the responsibility of men. This includes teaching and promoting healthy concepts of manhood to each other, our sons, and other boys. - Addressing all forms of violence and discrimination
We cannot focus only on one form of violence and discrimination against women and girls. All forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls are interwoven. We will not end one form of violence without working to end them all. - Centering the voices of women
While men are primarily and ultimately responsible for ending men’s violence, this cannot be done without adhering to the voices, leadership, and experiences of women. When working to end any form of abuse you must be accountable to those experiencing the abuse. - Honoring the intersections of oppression
We have to be purposeful and comprehensive in our work, understanding that many women and communities experience multiple forms of oppression. Without this understanding, our work will be limited and “mainstream focused.” This approach is required if our work is to end violence against ALL women. It also then requires us to work with ALL men. - Committing to grassroots, community-based efforts
Ending violence against ALL women and girls requires a collaborative effort with grassroots, culturally specific, community-based organizations. These organizations have to be part of, and in many respects, lead the process if we are to engage in any purposeful and culturally specific prevention effort. - Holding hope for men
The majority of men don’t perpetrate violence against women and girls. What they are responsible for is creating, maintaining, and benefiting from a male dominating culture that is required for the violence to exist. Once educated to these realities, we believe there is hope for men.