How to Help Men Organize Against Sexism and Institutional Stereotypes

While sexism is a problem perpetuated by both males and females, women often are more involved in the process of addressing the problem, then are men. Additionally, it is clear that social and cultural influences can either esculate, or alleviate the intensity of the problem. The need for more male involvement in current efforts to bring an end to stereotyping and sexism is clear, when examining the significance of both positive and negative social pressures. Men speaking to men regarding the subject is a more effective form of addressing the problem, than women speaking to men.

Instructions

1. Hold a rally for men in your area. Many men have been negatively impacted by male perpetrated sexism. When sexism affects a sister, mother, daughter, or friend, many men are also indirectly affected. These men are often more willing to speak out against the problem. Bring together men who have been indirectly affected by sexism, and ask them to speak to other men on the issue.

2. Start a campaign for men only. Set aside one week in which you can ask men to speak to other men about the problem of sexism. Encourage them to speak out at home, work, school, or in the community. Ask the men involved to wear a badge, lapel pin or button indicating their support of efforts to eliminate sexism.

3. Focus on positive male role models in the community. Hand out awards to show appreciation for those men who have taken steps to help end sexism, those who have spoken out against the problem, or those who simply model a non-sexist attitude.

4. Partner up with existing orgizations such as the blue ribbon campaign, or "Men Can Stop Rape." Order literature specifically geared towards men, and written from a male perspective.

5. Host a "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" event in your community. Challenge men to walk in women's shoes, in order to raise awareness about the problem of sexism in our society.