Calling on Men to Co-Create a Happier, Healthier America
Contributed by Joshua S. Medina
Becoming a father to a daughter was a profound turning point in my life, where I not only became painfully aware of societal issues through a different perspective, but also of my own contributions to them. Like many parents, I felt a newfound responsibility to create a better world for my child but grappled with the question of how to do so.
It dawned on me that building a better community starts with personal growth. I needed to grow internally before I could affect change externally. Support and inspiration from my partner, family, friends, and community were instrumental in starting my journey towards becoming a better person, man, friend, and partner. Starting this journey fueled my dedication to creating a safer Alaska, free from the threat of victimization, not just for my daughter, but for everyone.
While Alaska boasts natural beauty and diverse communities, it faces a pressing issue demanding collective attention: violence. Studies highlight the long-lasting impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as violence in households, which can cause toxic stress that permeates deep into adulthood. Luckily, protective factors and healing can disrupt negative outcomes; those who experience ACEs can and do thrive. While Alaska’s rates of violence are extremely high, so is our capacity to change; we can take action to prevent trauma from happening. For far too long, the weight of solving this issue has largely fallen on the shoulders of women. Now, it's time to change that.
Tony Porter, founder of ‘A Call to Men’, an organization dedicated to transforming society through healthy, respectful manhood said: “If women could end violence against women by themselves, they would have by now; violence against women won’t end until good men become part of the solution.” It is time for us, as Alaskan men, to do just that in Alaska. But how?
The Strengthen campaign offers an answer. Statistics show that while most violence is perpetuated by men, only a small percentage of men perpetuate violence. Alaskan men are already doing so much good: from starting their personal growth journeys to practicing gentle parenting. Strengthen creates a platform to highlight that good and turn inspiration into action.
First, we can harness the power of our influence, acting as mentors to young men. Most of us are already role models. We can help end violence by intentionally teaching youth in our lives about respect, managing emotions, and recognizing that rigid gender roles and stereotypes, as research has shown, causes harm by contributing to interpersonal violence.
To best do this, most of us need the chance to learn more and practice in our own lives. Strengthen provides that opportunity by inviting participation through story sharing, offering support through resources, and connecting men who want to be part of the solution by creating a space to have discussions on men’s wellness, gender roles, and healing.
Additionally, men and boys are survivors of trauma and violence, too, and need space to heal. Strengthen encourages help-seeking by acknowledging it as a sign of strength not weakness and providing a supportive space for men throughout Alaska. Strengthen is supported by organizations like the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (ANDVSA) and Alaska Children’s Trust (ACT). More specifically, ACT’s efforts to support and fund programs, like parenting classes and cultural camps for youth, encourages men to play an active role in breaking the cycles of abuse impacting Alaska’s kids, while ANDVSA and its member programs help Alaskans statewide through its advocacy and prevention programs.
Are you ready to join the movement by sharing your story or voice? Go to: www.strengthenalaska.org
Bio(s):
Joshua (he/him), like many other Alaskans, immigrated to the United States at a young age. Coming from the Philippines, the transition was stark, but Alaska quickly became his home. Growing up in the small town of Kodiak, Alaska, Joshua grew up fishing and hiking. However, Joshua’s appreciation for Alaska and its natural beauties only deepened with time. Wanting to give back to Alaska and the communities that helped raise him, Joshua’s career has been devoted to serving others. in addition to working for the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence as a prevention specialist, Joshua works as a juvenile justice counselor for the McLaughlin Youth Center, helping adjudicated youth make positive changes in their lives.
George Kosinski is an Alaska Fellow at the Alaska Children’s Trust. After growing up on the East Coast and attending college in Iowa, he’s now thrilled to live in Alaska and committed to supporting children, families, and communities across the state. George believes in the powerful role of prevention in addressing interpersonal violence and enjoys working on a team that focuses on upstream prevention.
Alaska Children's Trust is the statewide organization for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Alaska's children, youth, families and communities can thrive when they have the resources, supports, skills, and tools they need for safety and stability. Learn more about ACT: www.alaskachildrenstrust.org
With appreciation,
Joshua S. Medina