Stand Up Guys: Working to End Violence Against Women

This needs to be said.
Before there were any Stand-up Guys, there were Stand-up Women. And they proved to anyone with an open mind that courage and determination are the traits of great people, not just great men.

Stand-up Guys everywhere salute these women for their leadership, world-changing accomplishments, and undying commitment to the cause of gender equality and social justice.

They put their shoulders to the mountain.

And the mountain moved.

Check out our Advisory Board here and find out how you can become involved in Stand Up Guys.

Stand Up Guys is about raising awareness and engaging “well intentioned” and “well meaning” men and women in the process of standing up and speaking out about men’s violence against women and children. It is our belief that while the vast majority of men are well intentioned and non-violent, the majority of perpetrators of sexual assault, domestic violence and child molestation are in fact men. For too long the effort to stop this abuse has been primarily led by women.

It is time for men to understand that this is not a “women’s issue”, but it is equally a man’s issue and, most clearly, a community issue. The time is now for men to begin to take an active part in Standing Up and Speaking Out, so that we can together, break the male silence that quietly and subtly colludes with male offenders, the “bad guys”. Stand Up Guys need to send the message that it is NOT ACCEPTABLE to abuse, rape, hit, choke, assault, objectify, stalk, or harass women and/or children. The silence of men can be interpreted as permission and we have to do something to stop that.

Please join the movement to engage well intended, non-abusing men in the effort to end the insidious epidemic of violence against women and children in our Community.

In order to get the word out we are looking for Stand Up Guys willing to get involved in any or all of the following activities:

• Identify yourself as a “Stand Up Guy” - Sign the Stand Up Guys Pledge!
• Participate in an “awareness” activity
• Be willing to speak out about violence against women and children
• Become a volunteer, educator or trainer
• Help plan or facilitate a community workshop or training
• Share a story, testimonial or write a letter to the Editor
• Get involved on our Board Of Directors
• Donate money or help organize a fundraising event
• Provide in-kind donations such as free products, professional services, or items like office equipment and supplies or gift cards.

Stand Up Guy’s was Co-Founded in Rochester, NY in 2005 by Pete Navratil and Jack Brennick. We are a partner of the Domestic Violence Consortium and a 501(c)3 Not-For Profit Organization. Local leaders who have signed our Pledge include: Mayor Robert Duffy, Chief of Police David Moore, District Attorney Mike Green, Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn, Dr. William Destler, President of RIT.

Board of Directors: Rick Walther, President ~ Karen Messina, Vice President/Secretary
Milt Kotin, Treasurer ~ Annie Lane, Program Director