The Lloydminster Interval Home Society looks to create leaders to help prevent gender-based violence in the community with “Breakfast for the Guys”.
The event, which is part of the organizations Leading Change initiative, will feature two keynote speakers providing information on how male community members can make a difference.
“[They will] talk about practical ways that they can be an active supporter or an empowered bystander around the issue of gender-based violence,” says Community Program Manager Kathryn Ford
After sparking the conversation with the first annual breakfast last year, Ford says this year’s event will build on the feedback from men in the community.
The event will highlight how Leading Change has impacted the community this year and expand on how to continue the support against violence. Ford says approximately 50 men participated in the inaugural event last year.
“We know that the majority of men are the good guys; that they don’t support violent or abusive behaviour against women and girls. They can use their unique roles to help promote change, to influence other males to act in ways that are supportive [surrounding] this issue.”
The main takeaway for men last year was how the community is impacted by domestic violence, according to Ford. She says most feedback focused on the new thought process that has occurred during the conversations at the breakfast.
“Talking about gender-based violence isn’t a one-time conversation. We want to continue that conversation. We want to update the men that were with us last year, but also to bring it back to the forefront with them, reminding them of the positive things they are doing.”
The breakfast will take place on November 5th from 7 am to 9 am. Seating is limited so people interested in attending can contact the Interval Home.