![The SVRC's office welcome space is full of comfy chairs and colourful pillows, helpful pamphlets. A selection of teas are lined up beside a kettle. There is red rope art displayed on the wall. It is comfortable and inviting.](https://news.umanitoba.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SVRC-welcome-space-1200x900.jpeg)
Men In Dialogue Program Launched by UM’s Sexual Violence Resource Centre
Application deadline is Tuesday, August 27 at midnight
The Sexual Violence Resource Centre (SVRC) is pleased to announce they are now accepting applications to participate in their new Men in Dialogue (MinD) program. MinD is a new peer program, designed to engage male students in sexual violence prevention initiatives. A diverse group of 8-12 male students will meet regularly during the academic year, engaging in topics such as consent, positive masculinity and accountability, while supporting each other through experienced challenges in living these values in a campus environment.
“The SVRC offers a number of programs, workshops and education opportunities throughout the year, through these interactions we have heard from male students about their struggles in creating positive campus change,” says Emily Livingston, Education and Programs Office at the SVRC. “Our goal with this pilot project is to engage men in our community, collaborating with and supporting them on doing the work they see needs to be done in creating a more healthy and equitable campus.”
In addition to engaging and supporting each other in their personal growth, group members will envision, design and carry out a number of outreach activities during the winter semester with the goal of engaging male students in sexual violence prevention initiatives. Participants will receive an honoraria for their involvement with the program.
“The group will provide the space for male students to recognize their role in creating a safer University environment while also allowing folks to explore some of their pre-conceived notions of what it means to be a man in today’s world,” says José Diaz, SVRC Trauma Specialist. ”We want to provide support to participants who have the desire to create campus change, who are committed to building a safer campus for everybody.”
Information on applying for a spot in this program is available on UMconnect or by emailing sveducation@umanitoba.ca. Deadline for applications is Tuesday, August 27 at midnight. Students who self-declare as men and/or gender non-binary are encouraged to apply.