NAMEN Announcements

Understanding Boys' Radicalization - Recording and Resources

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 23:58:55 GMT

The recording and resources from our recent presentation are now available.

"Understanding Boys' Radicalization and the Manosphere"
Held on Wednesday, April 23rd 2025

Visits Here

Recent NAMEN Newsletters

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 23:44:27 GMT

NAMEN is proud to offer a regular newsletter for its members.

Here is a list of our recent editions:

Year 2025

3. 2025-April-NAMEN-Newsletter.pdf

2. 2025-March-NAMEN-Newsletter.pdf

1. 2025-February-NAMEN-Newsletter.pdf

A Message to Members

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 23:16:03 GMT

Dear Members,

In recent years, and particularly in the past few weeks, we have watched as the progress we’ve advocated for—the vision of more just, equitable world—has been met with mounting resistance. Although it may look different in Canada than in the U.S., the backlash against gender equality is real, and it is relentless. But we are here to say: we see it, we reject it, and we will not stand by in silence.

The North American Men Engage Network (NAMEN) is back. We are awake. And we are ready to advocate harder than ever.

We know that the work of engaging men and boys in gender justice has never been more critical. And we know that this backlash is not affecting everyone equally—it is hitting hardest at the margins, deepening inequities, and targeting the most vulnerable among us. The communities that have long been fighting for justice—women, LGBTQI+ people, Black and Indigenous communities, people of color, and all those pushing for an inclusive, equitable future—are facing unprecedented attacks. We refuse to let this moment pass without action.

No single person or organization can meet these challenges alone. Now, more than ever, we must come together, strengthen our collective voice, and take bold action.

This is not just about defending what we’ve built—it’s about advancing a movement that refuses to be pushed back. An unprecedented backlash demands an unprecedented response.

In the coming weeks and months, NAMEN will be reaching out to re-engage and reinvigorate our community. We will create spaces to connect, share strategies, and mobilize. And we need you. Your voice, your expertise, and your commitment are essential to this fight.

We will not be silenced. We will not be deterred. We will stand together.

Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to engage, collaborate, and take action. Thank you for your continued commitment to the work and we are excited for the journey ahead with you.

In Solidarity

The NAMEN Board of Directors

MERGE Receives Grant funding for Spanish Adaptation

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:30:42 GMT

MERGE for Equality Awarded $5,000 Grant from The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation

Boston, MA – October, 18 2023 – MERGE for Equality, a program of The North American MenEngage Network (NAMEN), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting gender equality, is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a generous grant of $5,000 from The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation. These funds will be instrumental in advancing the Spanish language and cultural adaptation of the MERGE Training for Early Childhood Educators, making this crucial program more accessible and inclusive.

The MERGE Training for Early Childhood Educators, Developing Healthy Boys, is a pioneering program that empowers educators to foster an equitable learning environment from the very start of a child's educational journey. By training educators to address issues related to gender, power, and socialization, the program helps create a foundation for a more just and equal society.

This grant from The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation will be used to facilitate the implementation of a cultural adaptation of the program's materials into Spanish, allowing a wider group of educators, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, to engage with and benefit from this valuable training. In addition, it will support the development of resources that are sensitive to the cultural nuances and specific needs of these communities.

"We are immensely grateful to The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation for their generous support," said Craig Norberg-Bohm, Operations Manager at MERGE for Equality. "This grant will enable us to expand our reach and impact, ensuring that our training reaches a more diverse group of educators and, by extension, the children under their care."

The grant aligns perfectly with the core mission of NAMEN, which is committed to addressing issues of gender and equality across various demographics. By making the MERGE Training for Early Childhood Educators available in Spanish and culturally adapted, the organization takes a significant step towards fostering equitable environments and values from an early age.

The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation has a longstanding commitment to supporting initiatives that promote education, health, and wellness in the community. Their partnership with MERGE for Equality underscores their dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of children and educators in the region.

About MERGE for Equality:

MERGE for Equality is a non-profit organization that advocates for gender equality through transformative education and training programs. By working with schools, organizations, and communities, MERGE for Equality seeks to create a more equitable world by improving the understanding of boys, where every individual can thrive.

For more information, visit www.mergeforequality.org

About The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation:

The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation is a philanthropic organization committed to improving the quality of life for residents in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts. They support initiatives in the areas of education, health, and wellness to strengthen communities and create a brighter future.

For more information, visit www.davisfdn.org.

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For media inquiries, please contact Craig Norberg-Bohm at 413-586-3734

or craig@mergeforequality.org.

NAMEN Announces MEET-UP Spring Series

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 18:46:26 GMT

NAMEN ANNOUNCES MEET-UP SPRING SERIES

Thursdays, 1pm-3pm ET

March 23 - Celebrating the MenEngage Code of Conduct
How we hold ourselves to high standards
MEMBERS ONLY

May 25 - Engaging Men in the Calls for Justice (Canada): Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, Transgender and Gender-diverse people

Join our Canadian partners share their experience and vision for a future with zero male violence against women

REGISTER HERE: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

June 8 - Deeds Driven Dads - Supporting Nurturing Fathers Curriculum, where we lift up Male Caregivers as part of the solution to gender equality and safe families.

REGISTRATION OPENS SOON: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Watch our website for registration.

Join us this Spring!!

NAMEN offers comprehensive Fatherhood program development survey

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 17:31:19 GMT

NAMEN offers comprehensive Fatherhood program development survey.

Under the leadership of the new Interim Executive Director, and in support of the growing number of members working closely with fathers, seeking guidance in the creation of comprehensive-sustainable programming, NAMEN has created a detailed survey highlighting the service needs and curriculum design articulated by the target audience. This data collection tool is now available to NAMEN members, gathering specific information, schedule preference, outreach methodologies and engagement strategies which when compiled, will be the catalyst for comprehensive-fiscally sound program implementation.

Fatherhood Survey Tool. Available as an electronic or paper survey.

Sample Survey - PDF

NAMEN selects Interim Executive Director

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 22:44:44 GMT

Upon completion of a national search, NAMEN has selected Stevan “Coach” Lynn as the Interim Executive Director leading the organization into 2023, with a robust agenda set forth by the Board of Directors. With an extensive background as an architect in the Global Responsible Fatherhood Movement, Coach Lynn has been a catalyst in the development, implementation, monitoring and promotion of innovative, sustainable outreach initiatives, supporting fathers, father figures and future fathers across the Nation.

As the Executive Director of the International Fatherhood Advocacy and Training firm, Deeds Driven Dads Inc. Coach Lynn has worked with a myriad of community partners from multiple governmental ministries to national organizations on identifying and implementing responsible fatherhood best practices in caregiving techniques and effective parenting skills development along with groundbreaking young male mentorship initiatives addressing myths and misconceptions associated with masculinity in all its forms. In addition to Deeds Driven Dads, Coach Lynn is the creator and CEO of the Caribbean Fatherhood Coalition, a uniquely designed advocacy initiative providing technical assistance, policy development, direct service training and capacity building strategies to affiliate programs establishing therapeutic male involvement and outreach programs within their respective nations and the region from Haiti to Trinidad.

As a seasoned community development specialist working in marginal communities across the nation, Coach Lynn has provided leadership in critical areas confronting men and boys, working in collaboration with agencies from Federal Penitentiary Systems to NYC Administration for Children & Family Services, Large City Public Housing Administrations to National Family Support Coalitions, breaking new ground in the provision of in-depth participant assessment and engagement with great success. These valuable experiences were enhanced by Coach Lynn’s vision which included producing the nations #1 and only award winning television program targeting the instruction of fathers; Dare 2 Dream, A Fathers Guide to Success as well as writing and directing riveting short films via That’s My Father Production, while facilitating the hands on, interactive trainings via Coach’s Classics, The Fatherhood Emergency Response Training, Coach’s Rookie Camp and the coveted Future Fathers Club.

On the National Stage, Coach Lynn and Deeds Driven Dads have orchestrated the event “Dads Take Your Child to School Day” convening fathers and father figures within the local schools, gathering information, resources, guidance and support from the administration and community based fatherhood programs. This year's event scheduled for September 22nd, 2022 is themed “My Child’s Safety First” with focus on prevention methods, training and communications.

Dads Take Your Child to School Day PSA; The Call!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu2qT2p3PvM

Joint Statement on Access to Abortion

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 01:01:46 GMT

Men must understand that denying access to safe abortion is a form of gender-based violence and a denial of fundamental human rights, dignity and freedom

JOINT STATEMENT: Urgent response to the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States to overturn Roe vs. Wade

On 24 June 2022, the US Supreme Court has made the decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade, putting an end to 50 years of recognized constitutional right to safe abortion in the United States of America.

We, MenEngage Global Alliance and North American MenEngage Network (NAMEN) are deeply outraged about the concerted attack on rights already recognized, protected, and exercised by women, girls, trans and nonbinary people, in all their diversities and intersectionalities.

Friday’s Supreme Court deliberation in Dobbs vs. Jackson clearly illustrates the court’s biases and authoritarian views that ignore the voices and needs of women, girls, trans and nonbinary people and deny them of their fundamental rights to health, safety and bodily autonomy and privacy.

This decision will disproportionately burden Black, Latino, Indigenous, and women of color, youth, LGBTIQ individuals, women of lower-income and in informal labor, further marginalizing and directly harming them.

We call on men and boys to step up to support the fundamental human rights to bodily autonomy, dignity, and freedom for all women, girls, and individuals of diverse gender identities.

Men must understand that denying access to safe abortion is a form of gender-based violence and a denial of fundamental human rights, dignity and freedom.

Controlling reproductive choices is state-sponsored control over the bodies of women and individuals who can become pregnant.

If we speak out against all other forms of violence against women, we must speak out against this form of violence too.

The Supreme Court, the highest court of the country, has lost its fundamental integrity today.

Instead of standing by the existing rule and placing the well-being, rights, and bodily autonomy of all women, girls and nonbinary people at the center of their decision, the Supreme Court has chosen to side with their own views over those of the vast majority of the nation.

We understand this decision as part of an anti-democracy, anti-human rights, anti-bodily autonomy and anti-feminist agenda, by groups eager to roll back all rights that support gender equality, SRHR and inclusion.

We will continue to resist such attempts and to follow the leadership of feminist gender and reproductive justice organizations, leaders and movements.

We stand with all people in the United States who are determined to resist this political backlash, and will stand up and act to restore and take back the fundamental right to access basic health, safety and wellbeing services with no undue burdens or punishment from State authorities. We call on all countries to uphold the right to safe abortion, and to show leadership at this time, in protecting sexual and reproductive health and right for all.

We are encouraged by the outpour of voices and solidarity by social justice activists ready to work together. The rights of all women, girls and people who can become pregnant to self-determination, their right to bodily autonomy and to make their own health choices, are too important to be ignored.

MenEngage Alliance will continue to advocate for the protection of reproductive rights for all, and we stand in solidarity with abortion rights activists in the US and around the world.

Feminist, SRHR and LGBTIQ Voices

MenEngage Alliance Launches Strategic Plan, Updated Code of Conduct and Core Principles

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 17:52:07 GMT

NAMEN, as a regional member network of the Global MenEngage Alliance. has participated in the unveiling of the new comprehensive Strategic Plan, highlighting the MenEngage objectives through 2024.

A comprehensive compilation, this plan seeks to shape the context in which the work of transforming patriarchal masculinities and engaging men and boys for gender and social justice takes place.

To review the full Strategic Plan go to
www.menengage.org

In addition, and as part of this process over the past year, MenEngage has updated its founding agreements, for which all members are asked to re-confirm and agree. These include:

NAMEN is adopting these principles as our own and in the near future and we will be inviting all of our members to review and accept these agreements as well.

Both of these agreements are guided by the MenEngage Accountability Standards

More upadtes to follow.

NAMEN supporting Fatherhood Coast to Coast

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 17:50:03 GMT

The engagement of men and boys in the practice of gender equality, ending violence and promoting health for men, women and children has many avenues with the National Responsible Fatherhood Movement recognized as a valued alley in promoting NAMEN’s mission.

NAMEN as part of its National outreach strategy, actively participated in National Responsible Fatherhood conferences in Los Angeles, New England and New York, engaging practitioners, advocates, educators and family service personnel, while gathering information, resources and networking opportunities in support of its engagement strategy.

In addition, NAMEN has been selected to participate in the MenCare National Roundtable by Equimundo, seeking to bring together some of the leading voices in the masculinities and care space to discuss the potential for an organized network, co-creating opportunities for research, advocacy, and communities of practice and the learn from the work already in motion.

NAMEN holds Membership Meet Up Re-Dux

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 17:46:52 GMT

On June 2nd, 2022 NAMEN held its signature membership meetup initiative with fifteen attendees actively participating in the event. As the Covid pandemic has subsided, the membership meet-up re-dux was deemed critical by Board leadership, with the preliminary focus being re-introducing NAMEN and its mission to the membership while engaging members in articulating their vision, expertise and understanding of the membership meet-up and its objective.

With a myriad of issues on the horizon, this particular event highlighted a recent NAMEN policy survey conducted amongst the general membership, with NAMEN administrator Craig Norberg-Bohm facilitating the presentation. Several key areas in policy advocacy and support were discussed, critiquing the survey findings which were expansive in areas ranging from targeted policy advocacy to specialized audience outreach.

After in-depth discussions regarding the policy survey findings, the members articulated their recommendation that the survey be provided for an additional time limit, thereby engaging a more varied member population which may or may not have been adequately represented in the data. In support of this request, NAMEN has provided the link to the survey, encouraging All members to participate in the data gathering process.

NAMEN Member Policy Advocacy Survey link

The next NAMEN meet up is scheduled for September 15th, 2022 3pm.

As a component of the NAMEN membership support strategy individual or organizational meetings throughout the months of June - August are available. To book an appointment go to www.calendly/coachnamen.org

NAMEN selects Tonya Lovelace as Co-chair to the Board of Directors

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 17:39:54 GMT

NAMEN is proud to officially announce the selection of Board of Directors Co-chair Tonya Lovelace, whose expertise and commitment in the field of Domestic Violence Prevention has received both national and international recognition.

Tonya is a global intersectional leader with close to 37 years of experience as a community organizer and movement maker. She is the President and CEO of Lovelace Consulting Services, Inc. (LCSI), and independent consulting firm that provides high-level consulting, needs assessment, facilitation, coaching, technical assistance and training to individuals, organizations and systems seeking social, political, and professional transformation.

With an extensive background working in the field of nonprofit organization management assisting local, state, national, Tribal, corporate and government agencies, Tonya has become a noted specialist in reaching those on the margins of the margins, dedicating her career to ending violence against all genders and communities. In addition, Tonya has worked with prolific organizations such as the Women of Color Network Inc., a project under the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) ascending to the position of founding Chief Executive Officer while successfully leading fundraising campaigns raising over $25 million thru federal, corporate, and foundation funds.

As a public policy advocate, Tonya has participated in the National Task Force to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (NTF) since 2005 and served as the chair of the Underserved Committee for the 2013 Violence against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization, which included “sexual orientation and gender identity” as a part of the updated Underserved populations’ definition and a new $2 million grant for Outreach and Services to Underserved Populations Program, and for the 2022 VAWA Reauthorization, which increased the Underserved Populations Grant program to $6 million. Attending four White House VAWA celebrations alongside many other policy advocates, Tonya recently was the guest of President Biden during the illustrious ceremony

(Photo take by Tonya Lovelace 2022 VAWA Reauthorization Celebration)

Joint Statement: A call to all men and boys to step up for bodily autonomy of all women, girls, and people of diverse gender identities

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Fri, 06 May 2022 17:22:21 GMT

Joint Statement: Urgency for bold support to fundamental human rights and bodily autonomy of all women, girls, and people of diverse gender identities: A call to all men and boys to step up to support the fundamental human rights to bodily autonomy, dignity, and freedom for all women, girls, and individuals of diverse gender identities.

MenEngage Alliance

We, MenEngage Global Alliance and North American MenEngage Network (NAMEN) are deeply concerned about the prospect that rights already recognized, protected, and exercised by women, girls, trans and nonbinary people, in all their diversities and intersectionalities, in the United States of America might soon be revoked and denied to them. A draft opinion by the United States Supreme Court has come to light unexpectedly but is acknowledged by the Court as legitimate. If adopted, a potentially majority of the population of the country will no longer have the right to bodily autonomy and sovereignty – to make their own decisions over their own bodies and lives. It is appalling that the highest court in the country is even considering that women, girls, trans and nonbinary people may be stripped of their rights to liberty, dignity and freedom.

We express our support and solidarity to all who have expressed their outrage and continue to hope that the Supreme Court draft opinion will not move forward in its intention to do away with Roe vs. Wade, which for almost 50 years has protected a woman’s right to terminate a pregnancy. We further express our support for the decision reached by Roe vs. Wade in 1973, which put an end to unsafe abortions and saved many lives since then.

We further express our solidarity with all involved in the call for universal access to affordable, safe, and legal abortion. With ‘trigger laws’ in place in many States and with other significant undue burdens that already exist, revoking Roe vs. Wade would impact the lives of all people in the US and abroad, and as is often the case, disproportionately burden Black, Latin, Indigenous, and women of color, youth, LGBTIQ individuals, women of lower-income and in informal labor, further marginalizing and directly harming them.

We raise our voices today in supporting women’s right to safe and legal abortion. Together we reaffirm our position on supporting fundamental rights to bodily autonomy and reproductive rights for women and people who need it, and work to challenge laws and policies restricting the right and access to safe abortion and post-abortion care for everyone who needs them.

We call on all men and boys, especially men in positions of power and influence across institutions, to join us in the protection of access to safe and legal abortions. The right to privacy and the right to determine whether and when to carry a pregnancy to term and whether and when to become a parent are fundamental parts of women’s and trans and nonbinary people’s autonomy, and impact the lives and well-being of those around them. We know that for many men and boys – legal denial of the rights of women and girls and of those of diverse gender identities is appalling. Therefore, we urge them to express their outrage and to stand up for sexual and reproductive rights.

Each and every one of us can make autonomous decisions about our own bodies and lives, including decisions about pregnancy and abortion. We must challenge the norms, systems, and policies that create barriers to safe abortion and bodily autonomy.

We believe that no impediment should come between a pregnant person and their choice of whether or not to carry a pregnancy to term. Yet, many women and girls and trans and nonbinary people are currently not able to access the safe and legal abortion and the care they need globally. This decision will dramatically and dangerously impede these rights for much of the country. We recognize the disproportionate impact that will continue to fall on women of color, black, indigenous, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and nonbinary individuals, and youth communities living at these intersections and who are on the margins of the margins.

Men and boys must stand up and add their voices

At MenEngage Global Alliance and North American MenEngage Network (NAMEN),

We believe that sexual and reproductive health and rights are not only women’s and trans and nonbinary people’s issues. They are issues for everyone and impact all of us.
We commit to the critical task of centering and elevating the agency, voices, analysis, and demands of girls and women of color, black, indigenous, lesbian, gay, transgender, youth, and non-binary individuals who are at the margins of the margin to access to safe, affordable, legal abortion, and care.
We call on men and boys to add their voices and take actions to protect access to safe and legal abortion and to speak up when they see violations of the human rights of women, girls, and people of diverse gender identities taking place, including their right to reproductive healthcare.
We commit to supporting women’s and trans and nonbinary people’s fundamental human rights to bodily autonomy and reproductive rights and work on challenging laws and policies restricting the right and access to safe abortion and post-abortion care for everyone who needs them.
We call upon all men and boys, in all diversities, to work as meaningful allies in ending this long-overdue existing control of women’s and trans and nonbinary people’s sexuality and reproduction.
We commit to stand in solidarity and follow the leadership of feminist and SRHR leaders, especially Black and Indigenous, people of color and living at the intersections, in this joint national and global struggle.
We commit to continue to stand up and against any policy that limits anyone, anywhere, to make autonomous decisions about our own bodies and lives including decisions about pregnancy and abortion.

We are appalled by this recent news and we hold ourselves accountable for taking part in the change we wish to see in the world.

28 September, International Safe Abortion Day

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 22:45:54 GMT

Joint Statement:
28 September, International Safe Abortion Day

MenEngage Global Alliance and North American MenEngage Network

We, MenEngage Global Alliance and North American MenEngage Network (NAMEN), on the occasion of this 28 September 2021, International Safe Abortion Day, come together in support of all women, girls, and people who can become pregnant in their right to access safe and legal abortions and to uphold their right to bodily autonomy, sovereignty, and choice over their own bodies and lives.

On this day, we express our solidarity with all involved in the call for universal access to affordable, safe, and legal abortion. We call all men and boys, especially men in positions of power and influence across institutions, to be responsible and join women, girls, and people of diverse gender identities in actions to protect and expand access to safe and legal abortions and post-abortion care everywhere.

The ability of each and every one of us to make autonomous decisions about our own bodies and lives includes decisions about pregnancy and abortion. We must challenge the norms, systems, and policies that create barriers to safe abortion and post-abortion care, and restrict women and girls, in all their diversities, to their fundamental autonomy over themselves. We believe that no impediment should come between a pregnant person and their choice of whether or not to carry a pregnancy to term. Yet, many women and girls are currently not able to access the safe and legal abortion and care they need globally. We recognize the disproportionate impact on women of color, black, indigenous, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and nonbinary individuals, and youth communities living at these intersections and who are on the margins of the margins.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 3 out of 10 (29%) of all pregnancies, and 6 out of 10 (61%) of all unintended pregnancies, ended in an induced abortion. While abortion is a simple procedure, and safe forms of abortion are available throughout the world, of all abortions performed each year worldwide approximately 45% continue to be unsafe, posing unnecessary risks to the health and life of the pregnant person.

We believe that sexual and reproductive health and rights are not only women's issues. They are issues for everyone and impact all of us. We call on men and boys to add their voices and take actions to protect access to safe and legal abortion, to protect universal access to health, and to speak up when they see violations of the human rights of women and girls taking place, including their right to reproductive healthcare.

We are outraged that around the world women and girls continue to lack access to safe sexual and reproductive health services and abortion, particularly in countries where abortion is criminalized. We are also outraged by the systematic attempts by policymakers to revoke women’s rights in countries where abortion is legal, including most recently in the United States with Texas Law SB8, laying the foundation for dozens of states across the US to take the same action.

This is a clear attack on women’s human and SRHR rights in the US, while they have been recognized as individual rights for a very long time.We are aware that the ability to travel to other States for these services bears a disproportionate socio-economic burden on Black, Latin and Indigineous women, women of lower-income and in informal labor, who are unable to take time off or to afford the expenses incurred, further marginalizing and directly targeting them. We collectively condemn this regressive move by the State and raise our collective voices to protect the right of pregnant people to end a pregnancy, if they so wish, in privacy and with dignity.

The North American MenEngage Network (NAMEN) and MenEngage Alliance, therefore stand in solidarity with the women and abortion services and care providers in the United States and globally who have been under attack. Recent measures strive to sow fear and doubt in their rights, and intentionally create mistrust among and within the population, communities and families. Such measures are attacks on the fundamental rights and health of women and girls, and the wellbeing of communities all of which are appalling and unacceptable to us as men, boys, and supporters of women’s rights.

Supporting women’s right to safe and legal abortion is crucial in MenEngage Alliance’s activism globally. Together we take this opportunity to commit to supporting women’s fundamental rights to bodily autonomy and reproductive rights and work to challenge laws and policies restricting the right and access to safe abortion and post-abortion care for everyone who needs them. We call upon all men and boys, in all diversities, to work as meaningful allies in ending this long-overdue existing control of women’s sexuality and reproduction.

On this day, we call for the following:

Call to Action

We call on the US Congress to protect federal law for the right to abortion, for all women, girls, and people who can become pregnant. We call on lawmakers in the State of Texas to immediately repeal Texas law SB8
We call on other states to open access for women, girls, and people who can become pregnant as individuals from Texas seeking critical abortion services
We call on men and boys, in all their diversities and at all levels of society, especially men in positions of power and policymaking, to stand up and speak out alongside and in favor of the rights of all women,girls, and people with diverse identities to make the choices that are best for their bodies, their lives.

On this 28 September 2021, International Safe Abortion Day, as MenEngage Alliance and NAMEN, we commit to continue to stand up and against any policy that limits anyone, anywhere, to make autonomous decisions about our own bodies and lives including decisions about pregnancy and abortion. We commit to the critical task of centering and elevating the agency, voices, analysis, and demands of girls and women of color, black, indigenous, lesbian, gay, transgender, youth, and non-binary individuals who are at the margins of the margin to access to safe and legal abortion, and care. We together commit to stand in solidarity and follow the leadership of feminist and SRHR leaders in this joint global struggle.

PDF Download

NAMEN is Hiring!! Read all about it...

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 16:03:41 GMT

NAMEN is ready to hire a part time executive director position.

Visit here for full information:

Executive Director Job Posting

March Member Meet-Up is Postponed

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 15:49:14 GMT

NAMEN hosts a Member Meet-up every other month. For various reasons, we have needed to postpone the March session, originally scheduled for March 22nd. Please watch this space for additional news. Thanks for your participation.

NAMEN ANTI-ASIAN HATE STATEMENT

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 17:43:06 GMT

NAMEN ANTI-ASIAN HATE STATEMENT

North American Men Engage Network (NAMEN) is outraged by the senseless and unthinkable killing of eight people in Atlanta on March 16, 2021, six of whom were Asian women. We condemn this racialized misogyny and femicide and push back against Anti-Asian and Pacific Islander (API) rhetoric, hate, and violence. We recognize that paramount in this brutality is the targeting of API women at the intersections of race, class, and gender. We recognize that Anti-Asian violence has been deeply embedded and upheld throughout U.S. history and policy on all levels and that we must call out and hold accountable all those that perpetuate violence, defend or embolden violence against API individuals, and/or ignore violence against the API community. We stand in solidarity with all API communities across North America and worldwide and will continue to interrogate and fight against xenophobia and white supremacist capitalist patriarchy, and ceaseless justifications for hate violence.

NAMEN Board of Directors

Webinar Sept 24, Engaging Men & Boys to Advance Gender Equality

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 15:58:31 GMT

Announcement. NAMEN Board Member, James Arana, is a panelist on a webinar presentation with the United Nations.

You are cordially invited to attend the United Nations General Assembly Virtual Side Event
Topic: Engaging Men & Boys to Advance Gender Equality
Hosted by: Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN)
September 24, 2020
9:00AM - 11:00AM Belize Time
11:00AM - 1:00PM New York Time
via Zoom

Register in advance for this virtual event:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PK8tB-S1SwmSNJ-dxHcbgQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the virtual event.

Member Meet-Up #3 Recording is now Posted

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 15:42:43 GMT

Our most recent Member Meet-Up, held on July 23rd, is now posted.

Please visit this page to view.

Webinar and Meet-Up videos are now posted

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 01:08:38 GMT

Recordings of our two most recent programs are now posted.

Webinar: Mobilizing Dad's for Gender Equality

Member Meet up Number Two, Discussion About Men's Self-Interest

George Floyd’s killing is part of systemic racism that continues to violate and oppress people of color everyday – this has to change NOW

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 03:32:56 GMT

Joint Statement of North American MenEngage Network and MenEngage Global Alliance

We, the members of the North American MenEngage Network and MenEngage Global Alliance, stand by and add our voices to the expressions of outrage and call for justice at the killing of George Floyd, an African American man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis, the United States on Monday May 25, 2020.

This is the latest in a long line of killings of unarmed African Americans by US police officers and members of the public, including Breonna Taylor (March 13, 2020), Ahmaud Arbery (February 23, 2020), Atatiana Jefferson (October 12, 2019) to name some of the recent ones. We condemn these killings and the systemic racism that continues to violate and oppress people of color every day in the United States and around the globe. We also acknowledge and condemn that African Americans are disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of systemic racism.

MenEngage Alliance represents organizations and individuals in North America and from around the world, of diverse race, nationalities, gender and sexual identities, religious affiliations, and backgrounds, working together to advance gender justice, human rights and social justice. We recognize that the privileges of white supremacy and the privileges of male domination are deeply interconnected in the racist acts of these police officers and the systemic and institutional racism inherent in everyday lives of people, the justice system and authorities in the United States.

As people of color in MenEngage Alliance, we are angry, grieving, afraid, and emotionally exhausted by the daily challenge of navigating the systemic and institutionalized inequalities, injustices and hatred against us, and the search for spaces where we can enjoy our rights to safety, life and freedom.

As white people in MenEngage Alliance, we are horrified by the racist mindsets and actions of so many white people and the systems that privilege us at the cost of our fellow comrades with diverse skin colors and ethnicities.

Together we are outraged that the deaths of Black Americans and other people of color targeted because of their race have become shockingly routine. This must stop once and for all NOW.

As groups working for equality and justice, we will not be silent. We stand in solidarity with the ongoing work of the Black Lives Matter movement. We call for the highest levels of accountability for the individuals, police departments and judicial systems involved in Mr. Floyd’s killing, as well as numerous other Black Americans. We further demand that all police officers who resort to use of force be charged and convicted for the crimes committed, for all the cases.

We condemn the racist and incendiary statements made by the US President Donald J. Trump. We call on political, social and cultural leaders in the United States to acknowledge that this country has been built on centuries of exploitation of black and indigeneous people and boldly address the ongoing brutality of racism in this country and around the world.

Institutional and systemic racism is often present alongside and interlinked with misogyny, colonialism, capitalism, homophobia and transphobia, and many other forms and systems of hatred and oppressions. We call on our institutions to commit to sustained transformational change to root out discrimination and violence in our communities. We call on and support allies within these institutions who are speaking up, challenging institutional racism, and who are committing to long-term, sustainable change.

We commit to mobilizing our national, regional and global networks of organizers, policy makers, educators and activists to confront racism in ourselves, our organizations and our communities, and to building anti-racist communities and institutions where all people are equal and free.

We call upon everyone to stand against racism, hate and brutality in all its forms, and to work for justice, love and solidarity!

We further encourage you to read this article written by our member, Board member of NAMEN, and global leader Tonya Lovelace, Can We Breathe? The Politics of Breath in COVID-19 and the Carceral State

Statement as posted with Global MenEngage Alliance, including Spanish language version.

MERGE for Equality To Join With the North America MenEngage Network

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 02:51:13 GMT

For immediate Release

MERGE for Equality To Join With the North America MenEngage Network

Two gender equality organizations with the specific focus on masculinities and engaging men and boys are joining forces, leaders of MERGE for Equality and the North American MenEngage Network recently announced. MERGE for Equality, a Massachusetts nonprofit noted for its innovative training promoting the emotional and social development of boys, is set to become a program of the North American MenEngage Network (NAMEN), a U.S.-Canadian network of educators, advocates and activists, and regional member of the Global MenEngage Alliance.

“We are delighted for MERGE to become a program offered through NAMEN,” said Shane Joseph, Co-Chair of NAMEN’s Steering Committee. “Its core program—training early childhood educators about issues related to boys’ socialization—is completely in line with our mission - working with men and boys to achieve gender equality, end violence, and promote health for men, women and children.” James Arana, MERGE Senior Consultant, concurs, “When boys are equipped with the tools to cultivate their emotional intelligence, they thrive personally, socially and academically, and grow to become caring, engaged and accountable men.”

With the program now becoming a part of NAMEN, MERGE founder John Engel is stepping down as executive director. “I can’t think of a more fitting organization for MERGE to join than the North American MenEngage Network,” Engel said. “It has the expertise, commitment and focus to direct not just our early childhood initiative but also our children’s book campaign that promotes positive images of emotionally sensitive boys,” Engel said.

“In addition to beneficial program impacts, joining the two organizations brings administrative and financial benefits," said Craig Norberg-Bohm, NAMEN’s Administrative Coordinator. “NAMEN becomes a tax exempt nonprofit corporation and can now formally apply for funding to build its operational and programmatic capacity. Sharing administrative tasks will enable all of us to maximize resources available to focus on the shared mission - gender equality.”

As a program of NAMEN, MERGE’s early childhood initiative will continue without significant change, according to Steven Botkin, Co-Chair of NAMEN’s Steering Committee and MERGE Senior Consultant. “MERGE itself carries the legacies of the Men’s Resource Center of Western Massachusetts and Men’s Resources International,” Botkin said. “Joining MERGE and NAMEN together is the perfect next chapter in our evolution.”

For more information, contact

Craig Norberg-Bohm, MERGE Administrative Coordinator
MERGE for Equality
info@mergeforequality.org

Shane Joseph, NAMEN Co-Chair
Steven Botkin, NAMEN Co-Chair
Contact Form

-end-

Gender Belongs at Center of the Gun Debate

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 18:58:53 GMT

Check out this new Op-ED at Ms. Magazine by NAMEN Member Rob Okun

Gender Belongs at Center of the Gun Debate

NAMEN Community of Practice Recording is Available

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Thu, 17 May 2018 19:30:00 GMT

Men Supporting #MeToo - Taking Action to the Next Level

Session 1, 2 and 3 of our Community of Practice Spring Series are completed. The final session will be held June 14th.

Have a look at the recordings and resources.

Men Supporting #MeToo: Taking Action to the Next Level

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 17:16:23 GMT

A Four Part Educational Webinar Series, Hosted By the North American MenEngage Network

Men Supporting #MeToo: Taking Action to the Next Level
(click to register)

Description
Through the #MeToo movement, the voice of survivors of sexual harassment have been loud and powerful. The #MeToo movement provides an opportunity to organize and mobilize men and boys, as active agents of change. This webinar series will explore current community-based efforts to rise to this challenge and some of the lessons learned from these efforts …

Participants will come away with new concepts and concrete examples that can be employed immediately. This series will build on what the NAMEN members have already been doing to address the issues brought up by #MeToo and explore ways to strengthen this work together.

Throughout this series we will focus on strategies to take these efforts to the next level, what policy and political action can be harnessed from men and boys who support #MeToo.

In addition, participants will be invited to join a facilitated, ongoing practice community to encourage and promote these kinds of efforts and encourage networking and resource sharing

With a series of four sessions, we will cover:

What has been Men's response to #MeToo?
What are the opportunities for fostering male leadership in support of #MeToo?
What are the theoretical frameworks for promoting responsibility and accountability?
What might be successful practice to put into place for your own community?
4 weeks later come back together to share what you have tried or are in the process of implementing and learnt.

Please Join us for these engaging discussions.
Thu April 12 ; 3 – 4:30pm Community experience, how are men responding?
Thu April 26 ; 3 – 4:30pm Dialog on theories of change for men.
Thu May 10 ; 3 – 4:30pm Immediate Applications, what can we do now?
Thu June 14 ; 3 – 4:30pm Reflection on lessons learned and next steps

An ongoing discussion group will be offered.

Free of Charge for NAMEN Members;
Non-Members - $65 for the series, $25 for each session.
(Series purchases will come with an optional one year NAMEN membership)

Attendance Policy:
Preferred attendance at all four sessions.
You may register for the full series or for the individual sessions.

Needed: A “Men Against Gun Violence” Campaign - Rob Okun

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 20:49:21 GMT

Okay, guys, white guys—all guys—this is our moment to say, “Enough!”

Women's ENews

More Editorials from Rob Okun

NAMEN response to white nationalist march/violence in Charlottesville, VA

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 18:16:36 GMT

The North American MenEngage Network (NAMEN) works for justice and equality. The abominable action of white supremacists (predominantly male), and the subsequent murder of Heather Heyer in Charlottesville Virginia, cannot be tolerated by silence. Our collective hearts go out to all of those who were injured, to Ms. Heyer’s family and loved ones, and all those who were harmed.

As a network of individuals and organizations working to engage men in promoting gender, racial, sexual and other forms of equality, NAMEN stands in solidarity with those pursuing equality and justice, and resists bigotry, hatred and violence in all its forms, whether that is white supremacy, male supremacy, or other forms of systemic bigotry and hate.

We will continue to actively resist institutional and personal manifestations of racist, sexist, heterosexist, transphobic, classist, anti-Semitic and other multiple and intersectional forms of oppression which undermine the “life, liberty and pursuit of happiness” of all those who live, work and breath in the United States of America, and throughout the world. The North American MenEngage Network embraces the power of a diverse nation of people and the strength and beauty that diversity brings to the establishment of a just and peaceful world. So as our children look to the sky, they see the sun filled clouds and stars at night without fear, and encircle their lives with hope and joy.

New resource for LGBTQ students choosing a college

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 16:12:33 GMT

Choosing a college is a daunting task for any first-time student, but for LGBTQ students, it can be downright terrifying. A whopping 13.4% of LGBTQ high school students who report frequent verbal harassment plan on not attending college, and 20% of all currently enrolled college students report fearing for their physical safety due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. In response, many universities are taking steps to fight back for their most vulnerable students, but understanding what to look for in a school is still difficult, which is why we created our guide to college for LGBTQ students.

This isn’t just a list of scholarships (although we have those too!). Our guide includes actionable strategies to assess a school on its inclusivity and programs to help make the transition to college easier for LGBTQ students.

From AffordableColleges.com

Community of Practice (CoP) Teleconference Recording is now Posted!

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Fri, 12 May 2017 03:12:05 GMT

The recording for our Community of Practice Teleconference held on April 20th is now posted. (click here)

Session Topic:

LOCAL WORK - FIRST EDITION.

The heart beat of social change and justice is in the local work. What we do in our families, our neighborhoods, schools, cities and towns, brings purpose to life.

We heard from two local projects, and consider their current and critical questions.

Pheng Thao – with ManForward Minneapolis

Alan Heisterkamp - Center for Violence Prevention - University of Northern Iowa

Community of Practice Teleconferences are a membership benefit of NAMEN.

NAMEN Newsletter Vol 1 No 1 is Released

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 15:40:39 GMT

NAMEN is proud to release the first issue of our community newsletter. This is circulated to membership through the mailing list and distributed publicly here and via various channels. Please share!

NAMEN Newsletter Vol 1 No 1

Announcing Community of Practice Web Conference

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 03:17:30 GMT

A Web Conference, Hosted By the North American MenEngage Network

NAMEN is honored to host our ongoing series of web conferences towards building a Community of Practice.

Thursday. April 20th
3:00pm ET to 4:30pm ET

Local work, First edition

Join us for an engaging presentation about current local work where practitioners will describe their efforts and pose their most challenging questions.

Featuring:

Pheng Thao, ManForward,Minneapolis - talking about his work in the Mung Community

Alan Hiesterkamp, Center for Violence Prevention, University of Northern Iowa - talking about his work in K-12 schools.

Members: Free of Charge
Non-Members: Suggested Donation: $15

Useful Materials for encourage men's action

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 10:10:19 GMT

We are collecting materials that are found useful in encouraging men and male identified folks to take action, and be part of the solution to ending sexism and promoting healthy masculinity.

Here are a few, please let us know of others:

From Gloucester MA

From Mentors in Violence Prevention

From Gender Violence Institute

NAMEN Announces Topic for February CoP Teleconference

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 18:38:24 GMT

The next Community of Practice (CoP) Teleconference will occur at 3pm ET, on Thursday February 16th (see calendar).

The topic will be: "Holding our Ground, What to expect in the new administration?" We will conduct a dialog on: What impact do we expect on our work, is there a benefit hidden in the obvious costs? President Donald Trump is the ultimate hegemonic patriarch, where vulgar locker room talk is celebrated, men grabbing women without permission is sport and being a bully is proud tradition. What does this mean for our work engaging men and boys for healthy masculinity?

NAMEN Joins 10 actions in 100 days

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 18:35:41 GMT

In Solidarity with the Women's March on Washington, NAMEN has joined the 10 actions in 100 days initiative. Members of NAMEN will be encouraged to a new action every 10 days during the next 100, coinciding with the new US presidential administration's first 100 days in office.

Community of Practice (CoP) Teleconference Recording is now Posted!

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 04:10:25 GMT

The recording for our Community of Practice Teleconference held on October 20th is now posted to the information page.

Session Topic:

White Ribbon's National Community of Practice
National Evaluation Framework (NEF)

Community of Practice Teleconferences are a membership benefit of NAMEN.

Call for NAMEN Steering Committee Nominations

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 02:34:28 GMT

Dear Members and Prospective Members of NAMEN,

The North America MenEngage Network (NAMEN) is seeking nominations for new Steering Committee members. This year’s election will focus specifically on increasing gender diversity on the NAMEN Steering Committee. To this end, we are restricting nominations to women and female identified people.

Steering Committee members are elected by the general membership of NAMEN and serve for a three-year term.

If you are not currently a member of NAMEN, we encourage you to learn more about us and fill out a membership form here. Once you are a member you are eligible to nominate, vote for and serve on the Steering Committee.

Please review the Steering Committee Roles and Responsibilities here, and the NAMEN Core Principles here. If you would like to nominate someone, including yourself, fill out the nomination form here

All nominations must be received by September 15, 2016. Nominees will be vetted and a proposed slate of candidates selected by the Steering Committee by October 15, 2016. General membership will then vote to approve new Steering Committee members.

Every effort will be made to ensure that the membership of the Steering Committee represents diversity of race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, geographical location and fields of engaging men and boys.

Thank you for being a member of NAMEN!

Sincerely,

The NAMEN Election Committee:
Steven Botkin
Shane Joseph

Webinar Recording is now Posted!

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 14:16:42 GMT

The recording for our third webinar held on November 9th is now posted to the webinar information page.

Webinar Titled:

Conceptualizing and Implementing Accountability in Men’s Gender Equity Efforts - Continuing the Dialog

When: November 9, 2015
Time: 12:00- 1:30 CDT

Announcing Third Webinar

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 23:07:31 GMT

NAMEN plans to annual webinars on a range of topics related to engaging men in gender equity efforts. Visit this page often for updated information about our webinar series! Future topics include men’s engagement work in Native American, First Nation and Indigenous communities, and engaging men through fatherhood.

Please join us for the third in the NAMEN webinar series:

Conceptualizing and Implementing Accountability in Men’s Gender Equity Efforts - continuing the dialog

When: November 9th, 2015
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 CDT
To Register/Access Follow This Link:

This webinar will continue the important on-going conversation about accountability within men’s gender equity movements and organizations, and will address accountability from the perspective of those to whom we hope to be accountable, including women and women’s organizations. Collectively, panelists will help the webinar audience to define accountability in both philosophical and concrete behavioral terms, and will provide examples of how accountability has been conceptualized and implemented in their networks.

NAMEN is honored to announce that the following panelists will be presenting during this webinar:

Emiliano Diaz de Leon
Texas Association Against Sexual Assault

Shafferan Sonneveld
Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV)

Chuck Derry
Gender Violence Institute

Webinar Recording is now Posted!

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 14:45:51 GMT

The recording for our second webinar held on December 2nd is now posted to the webinar information page.

Webinar Titled:
"Conceptualizing and Implementing Accountability in Men’s Gender Equity Efforts"
held on, December 2, 2014, 1pm ET

Announcing Second in Webinar Series

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 22:16:18 GMT

NAMEN plans to host tri-annual webinars on a range of topics related to engaging men in gender equity efforts. Visit this page often for updated information about our webinar series! Future topics include men’s engagement work in Native American, First Nation and Indigenous communities, and engaging men through fatherhood.

Please join us for the second in the NAMEN webinar series:

Conceptualizing and Implementing Accountability in Men’s Gender Equity Efforts

When: December 2nd
Time: 1:00-2:30 EST
To Register/Access Follow This Link:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/898250447

This webinar will initiate an on-going conversation about accountability within men’s gender equity movements and organizations, and will address accountability from the perspective of those to whom we hope to be accountable, including women and women’s organizations. Collectively, panelists will help the webinar audience to define accountability in both philosophical and concrete behavioral terms, and will provide examples of how accountability has been conceptualized and implemented in their networks.

NAMEN is honored to announce that the following panelists will be presenting during this webinar:

Kate Bojin, MA
White Ribbon Campaign Canada

Ashley Maier, MSW, MPA
California Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Oswaldo Montoya, MA
MenEngage: Boys and Men for Gender Equality

Webinar Recording is now posted!

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 21:26:23 GMT

The recording for our first webinar held on June 12th, 2014 is now posted to the webinar information page.

Webinar Titled:

"Engaging Men as Allies in Prevention", held on, June 12th, 1:00 - 2:30 pm, EST

Announcing NAMEN Webinar Series

Craig Norberg-Bohm — Tue, 06 May 2014 20:19:27 GMT

Please join us for the inaugural NAMEN webinar on Men’s Action Networks

When: June 12, 1:00 – 2:30 EDT

Engaging Men as Allies in Prevention webinar, June 12th, 1:00 - 2:30 pm, EST

The North American MenEngage Network (NAMEN) is pleased to sponsor and present a webinar, June 12th at 1:00 pm EST, on engaging men in state and regional networks for the purpose of promoting safe and healthy communities. This webinar will bring together a diverse panel of national and province network organizers to explore the formation of men's action networks in the United States and Canada; examine the challenges in organizing and sustaining meaningful participation from its members; explore the various activities and initiatives utilized by men's networks to raise awareness and prevent men's violence against women; and discuss issues of accountability inherent in multi-gender partnerships.

Panelists Include:

Rus Funk, Men's Work
Michael Shaw and Michael Flemming - IOWA Men's Action Network
Emiliano Diaz de Leon, Texas Association Against Sexual Assault
Chuck Derry, Gender Violence Institute/MN Men's Action Network
Kate Bojin, White Ribbon Canada

Please join the Engaging Men as Allies in Prevention on Thursday, June 12, 2014, at 1:00 pm EST, by clicking on: http://univnia.adobeconnect.com/namen/

Special note:

Please click on the link below prior to the June 12th to check your computer's connections for an Adobe Connect meeting:
http://univnia.adobeconnect.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm

We hope you join us on June 12th.

Respectfully,

NAMEN Programming Committee