“Don is not afraid to discuss the tough issues related to masculinity and sexism. He challenges men to join the fight for gender equality by being ever-growing allies to women.”
Richard Lapchick, director of the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport
Philosophy and Style
positive
The issues are often difficult but the conversation is not. Growth comes when we can navigate the difficult with positivity and aspiration. It is more effective to teach what we can become instead of harping on what we’ve done wrong.
authentic
I call myself an “accidental activist.” I have learned from many amazing leaders and educators. I continue to learn from every audience and interaction.
engaging
I listen to learn and believe every interaction is an opportunity for growth. Navigating difficult issues is a process of exchanged ideas, thoughts and feelings. That process is the goal.
Signature Presentation
You Throw Like a Girl
Campus Presentation
Delivered on more than 350 college campuses and adapted to the needs of each campus population, from fraternities to football to campus-wide audiences. This presentation evolves each year, covering contemporary issue of sexual and relationship violence, men’s violence against women and masculinity.
Book Review and Discussion
Book Club discussion and educational series discussing the book’s critical issues by chapter; addressing issues of:
The Myth of Masculinity (mandate, performance, promise and lie)
Men’s violence against women
Media (social, pop-culture and porn)
Advancing aspirational masculinity
Video Discussion and Train the Trainer
Film screening and Q & A
Train-the-trainer programs offered for schools and organizations using the film for educational purposes.
Engaging Men
Aspirational Masculinity: The philosophical approach to engaging men in a positive and deliberate examination of male identity, the relationships and behaviors of and between boys and men and, is focused on fostering a broader understanding of being male that includes empathy, vulnerability and emotional honesty around critical issues impacting relationships, sexual behavior and personal growth.
Engaging Men
In recent years, the need to engage men has been rooted in the need to address male behavior and its impact (primarily) on women. However, to truly engage men in a most effective and sustainable way to that end, the approach must examine why men’s engagement is in the best interest of MEN!
Men as Bystanders
The “bystander approach was established in the early 1990’s by Jackson Katz and the Mentors in Violence Prevention Project. The goal was to empower men within their peer and affinity groups; not to police behavior but to examine and challenge the ways in which we impact each others attitudes, decisions and behaviors. Men as Bystanders is an affirming approach; seeking to encourage the best of men - not police the worst.
Men and Allyship
Simply put, I believe men’s allyship with women must extend far beyond supporting women. Men must engage each other and hold each other accountable, challenging sexism, misogyny, patriarchy and the resulting extenuating social environment that male silence perpetuates.