White Ribbon Campaign, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

White Ribbon Campaign in Canada
Contact Name: Clay Jones (Canada); Chris Kilmartin (United States)
Phone Number: Clay Jones: (416) 920-6684; Chris Kilmartin (540) 654-1562
E-mail: info@whiteribbon.ca ckilmart@mwc.edu
Key Words: (1) General public (males); (2) all ages; (3) racially diverse; (4) community and school settings; (5) environmental change approach
Population served
This program serves males of all ages.
Medium used to convey message
Each year, program staff urge men and boys to wear a white ribbon as a personal pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women. They are encouraged to wear the ribbon for 1 or 2 weeks in commemoration of the International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women. (In Canada they wear ribbons from November 25 until December 6, Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.) This campaign occurs on several college campuses in the United States at different times of year.
Goals, objectives, and desired outcomes
Volunteers encourage reflection and discussion, which leads to personal and collective action among male participants. Throughout the year, they encourage men to take part in the following activities:* conduct educational work in schools, workplaces, and communities

• support local women’s groups
• raise money for the program’s international educational efforts

Program staff distribute education and action kits to schools, maintain a web site, and speak out on issues of public policy. They encourage male speakers to talk in schools, workplaces, and places of worship about the problem of violence. Some local groups organize events around Father’s Day to talk about positive roles for men and about the importance of men being care givers and nurturers. Some groups organize Valentine’s Day dances to spread a message about building healthy relationships.
Theoretical/ scientific basis for the approach
This program is not based on any scientific approach. However, it utilizes basic concepts of environmental change, such as gaining support from a large percentage of the community.
Level of evaluation
Staff refer to statistical data from the Canadian government to assess change in sexually violent behavior.
Staff capacity
The program has a board of directors with representatives from across Canada. Board members are elected once a year by an annual general meeting. Day-to-day leadership is provided by an executive committee and other volunteer committees that deal with finances, fundraising, publicity, outreach, and policy.