Activism For Civil Treatment of Women, A White Ribbon Event

Collin County Council on Family Violence, Junior League of Collin County and Collin College Join Forces to Gather Citizens and Students to Pledge Against Family & Gender Violence

Citizens and students will come together at Collin College for the 3rd Annual White Ribbon event, Activism for Civil Treatment of Women, to stand up against family violence, inequality treatment of women and of gender issues on Thursday, February 4, 2016 from 6–8 p.m. at Collin College. Leading the effort is the Junior League of Collin County’s (JLCC), Collin County Council on Family Violence (the Council) and Collin College’s Dignity Initiative to engage the community and Collin College student body as White Ribbon ambassadors. The White Ribbon Pledge unites men who are willing to take a leading role in the crusade to stand up against family violence. As an on-going campaign, White Ribbon events are held to bring awareness and education to the issues of family violence and gender issues.

Activism for Civil Treatment of Women promises to be a dynamic experience featuring Dr. Michael Kimmel, one of the world’s leading experts on men and masculinities. He will present Helping Women by Helping Men. Kimmel will be joined by Dr. Neil Matkin, District President of Collin College who will recognize those who have been instrumental in the Collin College’s Committee Against Gender Violence and Oppression’s Dignity Initiative. Reverend Dr. Gary Barnes will lead White Ribbon Pledge. The Dignity Initiative introduced in 2014 is a Collin College multi-year effort to educate the campus community about five specific elements of gender violence and to empower community members with specific action steps to end the gender-based oppression. The event includes an expo of nonprofit organizations dedicated to eradicating family violence where students can learn more about community resources and volunteer opportunities.
The Council works as a collaborative team striving to eliminate and respond to family violence through a coordinated, comprehensive effort, which includes education, prevention, intervention, and seamless 24-hour assistance. Founded in 1999 by the Junior League of Collin County, the Council is a made up of more than sixty community partners representing all areas of the community, including local and state government, law enforcement, education, faith and social services, health care, legal, and workplace organizations. JLCC and Council members have partnered, pooling resources, building formidable intellectual capital, and pushing forward to unearth best practices in a gallant effort to eradicate family violence in Collin County.

Each year, CCCFV awards two deserving members of North Texas with the Advocate of the Year and the Rebecca Egelston Caso Bridge Builder Award. The 2015 Advocate of the Year is Gaye Gardner with Victims Relief Fund. She is a longtime member of the Collin County Council on Family Violence and has consistently contributed to the improvement of services dealing with family violence. The 2015 Rebecca Egelston Caso Bridge Builder of the Year is Tonia Cunningham, Victim Advocate with Frisco Police Department. Tonia was chosen to be recognized for her ability to look beyond the immediate and view what is in the best interest of the whole. Her unselfish commitment to address the greater good and her ability to bring together differing views and perspectives in a collaborative way exemplifies the gifts and contributions of a “bridge builder.”

Activism For Civil Treatment of Women, A White Ribbon Event

When: Thursday, February 4, 2016, 6–8p.m.

Where:

Collin College, Living Legends Conference Center
2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway Plano, TX

Additional information the Council: ccc-fv.org

Partners:

Collin College Dignity Initiative
Junior League of Collin County

More about Dr. Michael Kimmel

A tireless advocate of engaging men to support gender equality, Kimmel has lectured at more than 300 colleges, universities and high schools; delivered the International Women’s Day annual lecture at the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of Europe, and has worked with the Ministers for Gender Equality of Norway, Denmark and Sweden. He consults widely with corporations, NGOs and public sector organizations on gender equity issues.

michaelkimmel.com