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After reading all of the information on the site and exploring the numerous articles and links, the next logical question becomes:
So what can I do?

 

​Getting involved does not need to feel overwhelming or daunting. Here are a few simple steps for contributing your healthy voice to the movement:

1. Say something: Sometimes this is easier said than done. However, the next time you hear people say, “That’s so gay,” comment on a woman’s inability to do a variety of tasks, listen to them discuss a female leader’s outfit before her ideas, or watch a man be put down for showing emotion, speak up!

          Tips for saying something

                 - Address the language not the person. There is no need to reprimand someone. Often times attacking the person for what he or she is saying 

                   rather than the language puts people on the defensive and shuts down conversations before they can even begin. Also, whether you are

                   talking to adults or children, everyone wants their voice to be valued and respected. Make sure to actively listen to opposing viewpoints in

                   order to get to the root of others’ beliefs.

                 - Choose your timing wisely. If you quickly make a remark on language you hear in the hallway, find a later time to initiate a dialogue when

                    there is space for meaningful, follow-up conversation. You may also choose to bring up the topic with a coworker, student, friend, or family

                    member after the incident has passed. Once again, this makes your remarks seem less accusatory. The idea is to educate others, not

                    condemn them. 

                 - Understand that the individual may also be unaware of his/her vocabulary and is probably not trying to propagate stereotypes or gender

                    norms purposefully.

GET INVOLVED

2. Be aware: Don't turn a blind eye to commercials or advertisements that use gender stereotypes or constructs of masculinity to promote their products.

3. Listen to yourself: As much as we may think that we are blameless in perpetuating narrow views of femininity and masculinity, we all have moments where we support gender norms and stereotypes. Think before you speak and lead by example.

Also, remember to check out Amplify the Healthy Voices regularly. We will continue to post articles, links, and media intended to increase consciousness about gender issues in our society. There will also be constant updates to this page about petitions you can sign, conferences that you can attend, volunteer opportunities, and materials that educators can use to discuss these concepts in their classrooms. Simply clicking on the buttons below or telling a friend about AHV is a step toward answering the question: What can I (we) do? – Don’t forget, all of our voices are in this together.

FOR EDUCATORS
CONFERENCES

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Coming Soon!

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