Men as Peacemakers: An Approach to Preventing Violence

Source: (1996) Paper presented at the American Society of Criminology Conference, Annual Meeting, Chicago, November 20-23, 1996, 20p.

Movements of men have emerged in recent years which advocate redefinitions of the role and responsibility of men in American society. From the Million Man March to the Promise Keepers, men are coalescing around personal, social and justice issues. This paper examines the development of a group called “Men as Peacemakers” (MAP) in Duluth, Minnesota. A core tenet of the group is a recognition that most violence is committed by men. MAP believes that men have the power to diminish violence. To lessen violence, they are presently fostering community-based programs through education, public awareness and individual and group service projects. Prospects for achieving specific goals through its various programs are assessed.