Waka Toa Ora

White Ribbon Newsletter 2: October 2020

Kia ora. The 2020 November Campaign will focus on the outdated advice men have been given when growing up that we now see is unhealthy. The campaign takes a conversational tone and use the common expressions that men would have heard growing up. These unhealthy attitudes will literally be overwritten with positive statements – creating new, modern alternatives to outdated ideas of masculinity.

These are #outdated - stereotypes that boys and men are handed down from their role models. The things we teach our kids about “how to be a man” might seem harmless, but actually carry messages that can create a really negative impact.

When we say things like “Show them who’s boss”, “Kids should keep quiet” or “Treat em mean, keep em keen” we’re putting limits on how kids interact with their world and how they develop their relationships.

Many men have grown up hearing these things and end up copying these unhealthy attitudes and behaviours - even if they don’t like or agree with them. At their worst, these attitudes and behaviours can lead to violence toward women. This violence affects our families, our communities, and our whole country.

So how do we change it? In all of our relationships - whānau, friends, colleagues, teammates - we can challenge the #outdated stereotypes of what it means to be a man. We can role model healthy relationships and focus on the strength that comes from a kaupapa of respect and aroha. We can call each other out and encourage more korero about gender equality.

By challenging each other in constructive ways we become stronger, and support change for those who need it the most. As our whakatauki states "Ruia te taitea, ka tu taikaka anake", shake off the old to reveal the new.

Get your Resources now

Our free 2020 campaign printed resources are now available for shipping and t-shirts will be available to be dispatched by the end of this month.

Please note there are a range of t-shirts designs this year, but order quickly while stocks last. There's no guarantee we will be able to restock.

Hold a White Ribbon event

Do something to draw attention to White Ribbon’s campaign and how your organisation supports respectful behaviour. This could be internal for your people, or involve your local community or customers.

Events are easy to organise, and volunteers are often keen to get involved. Something that reflects your organisation will attract interest.

See examples of White Ribbon community events. This will get you thinking about what might suit your organisation’s event. Then add your event to the list to inspire others and so we can help to promote it if required.

• Organise a White Ribbon breakfast or morning tea at work;
• Have a free screening of Raise Our Men (a White Ribbon Film);
• Invite a White Ribbon Ambassador to speak at a meeting or event;
• Support an existing White Ribbon Event or connect locally with Riders taking part in the Virtual White Ribbon Ride;
• Organise to collect valuable donations; or
• Take a photo that can be shared on social media and use the hashtag #WhiteRibbonNZ or #Outdated.

Photos can help demonstrate equality such as men undertaking tasks that should be shared such as cooking, cleaning, playing with kids. Photos can be of a group into the shape of a giant ribbon or perhaps of your White Ribbon display. Each photo can often provide an opportunity to tell a story about respectful relationships, an #unspoken rule or an opportunity to Challenge The #Outdated.

Make sure you provide the audience with an opportunity to take The Pledge either online or using a form.

Also remember to use our campaign graphics.

Remember to follow health guidelines to keep everyone safe.

Keeping it local: The 2020 Virtual White Ribbon Ride

We know many people were disappointed to hear that we have had to cancel the national White Ribbon Ride this year. The Ride is a really important part of the White Ribbon campaign and we are really grateful to the Riders who so generously give their time to spreading the kaupapa in communities around New Zealand.

While we cannot send Riders around the country, we have Riders in many towns and cities and we have asked them to work locally to spread the kaupapa by taking part in the Virtual White Ribbon Ride.

Find out more about the 2020 Virtual White Ribbon Ride.