Washington, DC – On September 22, three male students from the District will be recognized for their commitment to healthy dating relationships and nonviolence at the 12th annual Men of Strength Awards. The fundraiser will take place at the National Press Club from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm and is hosted by Men Can Stop Rape (MCSR), a national D.C.-based nonprofit that mobilizes young men to prevent sexual and domestic violence through outreach and educational programs.
Terrill Wise, Jonathan Wade, and Anwar Muhammad Nur are all participants or graduates of the organization’s Men of Strength Club. Also known as MOST Club, the school-based 22-week curriculum teaches male teens ages 11-18 healthy dating relationship skills and encourages them to show their “strength” in positive ways among their peers. Terrill, Jonathan, and Anwar have all demonstrated an outstanding commitment to being a “man of strength,” serving their communities through volunteer activities, and speaking out about the importance of men’s involvement in stopping violence against women.
Over the past 11 years, the Men of Strength Award has been given to celebrities, legislators, business professionals, athletes, and activists who use their “strength” in positive and various ways. Past honorees have included Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI); former NFL star Joe Ehrmann; former Liz Claiborne, Inc. CEO Paul Charron; and The Vagina Monologues playwright Eve Ensler.
This year the Awards will focus more on Men Can Stop Rape’s growing and targeted outreach to young men in middle school, high school, and college. The organization will debut its new anti-bullying and harassment poster awareness campaign for middle school boys entitled “YMOST: Young Men of Strength.” MCSR will also premiere its new educational film “Use Your Strength” which follows students growth and progress through MOST Club and Men Creating Change, MCSR’s new college program. Departing from the traditional celebrity-hosted event, the evening will be emceed by Rafael Suarez and William Harris, two college students and graduates of MOST Club. Over 250 supporters will enjoy heavy appetizers, cocktails, live musical entertainment, and a live program auction.
Tickets are $100 per person and $150 for couples and can purchased in advance at www.mencanstoprape.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $125 per person and $175 for couples. Proceeds will go towards the Men of Strength Club program which has sites at every public middle school and high school in the District. For more information, visit www.mencanstoprape.org, email awards@ mencanstoprape.org or call (202) 265-6530.
The 2010 Men of Strength Student Honorees:
· Mr. Terrill Wise
Student at Johnson Middle School and a Men of Strength Club member
· Mr. Jonathan Wade
Student at Benjamin Banneker High School and Men of Strength Club member
· Mr. Anwar Muhammad Nur
Graduate of School Without Walls High School and now a senior at Temple University
About Men Can Stop Rape:
Men Can Stop Rape (MCSR) is a national Washington, DC based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to mobilize men to use their strength for creating cultures free from violence, especially men’s violence against women. Vital Voices (cofounded by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton) recognized us as “one of the most innovative prevention programs in the United States.” MCSR has reached over 2 million youth and professionals with our award-winning youth program the Men of Strength Club, our college program Campus Strength, and our “My Strength” awareness campaign. Learn more about us at www.mencanstoprape.org.
