Hello to the 13 of you who signed up to support Stand Up Men.
It is critical for men to actively dismantle our culture which enables men to perpetrate sexual violence and gender-based hatred.
I've learned a lot in the past few weeks. Bottom line: it's premature to have the event in Calgary tomorrow.
Here's why:
- The Alberta referendum (which, if you didn't know, had the potential to disrupt national unity, but thankfully didn't with an overwelming 75% of people choosing to stay in Canada vs wanting to explore a separation referendum) has dominated the province for the last few weeks in particular. If the goal of our event is to draw attention, holding it tomorrow will not be successful as so much attention is still on the referendum and the other nine questions within in (which still haven't been fully counted).
- This has to be done at least reasonably well, with some good planning and focus. We have to line up a location, a permit, get a sound system, and ensure ongoing good liaison with the Calgary Police Service. (I've already made contact with them.) We want to make sure it's done well and so that we don't distract from our message by something wrong happening as a result of missing some critical pieces.
- We need a small group to work on this. As we've learned, I don't know many aspects of this kind of organizing. If you're in Calgary and want to be part of an organizing group, please reach out to me to connect. (I think there is a way you can message me here on this platform. You can also find me on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/drdavidkeegan.bsky.social )
- Once we have a small group for Calgary, we'll figure out a new date and get things organized very well.
To be clear, anyone can stand up against sexual violence and gender-based hatred. You don't need my approval to do so. If you're still planning to hold an event yourself tomorrow wherever you are, that is awesome. Please be safe and ensure you are following any local laws so that you don't detract from the message you are trying to send.
I want to apologize to the women I know. You've been telling men that we have to take on the job of getting men to stop sexually assaulting women. All women are demanding this. Like so many others, I want to do my part. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to get things figured out in time to make a protest tomorrow happen in a way that would be effective. We've got to figure out how to get our message out in a loud way so that people will hear us and stand up as men against sexual violence and gender-based hatred.