HCET Teams up with ICESAHT to Help Redefine Masculinity and
Create a Culture of Care

In March of 2024, HCET embarked on a transformative journey at Hanover College, engaging four fraternities in a powerful educational initiative. This effort was not just about imparting knowledge, but about reshaping the very fabric of masculinity and relationships within these influential groups. In collaboration with the Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking (ICESAHT), HCET facilitated the Speak Up Speak Out Project , a pivotal program designed to empower young men to redefine masculinity and become active bystanders in preventing sexual assault.

The Speak Up Speak Out Project

Speak Up Speak Out is more than just a program; it is a movement. It seeks to challenge and change the traditional notions of masculinity that often contribute to unhealthy relationships and behaviors. Fraternity members at Hanover College engaged in comprehensive workshops and discussions that addressed key topics such as:

Healthy Masculinity: Understanding and embracing a version of masculinity that is rooted in respect, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence.

Healthy Relationships: Learning the fundamentals of mutual respect, consent, and communication in all types of relationships.

Intimate Partner Violence Prevention: Identifying the signs of unhealthy relationships and understanding how to intervene effectively as active bystanders.

Why Fraternities?

Fraternities have long held a significant social influence on college campuses. Recognizing this, HCET and ICESAHT saw an invaluable opportunity to foster a culture of care, compassion, and empathy within these predominantly male spaces. By actively involving fraternities in discussions about healthy masculinity, healthy relationships, and intimate partner violence prevention, HCET aimed to create lasting change that extends beyond the college years. HCET and ICESAHT targeted this influential demographic that can affect change on a broader scale. When fraternity members advocate for and embody healthy masculinity and relationships, their impact ripples through the entire student body, creating a safer and more inclusive campus environment.

Among the four fraternities participating in the training, members from various athletic teams, including football, lacrosse, track and field, soccer, swimming, and baseball, were also present. While fraternities wield unique power on college campuses, athletic teams often hold equal or even greater social influence. In recent years, athletes have increasingly become advocates for social causes, using their platforms to raise awareness and drive change. Whether it’s supporting mental health initiatives, advocating for racial equality, or standing against sexual violence, athletes have a unique ability to mobilize their peers and bring attention to important issues. Their involvement in social causes can inspire a campus-wide commitment to justice and equity.

Creating a Culture of Empathy and Compassion

The ultimate goal of Speak Up Speak Out is to instill a culture of empathy, compassion, and care within predominantly male environments. By educating young men about the importance of these values, HCET hopes to foster environments where respect and kindness are the norm, not the exception. This cultural shift is essential in combating sexual assault and creating a community where everyone feels safe and valued. Through comprehensive training sessions and workshops, participants learn to recognize and challenge harmful behaviors and attitudes.

Fostering Environments of Respect and Kindness

Speak Up Speak out aims to create environments where respect and kindness are the norm, not the exception. This involves redefining what it means to be masculine in ways that are inclusive and supportive. This cultural shift is essential in combating sexual assault and fostering a community where everyone feels safe and valued. The training encourages young men to:

Challenge Stereotypes: Question traditional notions of masculinity that equate strength with dominance or emotional suppression.

Promote Inclusivity: Advocate for spaces where everyone, regardless of gender, feels valued and heard.

Model Positive Behavior: Act as role models in their communities, demonstrating respectful and compassionate behavior.

Looking Ahead

The engagement of fraternities at Hanover College is just the beginning. HCET and ICESAHT are committed to expanding Speak Up Speak Out and reaching more campuses, continuing their mission to end sexual assault and promote healthy relationships. By empowering young men to speak up and speak out, they are building a future where masculinity is synonymous with empathy and strength is defined by the ability to care.

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