Click the steps below for details
- Swear an oath never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women
The White Ribbon Oath is not just a 'feel good' statement. It is an active commitment which guides positive attitudes towards women and drives signatories to, in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, ’be the change you want to see in the world’. - Lead by example
If you expect the people around you to act more respectfully towards women, you must lead by example. Be aware of how your behaviour influences the behaviour of your son, your brother, your nephew, your colleague and your mate. - Own the campaign, own the change
This is your campaign. On an individual level, you can raise awareness through your networks, workplaces and sporting teams. The change starts with you, with your words, your attitudes and your behaviours. - Challenge sexist behaviour
If someone says something derogatory about women or acts disrespectfully towards women speak up about why it’s wrong. If you are aware of any acts of violence against women try to encourage the perpetrator to seek professional help. If you witness actual physical violence against a woman call the police on 131 444 or call 000 in an emergency. - Brush up on the issue
Know your facts and use them to communicate to others why this is a widespread community problem. Start by reading the resources on www.whiteribbon.org.au/resources.
- Talk to your mates about it. In the past, domestic violence was something that happened behind closed doors and was 'no-one else's business' but the profound medical social and economic consequences of this violence are too grave to ignore. It's everyone's business.
- Add it to your speaking notes. If you are one of the lucky few who have conquered their fear of public speaking, take the opportunity to talk about violence against women. Consider starting your next five public speaking engagements by talking about this issue.
- Write a blog or opinion piece on the issue. The White Ribbon message is much more effective if it's spoken from a personal perspective. Contribute a 500 word article to the White Ribbon Blog or send an opinion piece to your local paper.
- Use social networking. By Tweeting and Facebooking the White Ribbon message, you're expanding the reach of the White Ribbon Campaign into the online stratosphere.
- Become an Ambassador, or nominate a mate. The White Ribbon Campaign in Australia is led by thousands of male Ambassadors who, through living the White Ribbon Oath, act as positive role models in their communities. These men have taken up the challenge to help make progressive change, both individually and collectively. If you, or someone you know, are willing to take on the challenge then send a nomination form to White Ribbon.
- Make your next event a White Ribbon one. Host a White Ribbon event and raise funds by selling white ribbons and wristbands.
- Raise funds to keep the White Ribbon Campaign alive. Next time you decide to run a marathon, participate in a triathlon or take on some other sort of challenge, consider raising funds for White Ribbon at the same time. Or, if your company offers workplace giving, nominate White Ribbon as your charity of choice. By raising funds for White Ribbon, you're helping to keep this vitally important campaign alive.
