Whether you agree with it or not, kids look up to athletes. What they say and how they act have an impact on the youngsters that look up to and follow them.
That’s why the message that more than 300 New Jersey teens heard at Rutgers University on June 4 was so important. The event was the launch of Training Camps for Life, a partnership of the NFL Players Association, A CALL TO MEN and the Verizon Foundation.
The half-day, NFL-star-studded event at Rutgers University addressed topics such as overcoming adversity, decisions and consequences, and healthy teen relationships - a critical addition to the Training Camps for Life agenda.
The event was the first of 12 sessions that will be held across the country this year. They are funded through a $250,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation to A CALL TO MEN, an internationally recognized men's organization addressing domestic and sexual violence prevention.
Studies have shown that one in three teens experiences relationship abuse and nearly half - 47 percent - report having done something that compromised their values to appease their partner.
"As a professional athlete I have to build healthy, respectful relationships every day," said Chris Canty, NFL defensive tackle and founder of the Chris Canty Foundation. "Through Training Camps for Life, we have an opportunity to educate and empower teens to respect themselves and others."
At the core of this education program is the notion of a healthy and respectful manhood. A CALL TO MEN will work with Training Camps for Life participants to challenge the attitudes and beliefs about what it means to be a man.
Teens will examine popular culture through a lens of respect and equality, and dissect lyrics of current hip-hop tracks to understand the concept of male privilege. They will also learn to identify the nuances of abuse - like flirting vs. harassment - and understand when and how to seek help.
Male and female high school students attending the sessions will have the option to take the LIVERESPECT pledge at www.liverespect.org, a commitment to end teen relationship abuse and speak out against domestic violence.
"These camps, designed to help teens build strong values and important life skills, are a perfect setting to start building a coalition of men and boys to help break the cycle of violence," said Rose Stuckey Kirk, Verizon Foundation president. "With this important message of non-violence coming from the players the children idolize, our vision of a world without domestic fear will begin to take root."
Following each Training Camp for Life, A CALL TO MEN will visit the high schools of the participating student to continue the training with an in-class curriculum designed to:
- Help teens heal from past abuse.
Raise expectations for equality and respect in relationships.
Increase safety on school campuses.
Promote youth leadership in violence prevention.
