Esperanza United departments

Be an active bystander This takes even more courage than influencing other men because it involves intervening when you see violence or the threat of violence. It is a tricky skill because you should not put yourself or others in harm’s way or respond to violence with more violence.  Being a […]

Be a role model for boys One of the most important roles that all men can play is being a role model to boys (and girls!), whether they are your own children or not. Frankly, the only way that we really can eliminate the problem of violence against women is by […]

Influence other men  This is another action that takes courage, but not the kind of courage that often leads to violence. As a man, you have influence and privilege (whether you want it or know it or not). That means that other men (and women) listen to you. Use this privilege […]

Be an ally of women and girls Being an ally to women and girls goes beyond supporting their causes. It is connected with self-reflection because as an ally, you really need to know yourself. It takes a lot of strength to be a good ally, but not the kind of strength […]

Self reflect  This video, by Juan Carlos Areán, former director of the National Latin@ Network, explores dimensions of traditional masculinity that contribute to the ongoing problem of violence within the family and intimate relationships.  It is very important that as you take action, you also take time to reflect about your […]

What to do  This video, presented by Juan Carlos Areán, Director at Esperanza United, formerly Casa de Esperanza, explores an important question: Why get involved? The sections to the left offer answers to another important question: What can Latino men do as individuals to help end violence against women and girls? […]

Tools & materials The materials included in this section have been selected for this toolkit as examples and resources for you and your work for a few important reasons: The materials and resources included here represent engagement strategies that have been documented to work well with Latino men; The majority of […]

Exercise 3: Finding resources Just a week after attending the group, I was watching TV and saw a commercial in which several Latino men were discussing domestic violence in Spanish. I couldn’t believe it! At the end of the commercial, there was a telephone number to call and learn more information. […]

Exercise 2: Going to group Last night I went to the men’s group with Jack, and as I suspected, I was the only Latino there. It wasn’t a good experience. I told them Jorge’s story, and many of the men told me that I should call the police. I told them […]

Exercise 1: Meet Freddy Freddy will be your guide Hello, my name is Freddy, and I live with my parents in West St. Paul, Minnesota. I am 23 years old, single and a senior at the university. I have a stepbrother named Jorge, and he lives with his wife and children […]