If the group is having trouble generating their own ideas for next steps, these suggestions can help get things started

● Provide cameras to young people so they can tell their own stories. Host a virtual or in-person safe space screening where the videos can be shared and discussed.

● Do a community needs assessment for mentorship programs for youth and young adults. Join in existing efforts or work with a wide array of stakeholders (e.g., youth, government representatives, social service organizations, religious groups, businesses, educators) to fill any gaps you identify.

● Work with area high schools to provide education on parenting, the impact of domestic and dating violence, how to build healthier relationships, and tips for being upstanders within their communities when they see dating violence happen. Be sure that teens know how to access help if needed. Include alternatives that don’t involve law enforcement.

● Host a teach in on concepts of masculinity and how those concepts affect life in your community.

● Facilitate the creation of spaces and/or groups where men can meet to talk about their experiences and expectations as fathers, including exploring what they learned from their own fathers and how those lessons affect their own parenting.

● Think about how materials and conversations might unintentionally blame victims, and move away from speaking only to the potential “victim” of abuse. Communicate directly with people who are causing or might cause harm in their relationships about norms and accountability. An example would be: instead of only telling teens not to send nude pictures to people, include the message that pressuring people to send them is not acceptable.