Why a Men’s Initiative?

For decades, women have led the movement to address domestic and sexual violence—advocating, organizing, responding to crisis, and supporting survivors and children. While this work has saved lives, one truth remains clear: ending violence requires men to step up, take responsibility, and hold one another accountable.

At First Step, we see it every day:

• Women make up the majority of advocates, volunteers, and attendees at violence-prevention events
• Survivors are overwhelmingly supported by women doing this work
• Harm, however, is disproportionately caused by men

At First Step’s 2025 You Are the Light Gala, keynote speaker Jim Schmidt (Gabby Petito Foundation) issued a clear call to action: prevention requires men to be actively involved — not as bystanders, but as leaders.

The PLEDGE was created in response to that call.

What Is The PLEDGE?

The PLEDGE is an initiative where men take a public stand against domestic and sexual violence. Bringing together men from across metro Detroit to:

• reflect on their role in preventing harm
• challenge harmful norms around masculinity
• commit to accountability, learning, and leadership
• join a growing movement of male allies working toward safer families and communities
• This initiative is not about blame. It is about responsibility, action, and change.

Taking The PLEDGE is not a moment — it’s a commitment

Men who take The PLEDGE will formally join First Step’s PLEDGE Network, a growing group of male allies committed to prevention, leadership, and culture change.