Part Two of First Step’s Men’s Initiative
The CONVERSATION
Feb 12th, 2026 • 6-9 PM • Redford Theatre
Welcome! Join First Step for an award-winning film screening followed by a guided community conversation focused on the role men play in preventing violence and shaping healthier, more accountable expressions of masculinity.
This event invites men—and the broader community—to reflect, listen, and take action, turning awareness and intention into meaningful culture change that supports survivors and prevents harm in Wayne County.
This is Part Two of First Step’s Men’s Initiative and builds on The PLEDGE by focusing on action, accountability, and culture change.
Learn more about Part One of First Step's Men's Initiative (Feb 11th)
About the Film: This Is Where I Learned Not To Sleep follows retired Nashville police lieutenant Mark Wynn as he wrestles with his own violent childhood while working to reform decades of domestic violence mishandling, cover-ups, and abuse from deep within law enforcement.
Part quest for justice. Part journey toward healing.
Special Guest: First Step is excited to announce that Mark Wynn himself will be at both Part One and Two of First Step's Men's Initiative, and a lead panelist the evening of the CONVERVATION on February 12th. For a list of all of our special guests, scroll to "Featured Panelists" down below.
THE CONVERSATION
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Time: Doors open 6:00 PM • Program begins 6:30 PM
Location: Redford Theatre • 17360 Lahser Rd, Detroit, MI 48219
Suggested Donation: $10 (give what you can) — you may RSVP without donating
Door Prize: Those who RSVP in advance will be entered to win our door prize!
Must be present to win. Walk-ins welcome at the door but are not eligible for Door Prize.
Why This Conversation Matters
We’re not here to shame. We’re here to build a culture where masculinity is connected to empathy, accountability, and safety.
This night is about calling men in—inviting reflection, honest dialogue, and practical next steps that help prevent violence and support survivors.
If Part One is about taking The PLEDGE, Part Two is about turning that pledge into ACTION.
RSVP Below!
Looking to register a large group? We'd be happy to help! Contact Carrie Bozman at Cbozman@firststep-mi.org or 734-656-0738.
Film Trailer
Watch the trailer below, then stay after the film for a moderated panel and audience Q&A.
Film website: thisiswherefilm.com
Content Advisory / Age Discretion: This unrated film and discussion include themes related to domestic violence, trauma, and the impacts of violence on families and children. These themes may be difficult for some viewers. Caregiver discretion is advised, and we encourage all attendees to make decisions that feel appropriate for themselves and their families.
If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic or sexual violence and needs support, First Step can help. Contact our 24-hour helpline at 734-722-6800 anytime.
Featured Panelists
Stay after the film for a moderated conversation and audience Q&A, followed by a meet-and-greet with optional photographs. More panelists to be announced soon.
Mark Wynn
CEO & Founder / Mark Wynn Consulting
International domestic violence expert, survivor, retired Nashville Police Lieutenant, and featured voice in the documentary This Is Where I Learned Not to Sleep.
Jim Schmidt
Co-Founder / Gabby Petito Foundation
Retired firefighter and EMT, national speaker, and advocate for prevention and accountability after losing his daughter to domestic violence in 2021.
Learn more via the Netflix documentary: American Murder: Gabby Petito.
Jonathan Orr
CEO & Founder / Athlete Transition Services
NFL alum, author of Game’s Over, Life’s Not, and educator supporting athletes in building identity beyond sport—bringing insight into masculinity, resilience, accountability, and purpose.
Additional panelists
To be announced soon!
We’re finalizing a few more voices for the conversation—check back for updates.
What To Expect
Topics We’ll Explore
- Masculinity rooted in empathy and accountability
- Calling men in and creating culture change
- How silence and norms can enable harm
- What prevention and allyship can look like in real situations
- Showing up for survivors and turning commitment into action — what’s next?
Evening Schedule
- Doors open — 6:00 PM
- Welcome — 6:30 PM
- Film screening — 6:40 PM
- Brief break — 7:20 PM
- Panel discussion & Q&A — 7:30 PM
- Panelist Meet-and-Greet — 8:30 PM
Take Action
Bring a full-size hygiene item, share First Step resources with someone you care about, and consider joining Part One: The PLEDGE.
Donation Drive: Bring a Hygiene Item
We’re collecting full-size hygiene items to support survivors and families served by First Step.
Examples of our most needed items: shampoo/conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste/toothbrushes, lotion, razors/shaving cream, curl restorer/definer, detangling conditioners, detangling spray, hair grease, hair lotion, hair moisteners, hairbrushes, plastic caps, rubber bands/hair ties, satin scarves/bonnets, wide tooth combs
*Consider donating unscented & sensitive skin items!
This is Part Two of a two-part series.
Join us for Part One: The PLEDGE (Feb 11).
Questions?
Contact Carrie Bozman at cbozman@firststep-mi.org or 734-656-073