Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Parlay Detroit
1260 Washington Blvd
Detroit, MI 48226
First Step Men's Initiative 2026
A Two-Part Series
Part One: The PLEDGE - 2/11
Calling men into leadership, accountability, and action to end domestic and sexual violence. More information below.
Part Two: The CONVERSATION - 2/12
Inviting men and the broader community into reflection, learning, and honest dialogue about violence, masculinity, accountability, and change. To learn more, visit firststep-mi.org/theconversation
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 Event?
The PLEDGE is a powerful evening where men take a public stand against domestic and sexual violence.
Part one of a two-part series, the event brings 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 evening is not about blame.
It is about responsibility, action, and change.
WHAT THE PLEDGE STANDS FOR
Men who participate in The PLEDGE commit to:
Taking The PLEDGE is not a moment — it’s a commitment
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors!
We are deeply grateful to our Hosting Sponsors for their leadership and support:
Their partnership makes this event, and this movement, possible.
Sponsorships and Ticket Information
What to Expect on February 11th
The evening includes:
- Short 30 min program with a PLEDGE ceremony* (details below)
- Heavy hors d’oeuvres
- Cash bar
- Bourbon tasting experience
- Cigar education and purchasing opportunities
- Masculine-themed silent auction (must be present to win)
- Networking and community connection
This is an evening designed for meaningful conversation, reflection, and connection.
Agenda: Doors open at 6:00pm. Program begins at 6:30pm. Auction winners called at 8:30pm. Formal event concludes by 9:00pm.
Dress code: Business casual to cocktail casual (suit , suit jacket and jeans, pullovers, sweaters, etc.)
The PLEDGE Ceremony*
At the heart of the evening is a guided pledge ceremony, where men publicly commit to:
- holding themselves accountable
- calling in other men when harm or harmful behavior shows up
- continuing their involvement beyond this event
Men who take The PLEDGE will be invited to formally join First Step’s PLEDGE Network, a growing group of male allies committed to prevention, leadership, and culture change.
What Happens After The PLEDGE?
This movement does not end on February 11th or 12th.
Men who take The PLEDGE are invited to complete their commitment by choosing one of more ongoing ways to stay engaged, including:
- participating in learning and discussion opportunities
- volunteering with First Step
- touring First Step and learning directly from advocates
- serving as positive male role models for children and youth
- engaging in continued advocacy, fundraising, and awareness efforts
Participants will have opportunities to explore and sign up for these options during the event and throughout the year.
PLEDGE members will receive:
- exclusive invitations to future opportunities
- access to a monthly e-newsletter
- early notice of PLEDGE gatherings and events
Men may sign up the night of the event and ongoingly.
Supporting the Movement
To help sustain survivor services and the Men’s Initiative, we strongly encourage PLEDGE participants to consider becoming a monthly donor, with a suggested minimum of $5 per month.
Financial support is not required to take The PLEDGE. We recognize that meaningful commitment can take many forms, and participants are encouraged to choose the pathway(s) that feel most accessible and sustainable for them.
Featured Guests
We are honored to welcome:
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 about Jim's family's story by watching their 2025 Netflix Documentary, American Murder: Gabby Petito
Jonathon Orr
Former NFL Player + Founder of Athlete Transition Services
Mark Wynn
International domestic violence expert, survivor, retired Nashville Police Lieutenant, and featured voice in the documentary This Is Where I Learned Not to Sleep (the feature film of February 12th event, the CONVERSATION)
Continue the Conversation
The PLEDGE is Part One of First Step’s Men’s Initiative.
Part Two: The CONVERSATION
An award-winning documentary screening and men’s dialogue
📅 Thursday, February 12, 2026
📍 Redford Theatre
Questions?
Please visit our FAQ page for information about parking, dress code, food and beverage details, accessibility
Additional inquiries? Interested in discussing sponsorship opportunities? Contact Carrie Bozman at cbozman@firststep-mi.org or 734-656-0738.