Reunion Online

A week ago, I received the most amazing gift. I was offered the chance to travel back in time, by participating in a week-long camp for young boys that have experienced abuse.

Whether you are picking up the paper, watching the news or following the conversation on Twitter, it’s clear that all of us are searching for how to respond, for language to talk about these crimes, to express our feelings, and for what to do next. What we know for sure: it's time for change. And we know that change will only come when we all work together.

With the college semester already underway - or fast approaching for universities following the quarter system-, survivor groups and campaigns on campus are busy at work promoting consent, bystander intervention, and resource education to incoming freshman and transfers.

My experience last week at the National Sexual Assault Conference (NSAC) in Pittsburgh convinced me there’s been a shift toward a widespread commitment to focus on helping the 1 in 6 men that have experienced childhood sexual abuse.

This past week, I met with our attorneys for two and a half hours as we are again depending on their expertise and guidance as we embark on another exciting project. I was reminded as I sat across the table from Todd Schneider and Laura McGurty that their deep care and commitment to 1in6 and the men we serve makes our work possible.

When addressing situations of domestic violence, we offer the best possibilities for victim-survivor safety and offender accountability when we work in partnership with individuals from a wide variety of disciplines—medical, legal, spiritual, mental health, criminal justice.

When I was a young man, I nearly drowned a close friend of mine. I'm often reminded of that day when I hear couples talk about their struggles to survive, which they may be having when one or both of the partners experienced childhood sexual abuse.

In my experience, my physical and emotional health positively affected my productivity. Are trauma-informed management practices profitable for companies?

My void: the only place I really felt completely comfortable and safe.

With 1BlueString, our hope is to provide an opportunity for individuals to be creative and find their own unique voice in the important, challenging and rewarding mission to build a network of support for male survivors and their loved ones.