Published June 26, 2020


MELROSE — Do you know a man who has positively impacted male culture? One who is a role model to other men and boys in the community? They may be a candidate for the new Men4MAAV Excellence in Male Leadership Award.

This award, which will be awarded to a man (or men) who lives, works, or volunteers in Melrose, recognizes male community members who have worked to cultivate a culture of gender equality, mutual respect, healthy relationships, and healthy masculinity.

Men4MAAV is a group of men that grew from the Melrose Alliance Against Violence (MAAV). Their vision is a community where men and boys are accountable and empowered with the knowledge and tools to actively engage in transforming our culture to prevent male violence in all its forms, and where all male-identifying members embrace healthy masculinity.

“Far too often, we focus on the negative. As men, it’s important to look inward and think about what we, individually and collectively, can do to fix the problem of abuse against women. However, it’s also important to recognize those men who are exhibiting the positive values we hope to instill in all men and boys,” says Ryan Sacco, Men4MAAV Coordinator. “We wanted to present an award to those men in Melrose who are leaders in promoting healthy relationships, healthy masculinity, gender equality, and mutual respect.

Nominees for the Excellence in Male Leadership Award must demonstrate clear evidence of positively impacting male culture. Nominees must embody or demonstrate one or more of these pillars:

• Healthy masculinity

• Healthy relationships

• Positive mentorship to younger men/boys

• Serve as an ally to those working to end domestic violence

• Work to eliminate gender-based violence

Members of the community are encouraged to nominate candidates for the award. You must be able to share examples of the nominee’s role and how they have met the eligibility criteria above. The deadline for nominations is July 15.

Decisions on award recipients will be made this fall by a selection committee made up of members from Men4MAAV. Award recipients will be announced on the MAAV website, Facebook, and by direct email to the awardee and nominator.

For more information or to fill out a nomination form, please go to www.maav.org or call MAAV at 781-662-2010.