Who We Are

The Healthy Masculinity Working Group was formed in 2021 as a part of the revised strategic plan of the Sexual Misconduct and Assault Resource Team (S.M.A.R.T.). We welcome members and collaborators from any area of campus and across the gender spectrum! The goal of the Healthy Masculinity Working Group is to better identify and address concerns relevant to masculinity and sexual violence prevention by taking a more holistic approach to gender. Currently, we have students, staff, and faculty serving as members who represent a wide range of offices, disciplines, and perspectives.

Our intention is to support all individuals with a masculine gender identity, as well as those who engage with masculinity in a meaningful way. We would welcome anyone regardless of their gender expression. In conversations we’ve had with community members thus far, also confirmed by our LGBTQ+ Engagement Coordinator, we have seen a desire for more nuanced discussion of gender. We specifically want those who have been historically excluded from conversations around masculinity to feel supported. From a functional standpoint, the Healthy Masculinity Working Group would be styled after The Network for LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Support, and Advocacy, an established working group at Wheaton College that addresses similar gaps, however, specifically as they pertain to LGBTQ+ students, staff, and faculty.

Scope of the Work

Our work, while individual when necessary or requested, supports the mission and work of S.M.A.R.T. As such, we often collaborate with an array of campus partners on educational workshops and events, but can also support or lead events aimed at sharing resources and conversation directly with the campus community. Similarly, we work to support student groups and initiatives that directly engage with topics around healthy masculinity.

Previous Work

  • Fresh Check Day | Tabling
  • Guided Discussion on the Transition from Public Safety to Campus Safety | Connection with Pride Circle, Dean of Students, Public Safety, and President’s Counsel.
  • S.M.A.R.T. & Proud Resource Fair (LGBTQ+ Takeover) | Tabling
  • Workshop Creation for the Rugby Team on Healthy Masculinity more generally
  • Workshop Creation for the Wellness LLC on Healthy Masculinity & Boundary Drawing

Student Organization Collaborators

The Community for Advancing Healthy Masculinity (CAHM)
“The purpose of this organization shall be to serve as an open space for advancing healthy masculinities at Wheaton College. We intend to promote a healthy exchange of dialogue meant for, but not limited to, men or those who identify as male through various workshops and collaborations with other clubs on campus.”

The Sexuality, Gender, and Inclusion Board of SGA
“The Sexuality, Gender, and Inclusion Board will function as an SGA Board dedicated to the wellbeing and amplification of queer individuals and their voices at Wheaton College Massachusetts through the perpetuation of inclusive policy, advocacy, and accountability. This will not only serve as a platform for the amplification of such voices, but will also serve as a catalyst for imperative campus-wide discourse with regard to sexuality, gender, and inclusion.”

Staff/Faculty/Community Collaborators

New Hope
“New Hope works throughout South-Central and Southeastern Massachusetts with those affected by domestic and sexual violence. By building an anti-violence movement, we seek to create communities free from violence, where individuals and families are able to achieve their full human potential. As an organization dedicated to social justice, New Hope encompasses a way of seeing, naming, understanding, and acting aimed at addressing inequality and oppression across society.”

Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) provides federal leadership in developing the national capacity to reduce violence against women and administer justice for and strengthen services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Sexual Misconduct and Assault Resource Team (S.M.A.R.T.)
“The Sexual Misconduct and Assault Resource Team (SMART) is an inclusive group comprised of staff, faculty and students. SMART serves as the “umbrella group” or steering committee for efforts focused on the prevention and education of sexual assault and interpersonal violence in the Wheaton College community. SMART is a resource team that: serves as an advisor and consultant to the Wheaton community; provides support and assistance identifying resources and reporting options on and off campus; promotes educational programming and training aimed at creating an environment of non-violence and safety, the development of healthy relationships, social and gender awareness, and support skills.”

Wellness LLC
Wheaton’s Wellness Living and Learning community is designed to be a holistic experience that allows students the opportunity and support to explore and grow in the eight dimensions of wellness; Academic/Professional, Emotional, Environmental, Intellectual, Physical, Self Concept, Social and Spiritual.

For more information on how to get involved, feel free to email Mike Pratt ([email protected]).