The Real MEN’s Project

A photo of Russell Davis and his son on a billboard

Origins & Philosophy

The Real MEN’s Project (Men Embracing Non-violence) was born in Jackson, MI, out of a belief that it is men’s responsibility to help end domestic and sexual violence. Many of us in the original group had worked—professionally, as activists, or personally—to end violence and, in particular, to end domestic violence and sexual assault. This was the first time we came together specifically to say that we view this as not solely a women’s issue, but a men’s issue.

Real men are strong and loving, and are role models for healthy relationships.

The name, “real men,” reclaims the phrase from the stereotype of real men as "strong and silent" or macho, tough, and quick to violence. Real men are strong and loving, and are role models for healthy relationships. Our goal is to stop violence before it happens through education, public awareness, and through reaching out to adult men who might be silent bystanders to violence around them.

Past and Planned Activities

RMP has worked collaboratively with AWARE (Jackson’s domestic violence & sexual assault prevention agency), Jackson Public Schools, Jackson Community College (JCC), Catholic Charities, Jackson Police Department (JPD), and, for the 2010 photo exhibit, Allegiance Health.

  • Father’s Day 2003 – Poster & billboard father-son images with message: “Teach our sons. Real Men don’t hit.”
  • Father’s Day 2004 – Poster & billboard father-daughter images with message: “Real Men Don’t Rape.”
  • October 2005 - Public awareness collaboration w. JPD debunking myth that domestic violence is a “private matter” that police will ignore.
  • Fall 2007 - Created and distributed 200 t-shirts to teachers, law enforcement, & other community members with RMP message that “Real men don’t hit."
  • Spring 2008 – Participated in educational dialogue with athletes after controversy involving underage drinking, parties, and risks of sexual assault.
  • May 2009 – Participated in community forum on domestic violence at Jackson Community College in wake of highly publicized Rhianna-Chris Brown domestic assault.
  • October 2009 – Emceed Real Men’s Banquet in collaboration with AWARE, Jackson County Sheriff, Catholic Charities, & Allegiance Health.
  • Father’s Day 2010 – Organized and installed photo exhibit at Allegiance Health depicting fathers who’ve taken a pledge to end domestic & sexual violence.
  • May 2011 - "Real Dads: Men Embracing Non-Violence" book.
Daniel Meier’s Bio

A photo of Dani Meier

Dani Meier, PhD, MSW, is a father, husband, therapist, community activist, educator, and writer. He grew up in Connecticut and has lived in New York City, Minneapolis, Ann Arbor, and currently, Jackson, Michigan, where he is a private practice therapist, a school social worker, an active partner in numerous community-improvement coalitions, and a longtime advocate for men's involvement in combatting relationship abuse and sexual violence. He co-founded the Real MEN’s Project in 2003 and has spearheaded its work since 2004 including the 2010 photo exhibition. He was Chair of the Jackson Suicide Prevention Coalition from 2010-2012, and is active in both bullying prevention initiatives and the Juvenile Justice Coalition. He's been honored with the Susan B. Anthony Award for advocacy on behalf of women and girls, the PFLAG (Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Ally Award for his support of LGBT teens, the 2010 Health Care Angel Award for his work with at-risk youth, and the 2011 Community Partner Award from LifeWays Community Mental Health for his multiple collaborations in the community.