By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

More than 20 coaches and teachers in Hays, Ellis, Plainville and across the state this year are participating in the violence prevention program Coaching Boys Into Men.

The program was presented last week by Brian Porch and Andre Tyler from the Community Violence Action Council in Johnson County and hosted by Hays-based Jana’s Campaign, a nonprofit working towards the prevention of gender-based violence.

Porch said the program is all about “seeing teachable moments” and taking action.

“Sometimes we see situations we need to address, have opportunities to really make a statement to provide a positive message but we don’t always have the words to say it,” Porch said.

“This program offers the words to say it … the structure to be able to talk to the young people you deal with … about these very important issues that are going to end up solidifying your legacy as a role model in these young people’s lives,” he said.

Porch said the coaches are given lessons to present to students throughout the year on topics such as digital/social media disrespect of women, understanding consent and the use of strength “on and off the field.”

Prevention trainer Andre Tyler is also the Director of Johnson County Court Services.

“A part of program is identifying behaviors, attitudes … that diminish the value of ladies and correct that,” Tyler said. “If we don’t change that attitude, it could manifest to actual domestic violence in adulthood.”

For more information on Jana’s Campaign and the Changing Boys Into Men program, click HERE.