COACHING BOYS INTO MEN
CBIM started as a public service campaign in 2001, and by 2008, it became a national curriculum for coaches to promote respect and prevent violence. (Video from CBIM's webpage.)
Coaching Boys into Men (CBIM) is a national program created by Futures Without Violence, a nonprofit dedicated to providing programs, policies, and campaigns that empower individuals and organizations working to end violence against women and children around the world. It consists of a series of trainings that coaches use with their players that illustrate ways to model respect and promote healthy relationships.
The CBIM Card Series instructs coaches on how to incorporate themes associated with teamwork, integrity, fair play, and respect into their daily practice and routine. The ultimate goal of the program is to help prevent relationship abuse, harassment, and sexual assault. ​
In 2014, the student councils at both Sitka High School and Mt. Edgecumbe High School voted to support Coaching Boys into Men. In December 2016, the MEHS co-ed wrestling team, led by Coach Mike Kimber, finished its second season of CBIM, supported by SAFV. The aim of these conversations during practice is to promote a nonviolent, respectful environment for all. As one of Sitka Pathways Coalition male engagement prevention programs, CBIM focuses on our goal of men working together as allies to end violence and acting as positive role models for young men. Coach Kimber uses this program because he wants his athletes to be exceptional on and off the mat. Even his athletes, both male and female, see the positive differences that CBIM has made in regards to their team unity.
Coach Kimber and his team were recognized for their participation in CBIM at the team's pep rally, where they also signed the CBIM pledge.
“I just joined this year, but when you go onto the team, you feel more connected with them, so, yeah, I have seen them every day [teammates], and I still see them every day, but I feel like I can relate to them more than some of my friends that didn’t join wrestling. Yeah, there’s just- I feel like there’s a bigger bond between wrestlers than there is between people that don’t go through this program."
-MEHS Wrestler
Coaching Boys Into Men is not currently being implemented in Sitka. For more information about the program, email prevention@safv.org.
