Men Creating Peace (MCP) is an Oakland-based nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting men in overcoming abusive behaviors and fostering healthier relationships. Founded in 2007 by Executive Director Devon Gaster, MCP operates on principles derived from restorative justice, aiming to address the root causes of domestic violence and male entitlement. The program offers a 52-week curriculum divided into three phases:
- Recognizing Different Forms of Violence: Participants identify various abusive behaviors and understand their impacts.
- Reconnecting with Self: This phase emphasizes deepening intimacy and enhancing communication skills.
- Addressing Co-Dependency and Unhealthy Relationships: Men develop strategies for building healthier relationships and preventing future abuse.
MCP’s sessions are held weekly at Laney College in Oakland and Options Recovery Services in Berkeley. The program also conducts bi-monthly classes at San Quentin State Prison for inmates nearing release. Fees are determined on a sliding scale based on income, ranging from $20 to $100 per session. Participants are typically referred by courts, the Alameda County District Attorney, Child Protective Services, therapists, or through word of mouth. A key component of MCP’s approach is confronting the “male role belief system,” which often perpetuates notions of male superiority and entitlement. By fostering accountability and empathy, MCP aims to break cycles of abuse and promote lasting behavioral change among its participants.
“Hearing from men whose lives have changed in a year is why I continue to do this work,”
Devon Gaster, Men Creating Peace Counseling and Education
Leave A Comment