SWEAR is an initiative at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, in partnership with CONNECT to End Violence (a program of Martha's Vineyard Community Services). Our mission is to empower young men to challenge harmful gender norms, confront rape culture, and become upstanders in the fight against gender based violence. Through immersive retreats, ongoing education, and peer-led outreach, SWEAR fosters empathy, accountability, and leadership to create a safer, more respectful community for all.

Launched in 2015 as a senior Capstone project, SWEAR has evolved into a comprehensive program featuring a two-day overnight retreat at Camp Burgess on Cape Cod. The retreat focuses on topics such as gender roles, masculinity, the impact of pornography, rape culture, and active bystanders. Unlike many prevention programs that center on how girls and women can protect themselves, SWEAR uniquely calls on men to be leaders in the movement to end sexual violence.  Our fundamental belief is that gender-based violence is not a female issue but a human issue. 

Post-retreat, SWEAR participants engage in quarterly seminars and bi-weekly meetings, organize assemblies on preventing gender-based violence, co-facilitate health classes with CONNECT in middle and high schools, attend CONNECT events, and mentor incoming SWEAR students. Since its inception, our 250+ SWEAR leaders have educated over 1500 MVRHS students, fostering a culture of empathy, accountability, and proactive leadership in the fight against sexual violence.

The SWEAR program proudly partners with MVCS CONNECT in a shared mission to end sexual assault and rape. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, we work to create a safer, more respectful community for all.

Together, we take part in powerful events that promote awareness and action, including the #ReimagineManhood Symposium, White Ribbon Day, Lady Fest, The Seawall Event, and our annual SWEAR Retreat.

SWEAR student leaders also engage directly with schools across the island—leading classroom presentations, speaking at assemblies, supporting health education, and partnering with faculty and administrators to promote healthy relationships and prevent violence.