Don’t be a butthead! Be a nice guy.

With that one simple statement, a student sent a strong message to all men from his seat at the Power to End Violence Against Leadership Day this week.

And the message wasn’t lost on Power co-captain Tom Jonas.

 “Good point,’’ he told the 95 secondary students taking part in the event at Port Adelaide Football Club on Wednesday.

“Schools and businesses and footy clubs are all built on having a really strong culture.

“When our recruiters go to the draft, they don’t necessarily pick the most talented player, they pick quality people that are going to make our club better.’’

The event aimed to empower participants by encouraging them to think about their core values and beliefs, and the qualities that make a good leader.

Students present had or will soon participate in the Power to End Violence Against Women (PTEVAW) program, which is delivered in schools by Power Community Ltd to teach young men about respectful relationships.

“Whether it’s going out of your way to ask someone else how their day is going or holding the door open for someone, it’s those little things we can do that can sometimes get lost in our society and don’t always get recognised, but they can make a big difference to someone else’s day,’’ Jonas said.

A joint partnership between Centacare, PAFC and the State Government, PTEVAW has engaged 5000 students over the past four years.

Participants learn about respect, trust, gender equality, healthy relationships and what constitutes abusive behaviour.

In her opening address, Carolyn Power, Assistant Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention, implored the students to play their part by having the courage to challenge disrespectful behaviours and attitudes.

“The only way we are going to end violence against women and their children, and also men who experience domestic violence, is by changing our core beliefs and attitudes – particularly towards women,’’ she said.

“It’s up to you guys to continue to shine a light on it and call it out when you see it. We can’t do it without you.’’

For more information about the PTEVAW program, please phone Jake Battifuoco, Youth Programs Manager, Power Community Ltd, on 8440 3002