This article originally appeared in the Washington Examiner

Gillette sparked a corporate conversation on the role of men in society with its new adcampaign, “The Best Men Can Be,” opening with mentions of bullying, sexual harassment, and toxic masculinity. With more than 25 million views, the ad asks, “Is this the best a man can get?,” challenging men to do more to help each other to be better. It is an aspirational message. And the company committed to donate $3 million to nonprofit groups helping men “achieve their personal ‘best’ and become role models for the next generation.”

But many saw Gillette’s advertisement as unfair to men. For example, Ilan Srulovicz, CEO of Egard Watch Company, countered with his own ad that asks, “What is a man?” It shows the image of a male firefighter carrying a girl out of a fire and the statistic that men account for 93 percent of workplace fatalities. It also points out other numbers showing a fuller picture of men as heroes, and victims too: Men comprise over 97 percent of war fatalities, 79 percent of homicide victims, and 75 percent of single homeless people. The ad ends with the statement, “We see the good in men,” reminding viewers what’s already there. 

On college campuses, there is an ongoing debate about masculinity and the role of men in society. There are even courses on the topic. But some women still recognize the good men who are out there. Each year, the Network of enlightened Women runs a contest to honor and encourage more young gentlemen, The Gentlemen Showcase. Ethan Van Buskirk, a student at Colorado Christian University, won the 2018 contest after his nominator wrote: 

Along with all of the community work that Ethan engages in, he takes pride in paying attention to the little things, such as thanking the police officers on campus for their service, holding the door for others walking into buildings and caring for others when he notices distress, even if he is in a hurry and does not have much time. Taking a little time out of your day to make a difference in the life of just one person really makes a difference in the long run.

NeW is accepting nominations for the College Contest and Under 30 Contest Feb. 1 through 14. Judging by the response in past years, including more than 100 nominees last year, there are gentlemen all over the country helping others, most of whom aren’t getting attention. They should be part of the conversation about men today. 

Take Rodney Smith Jr. as an example. This year, NeW has named Smith Jr. as the Honorary Gentleman for the contest for showing the difference one man can make and is already making. Smith started Raising Men Lawn Care Service in 2015 to provide free lawn care to the elderly, disabled, single moms, and veterans. He started the group after he saw an elderly person cutting grass during a hot Alabama summer day. 

Smith Jr. is also teaching kids about volunteerism and service with the 50 Yard Challenge, for which kids get a free shirt if they pledge to mow 50 yards for free in their community. In an interview with NeW, Smith Jr. said, “When you see someone needing help, just be kind and help them out — it doesn’t matter what they need help with, just help them out because you never know when you’re going to need help.” 

Through The Gentlemen Showcase, we see there are men like Ethan Van Buskirk and Rodney Smith Jr. in every community. It’s time to honor them during February and in our larger conversations about men in society.