Along with many people across the country, I participated in the Women’s March. I marched for reproductive rights. I marched for LGBTQ communities and their rights. And most importantly, I marched for the equality of future generations of all genders and all races.

As I looked around the streets of Los Angeles, I noticed the typical participant. The average person marching along with me was a Caucasian women of the younger generations. This is not to say there was no one from other races and no men, but it is still something I took note of.

Last year, when I went to the march, there were lots of dads and grandfathers walking for their sons and daughters. Even little brothers walking for their mothers and sisters, but as far as I could see, that sort of presence was missing this year

As women fight to make the changes we want to see happen, we have to make sure it is together. Together includes every man and women setting foot on this this planet. If we want to make change happen, we must reach out to others and allow them to help, too.

I know that in recent times, it might be hard to look at men and see that they will in fact help. Take a moment to look up at your dads, brothers and grandfathers. While I do not know your personal life, I can imagine all of them have supported you in accomplishing personal goals and want you to live in a world where you can achieve your dreams.

There are so many amazing men who will take your hand and help you achieve the change you and I both want to see, that is, if they are included in the fight. While this fight is about making sure women get a say in all aspects of their lives and that they have equal opportunities and pay, it is not about putting ourselves above of men.

If we want to see any equality between both genders and all races, it is important to set up the equal sign between us. Alienating the other side is only going to cause them to fight back, and never open their hands for helping.

I look to the men in my life as people who will, along with with the strong women in my life, inspire me to be the strongest I can be. And, while my dad did not march alongside with me, I know that if he had woken up on time he would have taken every step with me. Yes . . . he did sleep in. And that is the reality of both men and women, we make mistakes, but do not let the mistake of one man taint your picture of all men in society. I promise that almost every man out there is willing to help us achieve everything and more.

As a man reading this piece, I hope you take this moment to find the women in your life and empower them to accomplish anything they dream of. As a woman reading this piece, I hope you look around and reach out for the men in your life and allow them to be a partner for change. For everyone, I hope you take this moment to reflect on current movements and work together as the future generation to create the change you want to see.