A national organization chose Charlotte as its first stop in a national effort to stop violence among young men.

A Call to Men brought together more than 400 coaches from local schools and even the Carolina Panthers Thursday to teach them about the power they have to instill nonviolence and respect for women in young men. 

"What we're trying to do here is give them education about what's important to the development of young men and boys so that they can begin sharing along with the good work they are already doing," said Tony Porter of Call to Men.

Sportscaster James Brown was also there to emcee the event.

"The coach -- outside of the home -- has the most influence in the development of a young man than anybody else," said Brown.

Organizers said domestic violence cases are becoming an epidemic in every community.  Cases like that of Jovan Belcher, the Kansas City Chiefs player police say killed his girlfriend then himself late last year.

Organizers of the event said they hoped coaches will realize kids are watching what they say and what they do. 

“If you display yourself angrily at the athletes, they feel that is the same way they should be outside," said Alvin Simpson, one of the coaches who attended the event. 

A Call to Men plans to host similar conferences in Baltimore and Seattle later this year. For more information on A Call to Men, click here.

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