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6 Resources To Get Dads M.O.R.E. Involved With Their Children

By Tyler ⋅ June 10, 2008 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

James Martinez, Media Relations Specialist with the National PTA, contacted me about the partnership between the PTA and 6 top male involvement organizations. The partnership is called M.O.R.E. or Men Organized to Raise Engagement.

On June 5th 2008, the National PTA released a survey that indicated that men are becoming more and more involved in their child’s life than in previous years. You can review their key findings by reviewing the Key Findings-PTA Male Involvement Survey [.doc file type | 631 KB]

You can also read more in their February/March edition of “Our Children” magazine [PDF Link] There’s 18 pages about how dads make a difference when they are actively involved in their child’s education and lives.

The MORE partnership will call attention to the need to increase male involvement across the country by:

• Working with schools and communities to provide programs that engage fathers and positive male figures in the educational and social development of children;
• Developing male leaders who work with fathers and male role models to enhance positive male parenting and involvement with youth;
• Acting as a resource for families, communities and schools on fatherhood initiatives and issues;
• Increasing the visibility and outreach of the quality programming of the coalition members.

The following men’s involvement experts and organizations have teamed up with the PTA to make sure the trend of increased male involvement continues:

• Bryan Davis, Director: All Pro Dad (founded by Tony Dungy) is composed of current and former NFL players and coaches who speak out about the importance of fatherhood. Bryan works with more than 1,000 schools, churches and businesses across the country to help them become more father- friendly. The author of the recently published book, Play of the Day, Bryan sends daily e-mail tips to 45,000 fathers. (<-- I'm off to sign up for this right now!)
• Phillip Jackson, Founder & Executive Director: The Black Star Project sponsors father/male involvement programs including the Million Father March on the first day of school, Men in Schools Day and the Fathers Club. Phillip is a national leader advocating for community involvement in education and the importance of parental development to ensure that children are properly educated.
• Roland C. Warren, President: National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) improves the well being of children by increasing the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible, and committed fathers. Roland directs the organization’s national strategy and leads NFI’s work via its comprehensive, “three e” strategy of educating, equipping, and engaging fathers and all sectors of society to strengthen fatherhood.
• Chuck Saylors, President-Elect: With more than 5.5 million members, PTA focuses on being a powerful voice for all children; a relevant resource for families and communities; and a champion for the education and well-being of every child. Chuck is PTA’s first-ever male national president-elect. He has been a PTA member for almost 20 years.
• Yvette Moyo, Co-founder: Real Men Cook is the leading national Father’s Day family celebration tradition. An experienced brand builder and visionary entrepreneur who has added health and wellness to the Real Men Cook events, Yvette is credited with changing the way Father’s Day is celebrated. The events in multiple cities have delivered over one million dollars in ticket sales proceeds to nonprofit organizations.
• Eric Snow, National Director: WATCH D.O.G.S (Dads of Great Students) is the safe school initiative of the National Center for Fathering focusing on prevention of violence in schools by using the positive influence of fathers and father-figures. As director, Eric helps dedicated men and women increase school safety and provide positive male role models for schools across the country.

If you’re not involved in your child’s life, now is the time to do so! Father’s Day is right around the corner and there’s nothing better than giving to your children. Make it a point to do a little something extra for your children this year and you will most certainly see them benefit.

Thanks to James [jmartinez at pta dot org] for letting me write about this great resource for dads everywhere. Some of the text above was taken from the email that James sent me. I can provide you with copies of the email if requested.

Tags: all pro dad, black star project, dads, father's day, involved, m.o.r.e., national fatherhood initiative, pta, real men cook, watch dogs