PARTNERS IN LEARNING: SIMPLE STRATEGIES FOR INVOLVING MENIt's worth the effort!
Despite a strong emphasis on the importance of family involvement in the past several years, there has been little focus on initiatives targeted at getting men involved. Fortunately, that's changing. Researchers, educators and program directors are beginning to understand and document what works -and what gets in the way. In 1993, James Levine identified four factors that discouraged father involvement in early childhood programs: fathers' fears of exposing inadequacies, ambivalence of staff about father involvement, "gate-keeping" by mothers, and inappropriate program design and delivery. When the focus is on getting fathers involved, it's important to take these factors into account. Successful practices also involve challenging assumptions, changing paradigms, staying focused, and not giving up. The following strategies have been found to be effective. ~ Assume that both fathers and mothers are interested and involved in their children's lives. The expectation that fathers, and in particular nonresident fathers, lack concern can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. ~ Be aware of subtle messages. Is the wording of school newsletters and other communications inclusive of fathers? Do volunteer opportunities represent a range of activities, including some often preferred by men? Do photographs and posters displayed in the school show men interacting with children? ~ Seek a balance of mothers and fathers in school leadership positions, such as PTA and advisory committees. Be careful not to undervalue mothers' efforts by immediately placing men into leadership positions ahead of women who have been involved for a much longer period of time. ~ Keep noncustodial parents "in the loop." Parents cannot be involved at school if they are uninformed-make sure both parents receive mailings of report cards, announcements of school events and other school information. ~ Be mindful of hidden resistance. Involving men may raise ambivalent feelings in women who've had bad experiences with men. Others may feel threatened at giving up some power in a traditionally women's arena. ~ Hold fun father-child get-togethers. Some research indicates that fathers interact more with their children through play. Think about activity-filled events that you can sponsor. An added benefit is that men will get a chance to form relationships with other fathers who are involved. ~ Evaluate the content of workshops offered for parents. Offer programs led by men on enhancing child development, parent-child interactions, or child communications. Consider holding a panel discussion on the benefits of positive male involvement. ~ Highlight activities for fathers in a school or classroom newsletter. Newsletters can also be used to show fathers how other men are involved in their children's education at school and at home. ~ Conduct a short male interest survey. This is a good way to discover the talents, interests and hobbies of the men in your students' lives and to determine the best times for them to volunteer. Make sure to use the information you gather. It's discouraging to offer help and never be called. ~ Remember mothers. It is very important that mothers understand and support efforts to reach out to fathers. Make sure that they are aware of the differences it can make in their children's lives. ~ Enlist men to recruit other men. Males who are already active may be your most powerful resource for getting other men involved. ~ Be patient and persistent. It takes time and effort to build trust and to make changes. While some men have always been involved, traditionally it's been the mother who served as liaison with the school. Be realistic and start with modest goals. ~ Ask! Sometimes it's as simple as that. Asking someone in person is almost always more effective than putting out an anonymous invitation for volunteers in a school newsletter or making a general announcement at a parent gathering.
Written by The Family Connection for Partners in Learning [Vol 1:2, 1998] a newsletter of the Indiana Center for Family, School & Community Partnerships. If you would like more information about involving fathers in their children's education, contact the Center at 317-205-2595 or email: fscp@indy.net Back to
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