PARTNERS IN LEARNING: WHAT ARE DADS DOING IN INDIANA?
What started as a group of four dads wanting to become more involved in their children's high school has grown to a volunteer organization with over eighty fathers and adult males. Their mission? To be visible in all areas of education-from monitoring the building and sporting events to working with the music department to tutoring English to community service. The group coordinates their meetings to coincide with the Saturday School schedule. They also send out a newsletter that includes requests for services. "Even dads that do not respond to action are still receiving the communication, and this is positive," says President Ron Phillips. To start a group in your school, the Warren Central dads recommend that you approach individuals personally. "Form a steering committee of a few fathers and an administrator to work out your mission and goals. Publicize your efforts and invite others to join in. Be aware that time is needed to prove to others that your efforts are sincere. People may watch from a distance before jumping on board to get involved. Be consistent in your efforts and stay true to your goals and mission." For more information, contact Ron Phillips, 317-862-3868 (home) or 317-895-1678 (work).
Parent leader Linda Wallace was inspired by her husband Anthony's positive effect on student behavior at an Arlington High School talent show. "If I had seven or eight more guys like you, we could turn this place around!" Up until then, Arlington had student behavior problems and low parent involvement. But no more. Security Dads act as chaperones, mentors and role models during the school day and at school-sponsored events. "Even if dads can come for an hour over lunch, it has a lasting effect on the building," says Anthony. "Dads now have a tie to their children's school and a reason for being there." Word of Security Dads' success spread rapidly. An article in Parade magazine brought national recognition and many schools now use their model. "We are recruiting all the time. We get to a lot of fathers through the mothers who are already involved; we enlist dads whose kids are active in extracurricular activities; we knock on car windows when dads come to pick up their kids and tell them about our program; we start recruiting dads even before their kids get to high school." Dads aren't the only reason for the program's success. "Moms play a major role. They are right in there with us-one complements the other." For more information, contact Anthony Wallace, 317-802-9920.
Scott Johnson knew from the moment his children were born that he wanted to be a very active parent. When his kids went off to school in Chesterton, Scott arranged his work schedule to volunteer. Teachers say that when Scott goes on field trips other dads come along, too. Scott and his wife Barb joined the PTA board and now Scott is PTA President. Among other accomplishments, he organized a gym night for dads and kids. His advice for dads: "Enjoy your kids-they grow up fast. Whatever they're into, get involved. It's one way to stay close to them." According to Darlene Maloney, Indiana PTA President, the number of men heading local PTA groups around the state has been steadily rising.One reason, says Darlene, is that "we finally got smart enough to ask them." For more information, contact the Indiana PTA at 317-357-5881.
When it comes to parenting education programs, "young fathers have been a vastly under-served group in comparison to young mothers." That realization led Purdue University to develop a curriculum targeted to young men in need of parenting skills. It's My Child Too teaches fathers ages 14 to 25 how to play a meaningful role their children's lives. They learn the basics-diapering, bathing, nutrition and feeding, immunizations-as well as the importance of positive discipline, good communications with the mother, coping with stress, and responsible decision-making. Community teams, including the county extension educator, attend an initial free training, then shape the program to meet local needs. For more information, contact Aadron Rausch, 765-494-9516.
There is no cookie-cutter recipe for helping fathers become more involved in their children's lives. Below are just a few of the diverse programs that can be found in our local communities. ~ In Anderson, men enrolled in the ADAPT program of Alternatives, Inc., are first time offenders of domestic violence who are encouraged to accept responsibility for their children regardless of their relationship with the child's mother. Dads improve parenting skills, increase their involvement with their children, and learn to build healthy relationships. Contact: Mary Jo Lee, 765-643-0218. ~ In Indianapolis, Wishard Memorial Hospital's Father Resource Program channels a young man's intense paternal interest triggered by the birth of his baby into a lifelong social role. The program includes workshops on job readiness, life skills, and fatherhood development; GED classes; counseling; leadership development; and support groups. Program completion guarantees a job placement. Contact: Vanessa Daniels, 317/630-2486. ~ In South Bend, El Buen Vecino's Mi Papa program helps primarily low-income Hispanic fathers through one-on-one counseling and group support. Fathers learn English, job and parenting skills, as well as respect for themselves and their families. Contact: Sara Haber, 219-287-8228. ~ In Gary, 150 fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers and other interested
males serve as volunteers and positive role models in the school district's
DADS (Dads Are Doing Something) program. While each school has a
local DADS chapter, joint monthly meetings are held for all DADS members
to share information and support. Contact: Rev. Rockne Dilosa, 219-938-5255. Back to
Partners in Learning Contents |
Return to top | |
Dads of Warren Central: Strong and growing stronger 
Next Article: Good Resources