To help organizations better connect and engage with fathers, the BC Council for Families is offering a one-day workshop on March 5, 2020, in Burnaby, called “It’s a Dad’s Life: Engaging and Supporting Fathers.”

Getting fathers to commit to and enjoy attending a parenting group or service requires an understanding of the issues that dads are currently facing. How and why do dads first make contact with community organizations? How do they get connected in a group setting, and most importantly, what makes them come back?

The interactive workshop will provide information and tools on: how dads parent today; what dads are looking for in programs and services; how to create father-friendly environments, and how to market to and engage dads in support services. 

Based on research and practical experience, “It’s a Dad’s Life: Engaging and Supporting Fathers” will cover:

·         The experiences of dads today – who are they and what makes them tick?

·         How men parent and why it is good for kids

·         What men are looking for from services and programs

·         Overview of a strengths-based approach to serving men

·         Assessment of present practices in your organization 

·         Strategies for marketing to men, including flyer do’s and don’ts, and the use of social media

·         Specialized resources available and how to best use them

·         Engaging mothers around father involvement

·         Family support professionals self-reflection 

·         Developing an action plan to determine next steps for engaging/supporting dads in your community

The workshop will be led by Reg Unrau, Program Facilitator of the award-winning Abby Dads program (Abbotsford Community Services). 

For a number of years, Reg has worked with dads, moms, and kids at Abbotsford Community Services within Abby Dads, The Family Center, New Beginnings Young Parent Program, and at the Youth Resource Center. Previous to and during the early part of his ACS involvement, he worked with multiple agencies, supporting adults and youth living with the concurrent disorders of mental health and addictions.

His passion is to empower both clients and staff in developing the community and relationships that make life that much more manageable and rewarding.

Reg brings a wealth of experience working individually and in groups with dads, moms, and kids and is passionate about sharing his learning and empowering colleagues to effectively support fathers.

Where: 500 – 4370 Dominion Street, Strive Living Society, Burnaby
When: March 5, 2020
Time: 9:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Price: $125
Registration Link: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/its-a-dads-life-march-2020_984/
 

Resources for effectively supporting dads in family support services:

·         Engaging fathers in early childhood services by the National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health 

·         Supporting Indigenous Father’s Involvement: Guide for Outreach Gatherings and Workshops 

·         Dad Central: for professionals working with Dads in Canada 

Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Fathering tip sheets