2nd Annual Parent Education Symposium: Fathering on the Frontline
On Thursday, March 1st, over one hundred people gathered at the Catholic University of America to participate in the 2nd annual parent education symposium focused on educating parents, teachers, and community members about important fatherhood issues.
The one-day event included presentations on a father's rights, utilizing positive media, handling emotions, father support groups, child abuse and neglect, as well as information on father-friendliness for the workplace.
Commissioner Isaac Fulwood, Jr., former D.C. chief of police, served as the keynote speaker. He shared his experience and insight to empower fathers and those working with fathers to understand and affirm the importance of positive role models in the family and community. He emphasized the need for fathers to find a purpose and regain dignity by having pride in their accomplishments, loving their children, and helping to rebuild a shared sense of community. Fulwood stated, "We are raising the next generation of children and they are having problems because they do not have a strong male figure in their lives."
This symposium was co-hosted by the Parenting Program of Catholic Charities and the Washington Parent Education Collaborative. Sponsors of the day included Freddie Mac Foundation, DC Children's Trust Fund, Early Care Education Administration, Edgewood Brookland Family Support Collaborative, United Planning Organization, D.C. Public Library, and D.C. Parent Smart.
For more information, please read the front page, Washington Post Metro Section article by Robert E. Pierre, titled Fathers Tackle Tough Topics at Symposium, which highlights a few fathers and their work to overcome challenges facing them.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/01/AR2007030101679.html