Working with Fathers in Rural Areas and Small Communities (NRFC Webinar)

Although much of the fatherhood work we hear about takes place in urban areas, we should not forget that many fathers and families live in rural areas or small town communities. This webinar explored the context of responsible fatherhood programming in rural areas and small communities, consider differences and similarities between rural and urban communities, look at strategies that some programs have used in working with dads in small communities, and reflect on general lessons for fatherhood programs in all communities.

Webinar Goals
Participants will improve their knowledge and understanding of:

• How responsible fatherhood programs in rural areas and small communities may be both similar and different from those in larger urban areas.
• Outreach and recruitment in rural areas.
• Services designed to meet the needs of fathers in small communities.
• Lessons learned from work in rural areas that might be applied to work in larger communities.
• Resources for more information.

Presenters
Sean Brotherson, Ph.D., Professor and Extension Family Science Specialist, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND

• Dr. Brotherson will share lessons learned from his work with the Dakota Fatherhood Initiative, the National Extension Relationship and Marriage Education Network (NERMEN), and other rural fatherhood projects.

Derrick Dease, Executive Director, Man 2 Man Fatherhood Initiative, Bennettsville, SC

• Man 2 Man has provided services for fathers in rural Marlboro County for 15 years. Derrick will explain how they have helped fathers heal family relations, practice healthy parenting, and gain productive stable employment.

Mindy Scott, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, Child Trends, Bethesda, MD

• Dr. Scott’s research focuses on issues such as the impact of father involvement for parents and children. She is working on a number of new NRFC products, including an infographic describing characteristics of men and fathers in rural areas.

Facilitator
Nigel Vann, National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse