The Agenda
Our legacy theme Wide World of Fathering reflects the multi-dimensional role that fathers play in the lives of their children and the diverse set of circumstances they face that may impact their parental experiences. Summit presenters will offer thought-provoking content and evidenced-based strategies for agencies and organizations who wish to use targeted approaches for addressing the specific needs and challenges fathers face that will promote more inclusive and equitable outcomes.
In-person attendees will also enjoy catered breakfast and lunch, light entertainment, social networking, discussion forums, vendor table engagement and more. Join us!
University of Michigan-flint
Riverfront Conference Center
1 Riverfront Plaza, Flint, MI 48502
Parking
Free Parking for our event is at 300 Harrison St in the University Pavilion Parking Ramp. If you go to a parking lot that requires you to pay any amount of money, it is the wrong lot. See the attached map at the bottom of this email that also indicates a road closure near the conference center due to construction.
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Note: All times listed are Eastern time zone.
8:30 - 9:30am
In Person
Registration
9:00 - 10:00am
In Person
Networking Breakfast
10:00 - 10:10am
Welcome and Introductions
Emcee: Terrance Grantham
10:10 - 11:20am
Plenary: When Broken Boys Become Broken Men
Shon Hart, Founder, InvolvedDad
Shon Hart will share powerful messages from his new book, Broken Boys Become Broken Men: The Journey of Becoming Whole.
This keynote session will deliver three objectives to attendees:
Recognizing the Masks: Professionals will be equipped with the ability to identify various emotional and behavioral masks that men adopt as a result of childhood trauma. This segment aims to deepen understanding of the psychological defenses men use to navigate life, providing the foundation for more effective support and intervention strategies.
Supporting Men in Unmasking: Offering actionable insights on how to support men in safely removing their masks and addressing the underlying trauma. This involves sharing techniques for creating environments that encourage emotional vulnerability and healing, emphasizing the role of empathy, listening, and engagement in the healing process.
Developing Effective Programs and Resources: Attendees will be guided through designing and implementing programming and resources specifically targeted at helping men break free from their emotional incarceration. This will include best practices for creating supportive, trauma-informed services that address the unique needs of men struggling with hidden traumas, with the ultimate goal of fostering resilience and emotional freedom.
11:30am - 12:20pm
Session 1: The Importance of Fathers in Child Welfare: Past, Present, and Future
Demetrius Starling, MDHHS Children's Services
This session will discuss:
Historical implications of social work;
How fathers roles have been shaped within social work;
A look into father engagement (data, bias, stereotypes); and
Transitioning from child welfare to family wellbeing.
12:20 - 1:30pm
In Person
Lunch break (catered)
1:30 - 1:45pm
Entertainment presented by Detroit Musix
Erinn Alexis, saxophonist
Johnnie Pierson, vocalist
1:50 - 2:40pm
Breakout A: Panel Discussion - Fathers and the Child Support Program
Moderator: Amy Lindholm, SCAO Friend of the Court Bureau
Panelists: Ian Agee, father; Tony McDowell, Director, Genesee County Friend of the Court; Jevona Fudge, Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney Family Division
Panelists will explore the impact of the Michigan child support program on fathers and families, progress toward better father inclusion, innovative ideas, and respond to questions from the audience.
Breakout B: The Ripple Effect of Plantation Politics on Black Fatherhood
Kevin Lavender, Jr., Founder, The Fatherhood Network
Derek Miller, Program Supervisor, 4DAD and Healthy Babies Healthy Start Program, Kalamazoo County Health and Human Services
A historical and contemporary analysis of how paternal duty has been negatively impacted for black fathers by the dynamics of the slavery system and its ripples.
Breakout C: Generational Fatherhood - A Candid Conversation
Clay Roberts, Jr., Founder, All Things Fatherhood
Mr. Roberts, Jr., will delve into his personal journey depicted in his book Super Dad, offering poignant insights into navigating fatherhood amidst challenges. Through clips from his film Generational Fatherhood: A Candid Conversation, he will facilitate a compelling exploration of the diverse experiences and perspectives shaping fatherhood across different generations.
2:45 - 3:35
Session 2: The State of America's Fathers
Chris Hook, Equimundo
Michigander men's engagement with their families is at an all-time high, and while greater progress is needed, more men than ever are making sacrifices to be involved in the lives of their children. Yet, we see a resurgence of negative stereotypes about minority fathers in the media and politics, and continued weak federal supports for father-friendly policies like paid leave and child support reform. Join this participatory workshop on what we know about fathers in the US in 2024: how are they portrayed in the media? What are the narratives to be aware of in this election year? And last, how can we better support fathers, especially low-income minority dads, with positive, uplifting messages that honor their contributions to families rather than diminish it?
3:35 - 4:00pm
Giveaways / Closing Remarks / Evaluations
Emcee: Terrance Grantham