April 17, 2003

 

Dakota Fatherhood Summit 3 Set for May 21-23 in Fargo

The public, community professionals, and policy makers are invited to attend the third annual Dakota Fatherhood Summit, May 21-23, in Fargo. Presented by the Dakota Fatherhood Initiative, this conference is for anyone interested in strengthening family life and enhancing the skills and commitment of men and fathers in family relationships.

The 2-day conference will feature a variety of regional and national speakers, including Mike Hall, Center for Successful Fathering; David Dollahite, author of Generative Fathering; Jane Gilgun, University of Minnesota; Leonard Little Finger, teacher from Ogalala, S.D.; Joseph White, South Dakota State University; Sean Brotherson, North Dakota State University Extension Service and many others. Topics to be addressed by keynote speakers include ideas and activities for successful fathering, fathers and spirituality, men and violence issues, fathers in Native American communities and why fathers matter.

Additionally, the conference will include specialized training tracks from a half day to a full day on healthy marriage and fathers, fathers and youth development, men and violence issues, fathers and special needs children, fathers and divorce, involving fathers in early childhood programs, fathers in Native American communities and fathers and parent education. There will also be a variety of sessions on fathering resources and programs, as well as parenting for both mothers and fathers.

"The conference is intended for a broad audience and is designed to be attractive to parents, community professionals, and all others who are interested in or work with issues regarding family life and social well-being," says Sean Brotherson, conference organizer and co-chair of the Dakota Fatherhood Initiative. The conference will include breakout sessions, panel presentations, and evening networking sessions.

Continuing education units will be available to those who are interested. Invited to participate are parents, educators, counselors, legislators, social workers, health care workers, clergy, attorneys, judges, mental health professionals, civic and business professionals and any others who may be interested. The conference is meant to draw not only participants from the Dakotas and Minnesota, but from across the Midwest and the nation.

The conference will be held at the Best Western Doublewood Inn, 3333 13 Ave. S. Fargo. To register, call (701) 231-8113 or visit http://dfi.sdstate.org for registration information. Registration fee is $55 before May 10, and $65 after. Single-day, student, and group rates are available. Exhibit booth space is also available. Rooms are available at the Best Western Doublewood Inn, (701) 233-3333, under "Fatherhood Summit" block. The conference begins at 1 p.m. on May 21 and concludes at 1 p.m. on May 23.

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Source: Sean Brotherson, (701) 231-6143, sbrother@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu