Fathers in Focus 2026
Fathers In Focus
A free conference where fathers, mentors, coaches and allies from across Wisconsin gather to learn, support each other and strengthen their roles in their families and communities.
“I’ve never seen that type of focus on motivating, empowering and supporting fathers,
Read the story of what makes Fathers in Focus so meaningful.
father figures and those who provide services to fathers.”
Keynote Speaker
Mike de la Rocha, author of the USA Today Best-Selling book Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How to Love.
De la Rocha invites men into a brave conversation — one where vulnerability becomes power and asking for help is an act of courage.
Be on the lookout for breakout speaker announcements coming soon!
Tracks
Co-Parenting
- Communicating effectively
- Resolving conflicts
- Prioritizing children’s wellbeing during co-parenting challenges
Relationship and Parenting
Skill Building
- Building strong bonds with your children
- Nurturing healthy relationships with your family
- Disciplining your children effectively
Child Support
and Finances
- Child support agreements
- Budgeting tips
- Managing financial responsibilities
Custody Challenges
- Custody arrangements
- How to advocate for your parental rights
- Legal considerations
Mental Health
- Managing stress, anxiety and depression
- Coping strategies
- Resources and seeking help
Justice-Involved Families
- Supporting your family through legal challenges
- Understanding your rights
- Accessing resources and reentry
Co-Chairs
Dr. Alvin Thomas
Associate Professor and Host of the Webby Award-Winning Black Fathers’ Pulse Podcast
Dr. Danielle Hairston-Green,
Assistant Dean, UW Madison Division of Extension
By Fathers, For Fathers
Here at UW-Madison Division of Extension, we listened to the fathers across Wisconsin in our community-based classes and focus groups. Fathers said they need a space to be together and share their experiences. So starting in 2024, we’ve welcomed hundreds of fathers, mentors, coaches and allies to Fathers in Focus each year.
The free conference is open to all and will feature 18 presenters, a keynote speaker and a panel discussion of fathers. They’ll help dads build their parenting skills and social networks. We believe fathers deserve a place to gather, learn and support each other so they can guide and uplift themselves, their children and their communities.
Proud 2026 Collaborators
2026 Sponsors — Join the growing list!
Email FathersInFocus@extension.wisc.edu for sponsorship details today!
Past Conferences
Fathers In Focus 2025
R. Kweku Smith
Discussion
Fathers In Focus 2024
Discussion
Keep up to date on Fathers in Focus on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Dress Code?
Nope! Photographers and media will be snapping shots, so camera-ready yet comfortable attire is recommended.
Is there a Fee?
No! FIF26 is completely free for all participants.
The more sponsors we have, the more we can enhance the overall experience for everyone—attendees and presenters alike. If you’re able, please help us spread the word and encourage sponsorship. To support FIF26 as a sponsor, contact FathersInFocus@extension.wisc.edu today!
Are Children allowed?
We love the children! However, this event is designed to provide a personal and professional development and networking experience exclusively for you. We’re not currently able to provide childcare during this event but hope to provide that option resources in the future.
Are you looking for Sponsors?
Absolutely! The more sponsors that we have to support this event the better the experience will be for the participants and presenters. We are happy to discuss your potential sponsorship. Please feel free to reach out to us at FathersInFocus@extension.wisc.edu
Are there places to eat?
Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be available for all participants starting at 7:30 a.m.
Can I be a speaker at this event?
Although our ‘Call for presenters’ has officially closed, we are happy to connect with you to discuss ways in which you could be an active part of FIF26. Please reach out to FathersInFocus@extension.wisc.edu.
Will there be any special accommodations for individuals with physical, visual, hearing or language limitations?
We’re working with our Office of Access and Inclusion to ensure all registrants who have indicated the need for special accommodations are supported.
If registered and did not indicate that you may need these services, please make requests for reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to educational programs as early as possible preceding the scheduled program, service or activity. For communicative accommodations in languages other than English, please contact FathersInFocus@Extension.wisc.edu.
For communicative accommodations based on a disability, please contact Heather Lipinski Stelljes at: heather.stelljes@wisc.edu for the public.
Are there any hotels nearby for participants traveling further distances?
Absolutely! There are plenty of places that will accommodate your needs for housing. Here are a few to choose from:
Holiday Inn Madison At The American Center By IHG
Fatherhood Resources
Classes and Supports for Fathers
We offer classes and support designed for dads and open to all. Our classes are informed by our own research and the best science has to offer.
Wisconsin Fatherhood Needs Assessment
This report demonstrated the many challenges fathers face in being present for their children and highlighted the need to re-evaluate how we as a culture value fathers, fatherhood, and parenting more broadly.
The myth of the “Absent Black Father” harms American culture and the mental health of Black men and families. Hosted by Dr. Alvin Thomas, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, The Black Fathers’ Pulse Podcast works to dismantle this myth.
Fatherhood Responsibility Program
Our Fatherhood Program works to enhance children’s well-being through the support and development of fathers. We are especially interested in helping non-custodial fathers who may be struggling with child support arrearages.
The Direct Assistance to Dads (DAD) Project is a free, voluntary program that provides home visits to fathers and their families.
We are working to ensure there is a guaranteed way to ensure a child has an unbreakable bond with both parents. Communication while at times difficult, helps with positive and consistent parenting skills and ensures that both parents are engaged in their shared children’s lives.
100 Black Men of Madison, Inc. seeks to serve as a beacon of leadership by utilizing our diverse talents to create environments where our children are motivated to achieve, and to empower our people to become self-sufficient shareholders in the economic and social fabric of the communities we serve.
WI Department of Children & Families
Along with a variety of community partners, we are working to connect fathers with the resources they need to acquire family and social skills, attain employment and be able to provide financial, emotional and social support for their children.
Milwaukee Fatherhood Coalition
The Milwaukee Fatherhood Coalition is a collaborative partnership dedicated to promoting the positive involvement of both parents in the lives of their children.
By engaging fathers, we hope to strengthen our community by increasing a father’s awareness of his essential role in his family. All classes use evidence-based curriculum and are conducted by a trained facilitator.
National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse
Are you looking for a fatherhood program in your community? Our Responsible Fatherhood Program Map can help you connect with state and local responsible fatherhood programs and resources.
New Pathways For Fathers & Families
Community Advocates recognizes that kids need strong, independent, and caring moms and dads. That’s why we’ve partnered with Milwaukee County in their New Pathways for Fathers and Families program for dads who want to learn how to become better fathers.
The Fatherhood Depot is a transformative blog dedicated to exploring the multifaceted journey of modern fatherhood. Through thoughtful articles addressing everything from digital parenting to generational healing, we empower men to break free from traditional stereotypes and develop authentic relationships with their children. Our diverse content reflects the real experiences of fathers navigating personal growth, cultural representation, and family dynamics in today’s world.
The I AM DAD. Podcast is an exploration of insight, information, and inspiration for dads, their families, the people who love and those who support them.
Our mission is to foster and develop a safe and inclusive environment for those most vulnerable in Dane County through community involvement, mentorship, education, employment skills, and supported housing. By providing these opportunities, we believe we are generating a sense of belonging, which is critical to social and emotional development (all genders and all races).
Our movement services families primarily through creating spaces of learning, support, and growth for fathers. The fathers we help become integral parts of their family and their communities. FMP works to ensure that fathers have pathways and opportunities for community leadership because STRONG FATHERS create STRONG FAMILIES and that creates STRONG COMMUNITIES.