For Fathers By Fathers
A groundbreaking event dedicated to empowering fathers and promoting positive fatherhood practices is set to take place on October 11, 2024, at the Monona Terrace in Madison, Wisconsin. This full-day conference aims to inspire, educate, and support fathers in their vital roles within families and communities.
- Date: October 11, 2024
- Location: Monona Terrace, Madison, Wisconsin
- Time: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Volunteer Registration
We are excited to invite you to volunteer for our first-ever Fathers in Focus Conference. Volunteers are needed in various capacities, and your support will help make this event a success.
To register as a volunteer, please fill out the form below. Completing the registration form will help us plan effectively and match our needs with your availability.
Thank you for your willingness to contribute!
Event Highlights:
About the Conference: The Fathers In Focus Conference is designed to bring together fathers, family advocates, community leaders, and experts to engage in meaningful discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. The event will feature:
- Keynote Speakers: Renowned experts will share insights on modern fatherhood, mental health, and family dynamics.
- Interactive Workshops: Sessions will cover various topics, including effective communication, co-parenting strategies, and balancing work-life responsibilities.
- Panel Discussions: Participants can explore challenges and solutions in fatherhood with diverse speakers.
- Networking Opportunities: Attendees can connect with peers, professionals, and organizations dedicated to supporting fathers.
Registration Information: Early registration is encouraged to secure your place at this important event. Participants are asked to confirm their attendance by September 15th.
Keynote Speakers
Opening Keynote Kenneth Braswell, Author, Activist, and Chief Executive Officer Fathers Incorporated
Closing Keynote
Dr. Brandon Frame, Founder & Chief Visionary Officer TheBlackManCan, Inc
Panelists
Dr. Mike Koenigs
Professor, Department of Psychiatry, UW Madison
Judge Everett D. Mitchell
Honorable Judge, Community Activist, and Circuit Judge
Shannon Ross
Executive Director
The Community
Dr. Shon Barnes
Chief of Police, Madison Police Department
Co-Chairs
Dr. Alvin Thomas
Host of the Webby Nominated “Black Fatherhood” podcast
Dr. Danielle Hairston- Green
Director, Human Development and Relationships Institute
Conference at a Glance
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11TH
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM – Registration, Networking, Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM- Welcome & Introductions
8:45 AM – 9:30 AM – Kenneth Braswell, Opening Keynote Address
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM- Concurrent Morning Sessions One
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM- Concurrent Morning Sessions Two
12:00 PM – 1: 15 PM- Lunch & Panel Discussion
1:30 PM- 2:30 PM – Concurrent Afternoon Sessions Three
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM- Concurrent Afternoon Sessions Four
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM – Dr. Brandon Frame, Closing Keynote Address
4:45 PM -5:00 PM – Closing Challenge
Our Sponsors
Office of Child Care and Family Resources
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Reproductive Equity Action Lab
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Dress Code?
There is no dress code for this event. We only encourage you to dress comfortably but picture ready as we will have photographers and media on site and we want to make sure we capture your best side.
Is there a Fee?
The conference is free. This is made possible by the generous support of our platinum sponsor, the UW Madison School of Human Ecology and the Division of Extension, which is a testament to the power of collaboration. We invite further partnerships to enhance our impact and extend our reach.
Are Children allowed?
We love the children! However, this event is designed to provide a professional development and networking experience exclusively for you. We are not able to provide childcare during this event but hope we could provide resources in the future.
Are there places to eat?
There are plenty of places to grab a bit to eat in the surrounding area. But you are in luck. We will be providing breakfast, Lunch and snacks for all of our participants during the conference starting at 7:30 am. Your tummy will be happy.
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 this day. Please feel free to reach out to us at FathersInFocus@extension.wisc.edu
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
Will there be any special accommodations for individuals with physical, visual, hearing or language limitations?
That’s a fantastic question. We are working with our Office of Access and Inclusion to ensure that all registrants who have indicated the need for special accommodations are supported. If you have registered and did not indicate that you may need these services, please feel free to 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 oaic@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 for our participants who may be travelling long distances to participate in this event, there are plenty of places that will accommodate your needs for housing. Here are a few to choose from:
Contact Information
Questions regarding the conference? Send us an email at fathersinfocus@extension.wisc.edu
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 oaic@extension.wisc.edu.
For communicative accommodations based on a disability, please contact Heather Lipinski Stelljes at: heather.stelljes@wisc.edu for the public.
Social Media
Follow us on Facebook for all things conference at: https://www.facebook.com/HDRInstitute
Other Resources for Fatherhood
Classes and Supports for Fathers
We offer classes and supports 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.
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.
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.
DAD Project
The Direct Assistance to Dads (DAD) Project is a free, voluntary program that provides home visits to fathers and their families.
Wisconsin Fathers
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.
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.
The Parenting Network
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.
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.
100 Black Men
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.
