Be confident, patient, and persistent. Groups take time to build and dads are not always easy to organize. Do the things listed above and look for support from your Regional Coordinator (link to Regional Coordinator page) and our Discussion Forum (link to: www.athomedad.org).
Empower your members and listen to them for ideas. The organizer is the “heart” of a group, but he gets his best ideas for future meetings and events from the other dads in the group. Everyone’s opinion counts! Dads are more apt to attend group events when they were responsible for planning it. Encourage dads to step up!
Plan interesting, fun, and meaningful outings.
It is easy to hit the local playground or use someone’s home/playroom so the kids can play and interact while the dads socialize. These locations are easy to organize and should be a frequent group outing.
Use your community: Contact the local parent & me companies, YMCA/Community Center, or play-spaces. It is amazing how the power of a unique group can get you a free trial class at a local children’s venue or inexpensive and affordable opportunities
Dads Night Out: About once a month, it is important to schedule a fun night out without kids - sports bar, poker night, BBQ, etc. This truly enables you to get to know the guys better.
Create membership criteria Will there be any criteria for entry? Charging a fee, providing information, privacy of the group, open to moms as well, open to working dads, etc. are all important questions you must answer.
This information was written by Lance Somerfeld of NYC Dads Group, Phil Andrew and Mike Njus of LinOma Dads, as well as Tony Peters and Bill Beagle of the Dayton Dads that is posted on RebelDad. Daddyshome appreciates all of these dads for sharing the information that has made their groups a success!
