These Dads Are Doing It Right – Part 74 – Dads Looking For New Ways To Look At Fatherhood

This week’s for the Dads Doing It Right series I wanted to shine the spotlight on some dads who are looking to share new ways to pay it forward. I like when dads try to do things in a different way. It is always great to look at things from a different point of view and these dads are doing just that. If there are any other dads that you think we should check out leave their name and info in the comment section below. 

Joseph Williams – A New Way By One New Book At A Time

One dad on the South Side of Chicago is doing great things in his neighborhood, one book at a time.  One day he ended up going into his children’s school to volunteer. Williams first started his new life by volunteering in the lunchroom at his daughter’s elementary school. One day, his daughter’s teacher needed someone to watch her students for a few minutes while she was grading papers, so she called Williams into the classroom to supervise the students. That was the beginning of the “Mr. Dad’s Father’s Club.” Now, more than 150 fathers have joined The Mr. Dad’s Father’s Club. The organization works to enrich the lives of young people in Chicago’s South Side.

Wesley McNeely – Dads On Duty 2.0 

The Colleton County School District is launching new programs to bring positive community role models into the schools. The programs are called “Dads on Duty” and “Moms on a Mission.” Colleton County School District Safety and Security Coordinator Wesley McNeely says it’s inspired by a program in Louisiana that went viral on the internet. McNeely says he has talked to the original school that started the program. He says they implemented Dads on Duty after a number of fights in the schools. Volunteer fathers and mothers from the community will receive gang awareness training, learn about de-escalation strategies, and develop techniques to create a positive environment in the classrooms. McNeely says they aren’t capping the volunteers at a certain number. He says they would like to have the volunteers in the schools every day, but hope to have enough where parents can rotate days and times.

Dads On A Mission – Keeping Kids Safe

A group of dads is stepping up to solve the problem of fighting in Des Moines Public Schools. They call themselves “Dads on a Mission” and they’re open to any man of color regardless of whether they have children in the district. The only thing members must have is the desire to cause a change. They want to ensure they are creating a great example for young kids. Dads on a Mission strive to help these student in any way possible. Love seeing groups like this. Well done guys!

Scott Chittle – Creating A Fun Space For Families During The Pandemic 

Scott Chittle decided his city needed an ice rink to survive the pandemic. Even though his own kids didn’t skate, he felt the community had to have a safe outdoor space to gather. Last year it was 3,000 square feet. Now the rink is about 5,000 square feet.  He also has a new skate-sharpening machine, snow grooming equipment and a complete lighting system. Chittle’s side yard became the place to be.