Numerous studies have shown that maximizing the potential of our children must include the male
role-models in our children’s lives – dads, uncles, grandfathers, scout leaders, and coaches are all important to their success. This page is designed to provide information on the importance of men and fathers to the academic success for students.
Tips to Engaging Men
More engaged Men, Males, and Mentors (M3) help to foster a child’s healthy physical, emotional, and social development. There’s no doubt of the positive impact male role models can have on children’s lives.
Recruiting Men, Males, and Mentors as PTA members may mean rethinking how your PTA is run on a day-to-day basis. If your PTA mostly relies on female caregivers, reaching out to men may involve breaking down barriers and trying new approaches and strategies:
- Communicate directly to men – How you and your PTA speak to members and potential members can impact the level of men’s involvement. Simply slimming down language and shortening messages in your communications can be more appealing to male leadership. And be always sure to explain and emphasize how men’s unique involvement benefits kids.
- Just ask – Nearly half of the men who responded to a recent National PTA survey said they haven’t gotten involved with PTA simply because they weren’t asked.
- Create men-focused groups and events – Surveys also show that men prefer to volunteer for hands-on projects and dad-only events with clear expectations. Therefore, organize special events and groups for Men, Male, and Mentors to enjoy working on and being involved with together and define volunteer roles and expectations.
- Celebrate engagement – When you start getting more Men, Male and Mentors involved, it’s great to celebrate! Letting the school community know will help emphasize and publicize your welcoming environment for all parents and members.
The Objectives of the Male Engagement Committee
- Work with schools and communities to provide programs that engage Men, Male, and Mentors figures in the educational and social development of children.
- Develop Men, Male, and Mentor leaders who enhance positive parenting and involvement with youth.
- Act and advocate as a resource for families, communities, and schools on fatherhood initiatives and issues.
Conservations with Dr. Leroy Wray, Chair, NCPTA Male Engagement Committee:
Charles I. Mitchell, Triangle Fatherhood
Shaneeka Moore Lawrence and her son Demetrius