PLENARY SESSIONS

 

Plenary Session 1

Marriage, Responsible Fatherhood, and Poverty in America

 

Moderator:      Carlis Williams, Regional Administrator, Region IV, Atlanta, GA

 

Speaker:          Kay S. Hymowitz, Author of Marriage and Caste in America: Separate and Unequal

 

Ms. Hymowitz, author, commentator on social and cultural trends, fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and contributing editor of City Journal, presented her analysis of the dramatic trends in divorce and non-marital child bearing that have occurred in the U.S. since the 1960s.  Her thesis is that significant increases in the number of divorces, the number of births outside of marriage, and the rise in single parent families, especially for low-income women and women without a college education, have created a society of separate and unequal families.  Prior to 1960 women of all racial, economic and educational backgrounds were unlikely to have children out of wedlock.  What followed was a 20-year period of increasing numbers of out-of-marriage births and divorces, reflecting a shift in the cultural belief that marriage and childbearing are connected. Today, however, college-educated and higher-income woman have returned to the cultural ideal and “mission” of marriage as a social institution for childrearing and are far less likely to have children outside of marriage than less educated and low-income women.  The rise in single parent families is now especially concentrated among African Americans and the less educated, and children growing up in these families are more likely to grow up in poverty and experience fewer positive outcomes compared to children raised by married parents. 

 

According to Ms. Hymowitz, the cultural disengagement of marriage from childrearing has created a marriage gap and a de-facto caste system. Families that keep to the ordered “middle class life script” of education, work, marriage, and only then children, move up the social and economic ladder.  On the other hand, those who have not learned or internalized this life script are likely to continue with generation after generation inheriting chaotic family lives and bleak economic prospects.

 

Some in the audience expressed concern that Ms. Hymowitz’s argument fails to take into account that African Americans have never played on an even playing field, and does not consider the many examples of resilience within the African American community. Other comments pointed to the possibility of religious influence in reinstating the “script” for marriage.

 

 

 

Plenary Session 2

BFF? The Media as Teens’ Best Friend Forever—How Media Impact Teens’ Thinking, Culture, and Expectations

 

Moderator:      David Lett, Regional Administrator, ACF Region III, Philadelphia, PA

 

Speakers:         Kelleen Kaye, Director of Research, National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, Washington, DC

                        Ivan Juzang, President, MEE Productions, Philadelphia, PA

April Silver, Founder and President, AKILA WORKSONGS, Inc., Brooklyn, NY

 

Ms. Kaye discussed what comprises “media” in the year 2008.  Media are tools used to store and deliver information or data for a variety of purposes: entertainment, news, advertising, and education.  Media affect more than the reach of the message, but also influence content and customs as well. Ms. Kaye described forms of media that comprise teens’ “media landscape.” “New” technologies to the boomer generation—web pages, email, instant messaging, and chat rooms—are old and familiar to teens. Most recently technology has shifted to allow more interactive or social media: social networking sites (e.g. MySpace, Facebook), wifis, podcasts, and blogs.  Cell phone technology—voice and text—also allows instant communication. Ms. Kaye distributed a handout detailing the use of media by teens, including changes over time and differences by gender, race, age, and socioeconomic status.  On the relationship among teens, the media, and sexuality, she noted that media contain abundant content about sexual attraction, romantic relationships, and sexual behavior, but little sexual health information.  Three-quarters of teens wish the media showed more about the consequences of sex and say that when a TV show or character they like deals with teen pregnancy, it makes them think more about consequences. She reminded the audience that to the extent that parents, schools, faith communities or other positive influences do not provide the information teens are seeking on sexual topics, the media become important sources of both information and norms for their attentive teen audiences.

 

Mr. Juzang of MEE Productions said that teens’ attitudes and self-esteem are fashioned by what they see in the media.  MEE Production has worked extensively with black urban youth through focus groups held across the country to help organizations get their messages to teens. Mr. Juzang played a video called “My Reality: The Price of Sex” and made several observations based on what was portrayed:

 

1. Black females do not feel and often are not valued by anyone.

2. Sex is seen as a transaction and happens in many kinds of relationships.

3. Trust and communication are rare due to the transactional nature of sex.

4. Parents can help, but they often do not because of parents’ casual acceptance that sex will happen and often parents just do not take a stand.

 

Teens said their parents were the most preferred source of information about sex, love and values, but in reality they get their information elsewhere. Teens need their parents and adult caregivers to guide them, and to be clear about values on sex and pregnancy.

 

Ms. Silver, Founder and President of AKILA WORKSONGS, stated that you had to meet individuals where they are.  Hip Hop has always been a medium for activism and has been political in nature since its birth in the youth subculture of the Bronx during the late 1970s. Although some of mainstream hip-hop has become a tool to oppress and distract an entire generation of youth, especially youth of color it is still a medium for activism.

 

According to Ms. Silver most community activists are volunteers who have day jobs and view activism as their side hustle. The irony is that there are many philanthropists and large foundations out there scratching their heads trying to figure out how to fund movements of social change at the street or grassroots level. Because of invisible barriers like age, race, and class, the philanthropic world has been historically cut off from the underground world of hip-hop, a situation that hurts both the activists and the philanthropists. There is a gap between the foundations and the organizations they want to support. 

 

Ms. Silver stated that youth activism has shifted from the sit-ins and protest marches of the 60s to collectives that use hip-hop and multi-media to get their point across. It is up to both worlds to meet collectively to get their messages out.

 

 

 

Plenary Session 3

In Sickness and Health

 

Moderator:      Bill Coffin, Special Assistant for Marriage Education, ACF

 

Speakers:         Larry Leflore, Ph.D., Chair and Professor, Department of Family Sciences, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX

Martha Okafor, Ph.D., Deputy Director of Special Projects, Department of  Public Health, State of Georgia, Atlanta, GA

Dr. Duane Dyson, M.D., Vice President, Violence Prevention Institute, East Orange, NJ

 

Dr. Leflore's presentation reviewed the impact of illness, physical and psychological, within the African American community and how it relates to marriage and cohabitation.  Dr. Leflore addressed a steady increase of ill health within the black community, a decrease in the marriage rate, and how illness impacts a marriage.  He focused on marriage as part of the life cycle, saying that we must tend to marriage differently as we age through it, and reminded that marriage changes as our family unit changes, with in-laws, children, grandchildren.

 

Dr. Leflore talked about the need for better understanding of how illness impacts the African American community.  He stressed that there has been an increase in African American women being diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder, and full body illness.  He also discussed the black community’s history of not seeking mental health services or treatment.  These sorts of health issues all affect relationships.  Dr. Leflore discussed the physical and emotional strain that comes with being the caregiver to a chronically ill spouse.  He reminded the audience that African Americans should seek out support groups and therapy, though they have traditionally not made use of these resources.  The health of both partners and of the marriage depends on it.

 

Dr. Martha Okafor opened by talking about the healthy marriage compact and the promotion of healthy marriage within the African American community. She went on to talk about how life experiences create who we are and impact marriage; in addition, our lifestyle and behavior impact our health.  The choices we make determine if we are well or not well.  Dr. Okafor stated that marriage is a contract between a couple and their family as it changes (e.g. children are born) and that what makes a marriage strong is the enduring emotional commitment.  She also discussed research that supports the claim that children living with two biological parents are healthier than children grouped up in different family arrangements.  Dr. Okafor's conclusion is that a healthy marriage will increase one's overall health; it will increase the chance that children will grow up healthy; and the benefits to a couple will increase with the longevity of the marriage.

 

Dr. Duane Dyson began by talking about the importance of communication in relationships and the difference in communication styles between men and women. Men understand clarity; women understand feelings.  Problem solving is another important relationship skill.  Also critical to a healthy marriage are being active within the community; living well; addressing concerns as they arise; being respectful of how you look to your spouse; collectiveness via commitment; and an understanding of each others’ expectations.

 

Using a sports metaphor, Dr. Dyson cited 8 overall ideals for marriage:

 

1. To succeed you must work as a team.

2. Each covers their position/role within the marriage.

3. Each plays by the rules—be respectful and loving.

4. Good strategies make the difference between winners and losers.

5. All players must keep up on their skills.

6. It is possible to strike out, yet with hard work and determination you can hit a home run.

7. Unsportsmanlike conduct is not acceptable.

8. Have a good time.

 

Dr. Dyson closed by talking about the importance of healthy marriages as models for youth. Children and youth learn about proper dating and the road to a good relationship through the model provided by their parents as a couple.  Dr. Dyson reminded the group that we are up against the media and negative images of marriage, and we must instead lead our youth in a positive, healthy direction. 

 

 

Plenary Session 4

Special Viewing and Facilitated Discussion

of the Play Jump the Broom, Written and Directed by Thomas Meloncon

 

Moderator:      Mary Ann Higgins, Regional Administrator, ACF Region II, New York, NY

 

Cast:                Tabitha Myles, Leslie Dockery, Terren Gamble, Ashley Starks,

                        Steven J. Scott, Pamela Ellis, Kevin Haliburton

 

Choreographer: Brooke Barnes

 

Music Director: Ron Cole

 

Jump The Broom, a one-act play detailing several love and life stories, utilized music, dance, and acting to reach the audience.  The messages, though varied, all centered around one major topic in the African American community:  healthy relationships.  The characters included a single mother determined to stay off welfare; a woman determined to remain abstinent until married and her frustrated boyfriend; a young teenager asking for birth control pills; a couple, married 30 years and experiencing new communication problems; and a recently divorced young father.  According to the program, “Jump The Broom’s aim is to make you think and act positively about the long term benefits of abstinence, education, self-respect for womanhood and manhood and what makes a healthy marriage.” 

 

During the question and answer period, many audience members came forward to compliment the actors and the messages they conveyed.  The director and playwright, Thomas Meloncon, came forward to introduce the cast and to address questions and comments from the audience.  The play was followed by a networking reception where audience members could interact with the actors and directors on a more personal basis.

 

 

Plenary Session 5

State of the Union: When States Invest in Family Formation

 

Moderator:      Carlis V. Williams, Regional Administrator, ACF Region IV

 

Speakers:         Richard Berry, Deputy Administrator for Programs, Mississippi Department of Human  Services

                        Connie Williams, Program Team Lead, HHSC- Healthy Marriage Program, Austin Texas

                        Sen. Bill Hardiman, Michigan State Senate, Lansing, Michigan

 

Mr. Berry discussed the mission, funding, and programs of the Mississippi Healthy Marriage Initiative, which is a project of the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS).  The MDHS Healthy Marriage Unit was developed in 2005 to promote the well-being of children and encourage the involvement of mothers and fathers in their children’s lives. Funding for the programs draws on TANF funds and includes 16 sub-grants through 11 organizations. Services offered by the sub-grantees include education classes, retreats, lunch and learns, a Community Marriage Hall of Fame, and media outreach. Public awareness activities have included Healthy Marriage Week, Mississippi Marriage Day, a marriage rally, statewide billboards, town hall meetings, and staff training. MDHS has partnered with Mississippi State University Extension to provide statewide healthy marriage education programs. Future plans include continued funding of healthy marriage programs at the local level, establishing coalitions with community and faith based organizations, and serving as a resource for these organizations.

 

Ms. Williams began by discussing the results of a survey on the importance of marriage to Texans.  The survey found that the majority of respondents believe that a healthy marriage is one of the most important things in life, that marriage is a life-long commitment, that divorce should only happen in extreme circumstances, and that they are willing to participate in relationship education.  Texas decided that it is important to invest in family formation and made a commitment to be proactive in its approach.  Since 2005, the state has invested $3 million dollars in operating costs.  Legislation has been passed by the Texas legislature to support the initiative: a measure to spend $15 million in Federal TANF funds and a law that waives the marriage license fee for couples who complete qualifying premarital education courses.  This legislation has been the foundation of what is called the "Twogether in Texas" program. Services provided under this program include classes, retreats, booster sessions, social events, community education, referrals and technical assistance. The Health and Human Services Commission divided Texas into 12 geographic regions and contracted with an organization to serve as the regional intermediary (RI) to select vendors to provide premarital education classes and to recruit volunteer providers of premarital education. State funded providers must use secular curriculum and offer classes free of charge. Non-funded providers can use faith-based curriculum, must register with RI, and may charge a fee. An advocacy marketing firm has developed outreach materials, direct mail, a brochure, radio, and TV spots as well as a promotional video in English and in Spanish.

 

Senator Hardiman discussed Healthy Marriages Grand Rapids, including its formation, mission, goals, programming, and resources. The initiative was started at a local level and is now at the state level. The project began with the efforts of several community members when Sen. Hardiman was serving as mayor of Kentwood, Michigan.. Since then, the initiative has expanded to serve 22 counties in the state and has benefited from Section 1115 waiver funding to Healthy Marriages Grand Rapids. Efforts on healthy marriage have persisted despite the severe budget crunch in the State of Michigan.  Senator Hardiman showed several video clips during his presentation.  The first clip was news coverage regarding the efforts of the initiative and importance of premarital education.  He explained that one goal was to change culture and the way we think about marriage by getting the word out.  He called it "waging a war against divorce," and he believes that discussing his personal marriage publicly was helpful.  He encouraged people to participate in premarital counseling (which is part of the marriage policy) because it is an investment in their full marital possibilities.  The second video clip was a television ad and conveyed the message "it is your marriage—make it last a lifetime."  The third video clip emphasized renewed values through a testimonial news spot in which a couple who had heard the initiative’s messages and experienced a divorce got back together and remarried.  Sen. Hardiman closed by emphasizing that this is a worthy cause that will help stabilize communities, teach young people to be good parents, and engage the community to help raise our children.

 

 

Plenary Session 6

The National Fatherhood Legacy Campaign

 

Moderator:      Leon McCowan, Regional Administrator, ACF, Region VI, Dallas, TX

 

Speaker:          Roland Warren, President, National Fatherhood Initiative

 

The question posed by Mr. Warren and the National Fatherhood Initiative is “What’s your Legacy?” His presentation centered on African American men considering marriage for the resulting benefit to the well being of their children.  The mission of the organization is to improve the well-being of children by increasing the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible, and committed fathers.  The NFI uses three strategies: 1) Educate and inspire; 2) Equip fathers and develop leaders; and 3) Engage all sectors of society.  Six sectors of society are targeted: community, business, churches, military, healthcare and corrections. 

 

In addressing the issue of legacy, Mr. Warren indicated that there is a growing crisis in the African American community around issues of marriage and children.  He went on to describe statistical data regarding the African American child and his or her plight if born in a single parent family versus a child born in a two-parent family.  Mr. Warren said that focus groups of African American men between 18 and 35 said the same things repeatedly: “Marriage is for white people.” “Marriage has nothing to do with being a better father.” “Marriage just doesn’t work for us (the black community).”  As a result of these findings, a campaign was launched with emphasis on the following:

 

• Communicate that marriage is a “black thing”
• Promote positive images of African American fathers and marriages from all walks of life
• Influence attitudes and shape the discussion among young African American unmarried fathers about marriage and fatherhood
• Encourage marriage among African American men and women who have children or who choose to have children together
• Provide information and direct African American men to resources and support on issues relating to marriage and fatherhood.

 

The NFI media campaign featured images of real married black couples and their families, as well as radio spots featuring fathers.  Former NBA All-Star Allan Houston has agreed to serve as a campaign spokesman and will be filming PSAs.  Another effort is the “Legacy Wall,” an online space where married couples can post a 'brick" telling their marriage story.  Couples can upload photos and text sharing what marriage means to them and their families. So far the Campaign has received $600,000 of donated media and has been featured on 100 radio stations nationwide.  Those interested in supporting this effort are encouraged to visit www.legacy.fatherhood.org to spread the legacy message in their own communities.

 

 

Plenary Session 7

Speak, Brother! A View of Media, Marriage and Faith in America

 

Moderator:      Leon R. McCowan, Regional Administrator, ACF Region VI, Dallas, TX

 

Speaker:          Roland Martin, Award-winning Journalist, Radio Host, and Author

 

Mr. Martin’s presentation was based on the theme “It’s Time to Rebuild.” He stated that getting people “to buy in” to the concept of rebuilding is critical in the promotion of responsible fatherhood and healthy marriage. Although resistance is to be expected, the “buy in” is necessary to effect change. It is important that programs and agencies remain persistent in the face of opposition. Another concept discussed was that of the “wall” (the family), which is crumbling, especially in the African American community. Programs and agencies must operate as “construction managers,” building the “wall” from the bottom up. Although there will be fear, it is important that “construction managers” surround themselves with others who believe in the vision and remain present at the “construction site”.

 

Mr. Martin offered suggestions of messages that should permeate the media. They included:

 

• Affirmation of black fathers—strong families need them to exist.
• Timing—never miss moments to spread the message.
• Emphasize “healthy” in “healthy marriages”.
• Challenge people at their core. Honesty is necessary to meet people where they are.
• Examine who does the communication and how it is done. The messenger is just as important as the message.

 

Mr. Martin went on to offer strategies to make programs and agencies become effective media messengers:

 

• Develop knowledge of technology and advance with the times. It is important to know and understand how the rest of the world is operating.
• If the message is appropriate, use topical events to drive the agenda. Sometimes the moment creates itself and this should be capitalized on.
• Know the talk show hosts and producers and the newspapers editors. These are the individuals who can drive the message.
• Use the internet to the fullest extent (including outlets like blogs, YouTube, My Space, Facebook, etc.).

 

In conclusion, Mr. Martin challenged participants with the notion that making a decision to rebuild the “wall” should include an assessment and possible reconfiguration of the “builders” to make certain that the message reaches the intended audience. He reiterated that when in doubt, experts should be utilized!

 

 

 

[Top of Page]

TRACK A: HEALTHY MARRIAGE AND RESPONSIBLE FATHERHOOD:

 

Workshop A1

Strengthening Families - Connecting Fathers

 

Moderator:      Lula Beatty, Ph.D., Chief, Special Populations Office, NIDA, Bethesda, MD

 

Speakers:         Ed Brown, Instructor, College of Business Administration, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL

Ronald Mincy, Ph.D. , Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York, NY  (unable to attend conference, but sent handouts)

 

This session explored research and practices for program development in fatherhood. Since Dr. Mincy was unable to attend the conference, Mr. Brown briefly reviewed some of the PowerPoint slides which were distributed as handouts to participants.

 

Dr. Mincy’s handout consisted of data from the Fragile Families study, which was analyzed to examine the connections between relationship quality of parents and child well-being. Many unmarried parents break up and have new relationships and additional non-marital births. One study focused on relationship quality of parental involvement and engagement with their children in recreational activities, (i.e. playing, reading, and singing with the children). Results found that parents (whether living together or not) in higher quality relationships are more engaged with children at 1 and 3 years old.

 

Another study found that married and cohabiting social fathers (men who take on the parenting role of a father, even if they have no biological tie to the child) exhibit equal or better  parenting practices when compared to married biological fathers. Married social fathers, however, were found to exhibit better parenting behaviors than cohabiting social fathers. Marriage was especially important when there was a social father. Married social fathers exhibit better parenting behaviors than cohabiting social fathers.  The handout also reviewed results of a study that explored whether involvement by non-resident fathers benefit children. This study found that more frequent contact and overnight visits are significantly associated with positive behaviors of children.

 

Mr. Brown then discussed coalition building and motivational methods that organizations use to encourage father involvement. The purpose of building a coalition of community partners is to increase a power base through working together. Coalitions that support responsible fatherhood can also be established to help strengthen families, support couple and parenting relationships in addition to other purposes.  Some coalitions are clearly focused on a single issue and others serve multiple needs but are defined by geographic area. Community coalitions can create synergy that supports cultural change and offer networking opportunities to increase productivity of individual partners. Critical to a successful coalition is effective communication and clear roles among partnering agencies.

 

There are legal constraints, technological and personnel issues that are important to consider. Leadership of community coalitions should strive to make the goals “SMART”: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. An assessment of skills among coalition partners is also advisable, including technical and professional skills.

 

 

 

Workshop A2

How to Keep the Fire Burning in Your Marriage

 

Moderator:      Dennis Orthner, Ph.D., Professor of Social Work and Public Policy Analysis; Associate Director, Jordan Institute for Families, Chapel Hill, NC

 

Speakers:         Rozario Slack, Ph.D, D.Min., First Things First, Chattanooga, TN

Twinet Parmer, Ph.D., Professor Counselor Education, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI

 

This session explored research and practical suggestions that support marital satisfaction and passion in couple relationships.

 

Dr. Orthner’s presentation, “Building Fire and Resilience in Marriage: What Research Tells Us” reviewed the most important factors predicting strong and resilient marriages. Resilience refers to the ability of families to adapt and function well under stress, or the “ability to mobilize strengths when risks occur.” A strong couple relationship is the foundation of a resilient family. Key components of the couple relationships include: commitment and trust, companionship and spending time together, as well as communication and problem solving skills. Social support networks are also important to couple and family resiliency. Research on military families experiencing deployments finds that strong friendships are important to successful coping. 

 

Dr. Parmer’s presentation was entitled “Ignite Marital Satisfaction: The Power of a Click,” and discussed the factors that affect couples’ reported level of satisfaction in their marriages. Marital satisfaction is a key predictor in the decision to divorce. Couples in the early stages of marriage tend to report higher marital satisfaction than those in later stages. Marital satisfaction variables are complex and varied, but some universals have been identified: commitment, love style, intimacy or closeness to others, communication, values, and kinship connections. Black families have a long history of various kinship ties from blood relations to those who share a close relationship without a blood connection.  

 

Marital satisfaction is enhanced when the sense of family, shared history and strong rituals are present in black marriages. Research suggests that in black families marital satisfaction is enhanced by good relationships with in-laws. “Click” to support marital satisfaction by knowing your partner’s love style, learn and practice positive communication skills, use humor to deal with stress and plan to spend time together as frequently as possible.

 

Dr. Slack’s presentation, “10 Great Dates for Black Couples,” discussed the fundamentals of “basic training” for black couples and the experiences of Dr. Slack in leading marriage education programs in his community. Boredom is a risk factor in marriage and words can be weapons. It is critical that each partner in a relationship share the same level of commitment to feel emotionally safe. Many couples lose sight of the importance of tending to their relationship and marital satisfaction declines over time. Good relationships need intentional support and investment by each partner. Although personality differences can create the basis for conflict, differences can also become assets rather than liabilities. A great deal of conflict stems from having unconscious expectations of the other person and being unaware of how these expectations are impacting one’s own emotional response to a partner. Each person needs to grow in self-awareness and understanding of their own biases and gifts they bring from their family of origin. Do not expect your spouse to do all the work in a relationship. Fun and spontaneity are also keys to supporting marital satisfaction and resilience.

 

 

 

 

Workshop A3

Supporting Young Families: Understanding Young Fathers

 

Moderator:      Carol Osborne, Program Manager, Special Program Initiatives, ACF Region IV, Atlanta, GA

 

Speakers:         Alford Young, Ph.D, University of Michigan, Evaluator of the Partners for Fragile Families Demonstration Project, University of Michigan, Auburn, MI

Rev. Dr. Wallace McLaughlin, President/CEO of the Fathers and Families Center, Indianapolis, IN

 

This session was designed to discuss what research and practice tell us about how young fathers view fatherhood.  The session highlighted various patterns of successful fatherhood among young fathers and sought to answer how young men integrate fatherhood in their overall identify.

 

Dr. Young discussed the role of non-custodial fathers in the lives of low-income families and how they have received considerable attention from policymakers and programs in recent years.  He stated that while child support enforcements efforts have increased dramatically, there is evidence that many low-income fathers cannot afford to support their children financially without impoverishing themselves.   To address these complex issues, a number of initiatives have focused on developing services to help low-income fathers become more financially and emotionally involved with their families, and to help young low-income fathers become stable.

 

Dr. Young focused on his evaluation of the Fragile Families Demonstration Project, which was sponsored by the OCSE/HHS, Ford Foundation, and other foundation donors.  Operating from 2000-2003 in 13 locations in nine states, it focused on promoting the voluntary establishment of paternity; connecting young fathers with the child support system and encouraging the payment of child support; improving parenting and relationship skills of young fathers; helping young fathers secure and retain employment; and strengthening families, commitments, and other types of father involvement when parents do not live together.  Dr. Young reported the following outcomes for a focus group of 8 men who participated in the project and the agencies that provided them with services:

 

• All men talked about better understanding themselves.
• The participants reported that for the first time they had a better understanding of their partners.
• The men understood that fatherhood was a process.  They had to learn about themselves first in order to relate to their partners and children.
• The agency provided space for the men to talk about their issues.
• The men exhibited notable growth and development in their capacity to function as fathers.
• The agency learned how to support young families and better understand young fathers.
• The agency learned more about the fathers’ hopes and aspirations that young fathers have for the future and where/how marriage fit in their lives in order to wed the partner.

 

Dr. McLaughlin brought a practitioner’s perspective on supporting young black fathers.  He gave an overview of the Fathers and Families Center, explaining their mission and history.  The agency was started in Wishard Hospital with a staff of three people, and in 2008 has more than 20 staff.  Today the primary population served is African American men, who have an average age of 22.

 

The major components of this agency are: a father involvement program, an education and employment program, the “It takes Two” program, a healthy marriages initiative, supportive services, advocacy, community outreach and training. Supportive services provided by the agency include emergency assistance and barrier-busting vouchers for housing, utilities, clothing/food, and transportation.  Also available are additional skills trainings and assistance with substance abuse, legal issues, medical and mental health. The Center’s healthy marriage program so far has resulted in four marriages, and the program continues to make improvements to boost the marriage rates among participants.

 

Dr. McLaughlin pointed to the accomplishments of men involved in the Center’s programs:

 

•           Enhanced parenting knowledge and skills

•           Improved employability and job retention

•           Increased GED attainment for fathers and mothers

•           Increased father involvement and child support payments

•           Decreased drug dependencies

•           Healthier relationships and improved communication skills

•           Improved health outcomes for parents and their children.

 

 

 

 

Workshop A4

Boys Into Men: Raising Our African American Teenage Sons

 

Moderator:      Joyce Thomas, Regional Administrator, ACF Region V, Chicago, IL

 

Speakers:         Lawrence Gary, Ph.D., LICSW, Howard University School of Social Work, Washington, DC

Joshua W. Murfree, Jr., Ph.D., Albany State University, Albany, GA

James Jackson, Ph.D., Professor, University of Michigan

 

This session reviewed the challenges of helping young black men overcome racism, deal with sexual responsibility, understand the need for a good education, avoid drug and alcohol abuse, and use cultural and spiritual strengths as a foundation for success.

 

The first speaker, Dr. James S. Jackson, started his presentation with a discussion of the study “Family Connection Across Time Generations and Nations: Race, Imaging, Cultural and Ethnicity (RICE).” He said that it is imperative to outline ethnicity among blacks in the United States. Studies of multiple racial and ethnic groups reveal that groups of color are likely to differ from each other, as they are to differ from white Americans.

 

He presented information on two studies: National Survey of American Life (NSAL) and National Survey of Black Americans (NSBA). Dr. Jackson used a diagram to demonstrate a typical inter-generational context of early childbearing, including young parents, children, and grandmothers. He argued that studies about family structure support the claim that there we are in the midst of a “crisis” for the black family.

 

Dr. Joshua W. Murfree, Jr., emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of our children and youth.  He cited several troubling statistics:

 

• African-Americans are arrested seven times more often then any other racial group.
• 375,000 young people carry weapons to school daily and 50% carry these weapons for protection. 
• American black men make up 13% of the drug users, 35% of drug arrests, and 55% of drug convictions.

 

He pointed to the need to mentor young African American boys and to develop self-worth, integrity, discipline, and resilience. Churches, schools, and universities must become engaged. He closed by saying that we must develop a “blueprint” to assist boys to become men through education, support, and the use of cultural and spiritual strengths.

 

Dr. Lawrence Gary drew on his own family history and asked others to look at theirs as a source of inspiration for how to guide young men.  He offered the following suggestions:

 

• Utilize your voice scholarships (tell your own story to young people).
• Discuss a historical perspective on manhood.
• Describe how socialization impacts black men.
• Discuss literature on successful black men.
• Discuss questions of manhood.
• Discuss family and community—emphasize to young people that they are not “islands” and that success depends on their ties to those around them.

 

He went on to identify steps that lead a young person to success:

 

1.         Have a purpose

2.         Have plan

3.         Take risks

4.         Have confidence

5.         Take control

6.         Manage others’ perceptions of yourself

7.         Do not act as a victim

8.         Involvement and team activity

9.         Have a strong spiritual foundation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop A5

Overcoming Trends in African American Family Formation

 

Speakers:         M. Robin Dion, M.A., Mathematica Research, Princeton, NJ

Anne Jones, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work, Chapel Hill, NC

 

Ms. Dion discussed the Mathematica Research evaluation of the Building Strong Families intervention model, which includes marriage and relationship skills education, family support services, and family coordinators. Curricula used in Building Strong Families programs included Loving Couples, Loving Children; Becoming Parents; and Love's Cradle. She discussed the strengths and challenges of African American couples. Some of the qualitative findings of the research project:  At the time of their child's birth, most unmarried parents who are romantically involved have high hopes for marriage and believe that marriage is better for children and themselves. Many unmarried parents have supportive and affectionate relationships. Most fathers are involved in their family and committed to their children. Despite high hopes around the time of their child's birth, only a small minority of couples subsequently marry. Many (but not all) unmarried parents have limited education and low earnings. Trust and sexual fidelity are common concerns. Many unmarried parents have children by other partners. A high proportion of unmarried fathers have been incarcerated. Many parents postpone marriage because they feel they should achieve economic stability and a sense of certainty about their relationship first. Implications for the BSF program are: Programs can build on the high hopes and affection in many unmarried parents' relationships. Programs will have to recognize the economic needs of parents. Program curricula must address issues of distrust and fidelity, along with the high relational "bar" many unmarried parents set for marriage.  Further findings of the study can be found online at www.buildingstrongfamilies.info.

 

Dr. Jones presented "Family Formation and Union Stability: The Precarious Role of Public Policy." Dr. Jones discussed the history of government policy and programs concerning marriage and family, as well as policy barriers to family formation for fragile families. She concluded by raising the question, "What can we do to remove marriage disincentives for lower-income couples and encourage two-parent families?" Suggestions included: Raise eligibility ceilings for TANF and other benefit programs to encourage two parent families; reward low-income families where couples stay together and both work with cash, medical, educational, and housing benefits. In cases of multiple child support payments, bring all orders into one hearing to have full picture of parent's financial responsibilities and liabilities. Change the tax codes to provide incentives rather than penalties for married couples, especially for those without middle class tax shelters (i.e., mortgages). Provide tax credits for couples who complete marriage and parenting education classes. Provide low cost educational opportunities, job training, and job mentoring for young parents, especially fathers. Train TANF personnel in working with couples and promoting a couple/family identity.

 

 

 

 

[Top of Page]

TRACK B: YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS

 

Workshop B1

The Toolbox: Tools for Building and Maintaining Relationships

 

Moderator:      Elma Z. Goodwin, Management and Program Analyst, ACF Region VI, Dallas, TX

 

Speakers:         Francesca Adler-Baeder, Ph.D., CFLE, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Director, Auburn University, Auburn, AL

Rozario Slack, PhD, D.Min., First Things First, Chattanooga, TN

Jacqueline Del Rosario, CEO, Recapturing the Vision, Miami, FL

 

Dr. Adler-Baeder reviewed the importance of research in the development of effective marriage and relationship education.  She provided a historical review of healthy marriage research, beginning with the landmark Penn State Study on Marital Quality conducted in the 1940s.  Dr. Adler-Baeder presented the core elements of the National Extension Relationship and Marriage Education Model (NERMEM), which is a research-based model that can aid those who design, deliver and evaluate programs to support healthy couple and marital relationships.  The model identifies the core components of thought and behavior that are associated with healthy couple relationships and can be taught in an educational setting.  Dr. Adler-Baeder discussed how and why these components are relevant to programs for youth. The core components of the NERMEM model include:  intentionality (choice and commitment), know (developing knowledge of partner), care (demonstrating kindness and support), share (developing and maintaining friendship), manage (interaction with others), care for self (physical, psychological, sexual health and wellness) and connect (engaging social support).   

 

The next part of the presentation focused on the application of research findings into practice and was delivered jointly by Ms. Del Rosario and Dr. Slack.  Ms. Del Rosario reviewed the elements of a healthy marriage (i.e., commitment, satisfaction, communication, effective conflict resolution, fidelity, intimacy, commitment to children and duration) as summarized by the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center.   Ms. Del Rosario and Dr. Slack discussed how the core components outlined by Dr. Adler-Baeder can lay a foundation for relationships and how these components are incorporated in their work with youth.   Participants were encouraged to consider practical applications of the core components and what would bring research findings to life for young people.  For example, to illustrate the importance of cultivating relationships with extended family members (the “Connect” component), Dr. Slack has used the example of The Munsters and their daughter Marilyn.  The importance of thinking about program implementation was highlighted, including overcoming the defense mechanisms of youth and developing trust with young people. 

 

As part of an HHS grant, the “Recapturing the Vision” program will develop video messages (i.e., “Marriage Minutes”) for each of the core components.  The “Marriage Minute” illustrating intentionality (i.e., choose) was shown. 

 

Additional information about the National Extension Relationship and Marriage Education Network (NERMEN) model is available at www.nermen.org.  

“What is a healthy marriage?” is available at the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center Web site:

http://www.healthymarriageinfo.org/marriage/whatishealthym.cfm

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop B2

It’s More Than Romance: Becoming “Relationship Smart”

 

Moderator:      Elma Z. Goodwin, Management and Program Analyst, ACF Region VI

 

Speakers:         Francesca Adler-Baeder, Ph.D., CFLE, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Director, Auburn University, Auburn, AL

Jennifer Kerpelman, Ph.D., Professor and State Extension Specialist, Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, Auburn, AL

Joe Pittman, Ph.D., Professor of Human Development and Family Studies and Dean of the Graduate School, Auburn University, Auburn, AL

 

Dr. Adler-Baeder discussed why relationship education for youth is valuable.  She outlined the benefits of healthy relationships for adults and the benefits and risks of romantic relationships during adolescence.  Dr. Adler-Baeder indicated that little has been done to evaluate youth-focused relationship/marriage education. 

 

Dr. Kerpelman discussed “Healthy Couples, Healthy Children: Targeting Youth” (HCHCTY), a five-year HHS/ACF/OPRE-funded project to evaluate the “Relationship Smarts Plus” curriculum and to create a model of youth-focused relationships education.  HCHCTY includes the Relationship Smarts Plus curriculum, teacher training, in-class lessons, and workbooks for self-reflection.  This project is intended to break new ground and will help fill the void in youth-focused relationship/marriage education.  The project will include comprehensive evaluation featuring pre- and post-data collection, annual booster/follow-up surveys, focus groups and teacher interviews.  Dosage will also be assessed.

 

Dr. Pittman reviewed highlights of HCHCTY findings concerning faulty relationship beliefs, perpetuation of verbal aggression, perpetuation of physical aggression and interest in future marriage preparation/education courses.  So far, one finding is that intentional learning is a good use of time.  Among the test group, there was a dramatic increase in openness to future marriage prep/marriage education courses.

 

A highlight of the workshop was a review of sample activities from the “Relationship Smarts Plus” curriculum.  Youth and adults volunteers from the audience had the opportunity to participate in several activities; there was an enthusiastic response. The session closed with a spirited question and answer period.  Areas of interest included parental involvement, programs for middle school students, and demographics of researchers and participants.

 

 

 

 

Workshop B3

The Toolbox: Tools for Building and Maintaining Relationships

(Repeat of Workshop B1)

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop B4

Kiss and Tell: What Teens Say About Love, Trust, and Other Stuff 

 

Moderator:      (Marian) Sunny Roe, M.Ed., Health Educator, TOP Teens Coordinator, Gaston County Health Department, Gastonia, NC

 

Speakers:         Jessica Swafford, National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, Washington, DC            

Carol A. Jackson, The Dibble Institute, Berkley, CA         

 

Youth Panel:   Marquise To’Shawn Adams, Ahmed Finoh, Jr., Tiffany Mills   

 

Ms. Swafford talked about the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (NCPTP), which has been awarded a grant from Centers for Disease Control to help states and communities improve teen pregnancy prevention efforts. The goal of the project, “putting what works to work,” is to consolidate research-based practices and translate the information into user-friendly materials. Teen pregnancy and birth rates in the U.S. have declined by about one-third since the early 1990s. However, three in ten girls in the U.S. still become pregnant by age 20. Teen moms are less likely to finish high school and more likely to live in poverty.  Their children are at higher risk for many problems ranging from low birth weight to becoming teen parents themselves. About two-thirds of sexually active teens wish they had waited longer. Teens say parents most influence their decisions about sex, although 9 out of 10 parents agreed that when it comes to talking about sex, they often do not know what to say or when to start.

 

Ms. Jackson of the Dibble Institute provided information on Relationship Smarts Plus, a research-based curriculum that includes hands-on activities used to provide practical guidance for making wise relationship choices. Teens learn about how to really get to know someone and how to gauge the health and safety of a relationship. The curriculum also includes Smart/Not So Smart Statement cards that offer various scenarios, and some of the cards were used for open discussion during the session. The curriculum reinforces the fact that every choice made has a consequence.

 

The youth panel, comprised of representatives from youth leadership and teen outreach programs, expressed how these programs were positive influences and had made a difference in their lives. They reflected on the following lessons that had come out of their programs: know yourself, have self-esteem, know how to deal with peer pressure, get an education, be patient, and pay attention to values and marriage before babies.     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop B5

Boys Into Men:  Raising Our African American Teenage Sons

 

Moderator:      Donna Marie Winn, Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

 

Speakers:         Lawrence Gary, Ph.D., LICSW, Howard University School of Social Work, Washington, DC

Joshua W. Murfree, Jr., Ph.D., Albany State University, Albany, GA

Iheoma U. Iruka, Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC

 

This workshop focused on African American young men.  Research was presented on promoting the academic success of boys of color.  Dr Iruka talked about how families do things to both hinder and strengthen children’s learning and success.  Educational practices were discussed, as well as climates that fail to optimize boys’ development.  The importance of enrichment opportunities, print materials, and story telling were discussed, as was the idea that there is some over-reliance by parents on TV and games that provide little intellectual stimulation.  African American youth watch more TV than their white, Latino, and Asian counterparts. 

 

This session went on to examine aspects of family and home climate, as well as racial and gender barriers that black boys face.  The climate of schools is mismatched with the temperament and learning styles of many African American boys.  In addition, these schools often have few African American male role models.  School, family, and community must come together and hold higher expectations for African American boys, who will rise to the occasion if presented with the right tools and opportunities.

 

This workshop also focused on the need to reconstruct research in the black community.  There are many researchers who have a tendency to “pathologize” the black community instead of seeing it in a historical and cultural context.  For example, the statistic about black youth and TV needs to be considered in context of the number black children who live in neighborhoods without any safe area for outdoor play. There is a need for more studies examining black men who are in families and what makes them successful. Researchers and practitioners need to look at physical, cognitive, emotional, identity, and spiritual development as five dimensions needed to socialize boys for manhood.

 

Finally, the panelists spoke about the justice system and the disproportionate numbers of young black men in this system.  Reference was made to the Schott Foundation Report which points to the need of changing paradigms so that young black males do not get set up for failure.

 

[Top of Page]

TRACK C: FAITH BASED AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

 

Workshop C1

Does Marriage Stand a Prayer? An Examination of a Research and Practice Model

 

Moderator:      Marjorie Lewis, Ph D., D. Min., Professor and Director, Department of Human Services, American Pathways University, Denver, CO

 

Speakers:         Steven R.H. Beach, Ph.D., Professor, Co-Director of ProSAAM, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Tera R. Hurt, Ph.D., Co-Director of Pro-SAAM, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

 

Dr. Beach began his discussion by stating, "The future of marriage discussions and services depends heavily on the partnership between research and practice."  He said that prayer and faith have proven, historically, to be an area of strength in the African American community.  Prayer should be linked together with other marriage enhancement programs.  He discussed the difference between effectiveness and efficacy:  effectiveness is simply how many people can you reach with your services, while efficacy deals with the outcomes.  When participants understand and utilize prayer in their relationships, they will be able to better understand other aspects of the program.  Prayer, in many cases, helps couples get re-focused and promotes "care-taking."

 

Dr. Hurt encouraged the audience to build on strengths and competencies to help families in their programs.  In discussing ProSAAM, a study of the effectiveness of adding prayer to standard relationship training, Dr. Hurt said that early on it was difficult to get couples to participate in the program, especially men.  The program had to be modified somewhat to meet the needs of the participants.  A special program had to be created for the men, the Ambassador Program.  A question was raised by a participant regarding the barriers that they encountered when approaching churches and the response was:  Church leaders did not want participants randomly assigned to groups.  Participants were encouraged to approach this concept the same way that they would approach any other outreach program.  The ProSAAM study is still underway, and at the conclusion more data will be available about the role of prayer in marital relationships.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop C2

Churches Re-connecting Ex-offenders to Family and Community

 

Moderator:      Alan Inman, Alan J. Inman Enterprises, New Rochelle, NY

 

Speakers:         Debbie Dawes, Research Analyst, Research Trinangle Institute (RTI), Triangle Park, NC

Rev. Mark Edwards, Administrator, Faith Formula Human Services, Friendship West Baptist Church,  Dallas, TX

Rev. Reginald Crump, Program Director/Cluster Coordinator DAPRP/Metropolitan AME Church, Washington, DC

 

Ms. Dawes of RTI discussed preliminary findings from the Multi-Site Evaluation of the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI). This colloborative federal effort examines the provision of re-entry services to adult and juvenile offenders.  While this study did not focus on family programs, it documents how re-entry programs are implemented and gives some evidence of their effectiveness for ex-offenders re-integration. SVORI is operated as a partnership between Departments of Correction (DOC) with state and local agencies that provide comprehensive services to individuals who are returning back to their community.   The evaluation has made the following preliminary findings regarding program delivery and outcomes:

 

• Services delivered by DOCs and other agencies included case management, legal services, financial assistance, obtaining identification, assistance obtaining important documents, drug treatment services, family services, etc. 
• Needs for both groups were highest for employment, education and tranisiton as well as child services. Needs (as reported by offenders) were lowest for health and family-related services. 
• Within a year, most programs were able to increase the level of service provided to offenders pre- and post-release, but levels of service were still low, particularly post-release.
• From release through 15 months post-release SVORI participants (those receiving services) did better, if only moderately so, over a wide range of outcomes than those who did not receive services.

 

Rev. Edwards discussed his church’s outreach program for ex-offenders.  The vision of this program is to equip and empower former offenders and their families with life skills necessary for judicial emancipation and community restoration.  Topics covered in the program include life skills, education, job skills, parenting and marriage skills, money management, and education.   The program also includes a community-building restorative justice component.  Additional services are available for ex-offenders who are homeless.  Housing is provided, and supportive services are coordinated by a social service team that provides intake and assessment, help with community resources, food and clothing for job interviews, and education and vocational services.  There is a family financial and job specialist on this team.  Since family support is crucial to ex-offenders’ success in re-entry, Friendhip West offers several marriage and family programs, including the Fragile Family Relationship curriculum, Couples College -- Married and Loving It, mentoring, and an annual marriage conference and retreat. Friendship West also conducts "in-reach" to incarcerated persons, providing spiritual guidance as well as planning for release.

 

Rev. Crump spoke about the DART program, which partners with faith-based institutions in the metropolitan Washington, DC area to provide mentors to ex-offenders.  In order to re-establish respect, participants in the program are referred to not as ex-offenders but as participants, clients, mentees, or "returning citizens."   These returning citizens face challenges re-entering society whether their sentence was short or long.  For those returning from short sentences, the bad influences that contributed to their criminality are still around; for those finishing longer sentences, the community has often changed so much that the returning citizens have few connections or resources.  The mentors, who in many cases are former offenders who have successfully re-integrated into society, look to provide assistance in four areas:

 

1. Relapse prevention. The many challenges of re-entry often spur ex-offenders to return to former substance abuse problems.
2. Job coaching. Program participants learn how to deal with resumes, job applications, and interviews.  The confidence they gain from learning these skills is itself an asset to finding a job.
3. Pro-social skills. Many ex-offenders know how to deal well with daily life in prison, but struggle in the "real world" with skills like time management and budgeting.  In addition, participants are encouraged to be involved with the community beyond their "block"--to take advantage of parks, museums, arts programs, etc. in order to do something positive with their time.
4. Family reunification.  Ex-offenders are not always welcomed back home with open arms. The DART program partners with fatherhood programs, child support agencies, and other programs to provide support to the family.  The goal is to open communication between parents and children and to re-establish healthy relationships.

 

Issues raised during Q and A:

-Research on re-entry should include more family variables and outcomes than domestic violence;  other factors should be looked at as well.  Panelists concur.

-It is difficult to recruit mentors for re-entry programs.  Revs. Edwards and Crump suggest framing mentoring as part of the church's call and ministry, as well as reminding congregants that it is better to be proactive rather than reactive in dealing with re-entry.

-Many programs involve mentoring of incarcerated prisoners--an area for improvement is linking up the pre-release and post-release mentoring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop C3

Pen or Pencil: “For Better, For Worse,” The National Alliance of Faith and Justice Strenghtening Marriages and Famlies Initiative

 

Moderator and Speaker:         Addie L. Richburg, Presdient, National Alliance of Faith and Justice, Washington, DC

 

Speakers:         Kimberly Mills, Ph.D., Fulton County Juvenile Court, Atlanta, GA

Tanya McDonald, M.S., Executive Director, South Los Angeles Healthy Marriage Demonstration Project, South Los Angeles, CA

 

Ms. Richburg opened the session and set the discussion in the context of African American marriage within the history of the family and the current choice that many African American youth face today: PEN (penitentiary) or PENCIL (education). She briefly described the "PEN or PENCIL" program established by the National Alliance of Faith and Justice designed to improve propsects for young people in part by encouraging them to develop healthy long term relationships.

 

Ms. McDonald discussed the South Los Angeles Healthy Marriage Demonstration Project, "For Better or Worse," which operates in cooperation with the National Alliance of Faith and Justice.  The project primarily serves African American and Hispanic populations, and has adapted its approach as needed in response to the cultural differences between these groups. "For Better or Worse" has adopted the tools of mass media to counter the negative messages about relationships that the media often present.  The project uses film to tell the stories of married couples in past times whose relationships weathered challenges--slavery, the Civil Rights movement—challenges even more severe than those faced by couples today. Films also depict contemporary couples, speaking in English and Spanish, about some of the challenges of long-term relationships today: incarceration, blended families, and multi-culturalism. "For Better or Worse" uses some of today's best-known advertising slogans ("Just do it," "Keep walking") as jumping-off points for discussion about healthy relationships.  The goal of the program is to draw on the lessons of history while employing contemporary media techniques to allow participants to think critically about the possibility of strong marriages and how they can achieve them.

 

Dr. Mills posed a question to the audience: why has the African American community been especially prone to unhealthy relationships and families?  The following points were raised:

 

• An environment of negative relationships that discourage young people about marriage
• A cycle of young parenthood
• The flight of middle class and professional blacks from neighborhoods that were once economically diverse and the loss of role models
• Lack of jobs and difficulty of men providing for their families
• Fewer social sanctions against unwed childbearing
• Poor job educating people about sexuality

 

Following this lively discussion, Dr. Mills shared plans for a quantiative study that will examine the effects of the PEN or PENCIL curriculum on a group of high school students.  The carefully-designed experiment will offer empirical evidence of the effectiveness of the curriculum on changing the attitudes and behaviors of youth.  While some qualitiative studies have pointed to the curriculum's effectiveness, this will be the first rigorous study that attempts to quantify those results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop C4—Making Marriages that Last

 

Moderator:      Ruth Lambert, Ph.D., Indiana Healthy Marriage and Family Coalition, Indianapolis, IN

 

Speakers:         Nathaniel Lett, Project Manager, Beech Acres Parenting Center, Cincinnati, OH

Christine Lindquist, Ph.D., Research Sociologist, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC

Earl James, Former Executive Director, City Vision, Healthy Marriages

Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, MI

 

Mr. Lett gave an overview of Beech Acres Parenting Center’s Healthy Marriages and Healthy Relationships Program.  The program is a five-year demonstration project.  He suggested the audience use a "community approach" to provide services to their clients.  Community teams have been established in each area to provide focus and direction for the project.  The goal of the program is to create and test a community/faith-based, grassroots network that provides access to critical support systems in the target neighborhoods.  The program model draws from and builds upon the existing assets of the communities and its residents.

 

Mr. James spoke about program that he was previously involved with, Healthy Marriages-Healthy Relationships, and the concept of “distributed work” that was at the heart of the program’s collaborative model.  Healthy Marriages Grand Rapids was responsible for the program grant.  He provided insightful information regarding the importance of collaborations and working with other community-based agencies.  Collaboration provides an opportunity for partners to distribute the work, based on knowledge, resources and expertise.  Mr. James went on to describe “distributed work” as meaningful work done by several organizations that is planned, organized, and delivered outside the control of any one organization's board or executive director.  All of the participating organizations are autonomous.  All the organizations deeply share beliefs about the high value of parenting and giving our best for our children.

 

Dr. Lindquist's presentation focused on providing marriage-strengthening services to couples impacted by incarceration.  She provided an overview of preliminary findings from the National Evaluation of the Responsible Fatherhood, Marriage and Family Strengthening Grants. The evaluation included two components: an implementation study and impact evaluation.  The implementation study discovered that the programs being evaluated all include a healthy relationship component, and most also include a parenting component. Some programs were more holistic in nature, including other services, such as case management, re-entry, employment, education, substance abuse referrals, domestic violence, and mentoring (for children) services. The study noted the following challenges in providing marriage strengthening services:

 

• Getting the partner to agree to participate (concerns about time commitment, etc.)
• Obtaining access to deliver couple-based services in the facilities
• Delivering services to the partner in the community
• Ensuring the relevance of the curricula
•  

Strategies observed to address those challenges were:

 

• Minimize opportunity for coercion by incarcerated partner by having program staff facilitate partner recruitment
• Defray travel costs for partner for facility-based classes
• Hold facility-based classes in one block of time over a weekend
• Provide incentives (e.g. gift cards) to partner for participation in community-based classes
• Deliver other non-marriage related needed services to the partner so that she feels free to focus on the marriage strengthening component

 

More detailed results of Dr. Lindquist’s study can be found at: http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/08/MFS-IP/rb.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop C5—Black Church Engagement: A Perspective on Healthy Marriage, Fatherhood, and Prisoner Re-entry

 

Moderator:      Elizabeth Hailey-Smith, Management Analyst, ACF Region V, Chicago, IL

 

Speakers:         Rev. Dr. Lonnie McLeod, LJMCONSULTANTS, Teaneck, NJ

Rev. Dr. Wallace McLaughlin, President and CEO, Fathers and Families Center

 

Rev. Dr. McLeod began his talk by briefly discussing the decade following the Civil Rights Movement.  During this period, the lack of opportunity provided space for drugs to enter into African American communities.  Identifying drugs, pimps, and violence as parts of black culture resulted in men viewing prison and sexuality as their rites of passage.  This has become a society-wide problem because prisons now hold more African American men than men of any other race.

 

Rev. Dr. McLeod stressed that as 600,000 men and women return home from prison each year, their communities need to come together to help them stay out.  Communities include not only friends, family, and neighbors but also churches, schools, and the government.  Society cannot succeed without churches, and churches cannot succeed without society.  For such a cooperation to be successful, ministers must be qualified to work with ex-offenders.  Churches, he further noted, do not have the skills, relationships, or services needed to provide re-entry programs; church leaders must enhance their professional qualifications in these areas. Rev. Dr. McLeod provided a handout detailing the Exodus Concept Systemic thinking model, and recommended churches use this biblical model in their re-entry programs. 

 

Rev. Dr. McLaughlin spoke about his experience with prisoner re-entry and responsible fatherhood programs.  He also stressed the importance of developing programs that embody academic understanding, research, and experience in re-entry.  Churches often house class divisions and focus much attention on keeping only “upstanding” citizens in their congregations.  This alienates the people who need their help the most.  With this thought in mind, he started a church with special ministry for young fathers called the Imani Community Church. 

 

In closing, Rev. Dr. McLaughlin advised faith-based communities to keep three points in mind when working on re-entry programs; first, focus on the ability to build and promote relationships; second, people know when you are being genuine, so be real; and third, you must have relevant ministries which meet young men at their place and point of need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Top of Page]

TRACK D: MEDIA

 

Workshop D1—Teen and Media by the Numbers: Using Media to Encourage Positive Behaviors

 

Moderator:      M. Valerie Mills, Ph. D., MSW, Senior Health Policy Advisor, SAMHSA, Washington, DC

 

Speakers:         Mackenzie Cato, Ph.D. Candidate, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC

Kelleen Kaye, Director of Research, National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, Washington, DC

 

Ms. Cato began by posing two questions to the audience that would frame the discussion: What is the current media landscape?  How do teens interact with media? Media plays a large role in creating a sense of self, especially for adolescents. Mass media acts like a "cultural toolkit" that impacts what youth value.  Teens are able to select from a varied field of media products.  Media are responsible for bringing "you" the larger social picture.  Eight to 18-year-olds are consuming about 6 1/2 hours of media per day versus 2 1/2 hours of interaction with parents.

 

Ms. Cato highlighted some findings from the growing body of research on various forms of media:  music, music videos, TV, movies, magazines, print, internet, and video games.  There is a connection between the media and health issues.  Media affects how young people view relationships and sexual activity, specifically contraception, commitment, and consequences.  Also, nutrition and physical activity are affected by advertising that encourages unhealthy food choices. Other media studies examine the links between media and violence.

 

There are several theories applied to media and the impact it has on people's behavior.  It is important to note that one does not just watch a show and adopt the behavior.  Behavior is adopted after one is constantly exposed to or observes certain behaviors.  The three theories covered were Social Cognitive Theory, Cultivation Theory, and Scripting Theory.  Ms. Cato closed by encouraging the audience to look at media critically.

 

Ms. Kaye spoke about the pervasiveness of media in youth’s lives today. Media are the primary gathering places for young people.  In 2004, teens were exposed to about 6 1/2 hours of media per day. This figure has increased approximately 30 minutes since 1994; however, the use of different forms of media has increased substantially and more media are being consumed at the same time through multi-tasking.  For example, in 2008 a teen might play a video game, listen to Mp3s, and text his friends all at the same time.  This is referred to as "total media exposure," which varies across groups.  African American youth are more likely to multi-task and log an average of  6 hours of media exposure compared to 4.5 hours for Hispanic youth and under four hours for Caucasian youth.  Average media exposure also varies by age.

 

The media saturation of the home environment varies by the number of TVs, video players, radios, Mp3 players, etc.  Twenty-five percent of American homes have the TV on almost all of the time.  African American teens are more likely to have a TV in their bedrooms, whereas Caucasian teens are more likely to have a computer in their rooms.  While there are some differences between ethnic and racial groups around media, media is omnipresent.  In fact, 93% of 12-17 year olds use the internet and 55% of this group use social networking sites. 

 

In closing, Ms. Kaye reflected on the “real time” character of contemporary media, and urged the audience to consider the importance of media presence in teens’ lives when creating social programs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop D2—Media Blitz: Everything the Practitioner Needs to Know to Mount an Effective Media Campaign

 

Speaker:          Thierry Fortune, Senior Vice President, MEE Productions, Philadelphia, PA

 

Mr. Fortune suggested several basic questions that organizations should use to frame their messages:

 

• Think of your target audience: how do they live, how do they think? Do they hold traditional values?
• What are your resources and what is your point?
• What delivery channels are you using and where does your audience “hang out”?
• Who is the best message sender (s) and how do they relate to the audience that you intend to reach?

 

He went on to discuss a model of communication that involves getting the audience from “where they are” to “where we want them to be.”  If you develop a message, test it with your audience.  Not only what you say, but HOW you say it is important. Celebrities are good to attract attention, but consider that they may not be the best ones to deliver the message that you want to disseminate. Mr. Fortune went on to talk about the common negative messages found in contemporary media regarding drugs, alcohol, and sex.  He acknowledged that in many communities, parents, schools, and health care are not doing an adequate job of sending healthy and positive messages about these subjects.  However, children are vessels that will be filled with some message, positive or negative.  But “filling” a young person with a message is not a one-way transaction.  To reach youth, you must talk to them and understand their points of view.  Openness and a willingness to ask questions go a long way towards developing a message to which youth will be receptive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop D3—The New Media: Using Arts, Activism and Media to Reach and Challenge Youth

 

Moderator:      Carlton Fisher, M.A., Program Analyst, ACF, Washington, DC

Speakers:         April Silver, Founder and President, AKILA WORKSONGS, Inc.,  Brooklyn, NY

George R. Williams, Executive Director, National Center for Fathers; Urban Father-Child Partnership, Kansas City, MO

 

Ms. Silver began by stating she was coming to this issue as an activist, social entrepreneur, publicist and former public school teacher. She said that when trying to reach youth organizations, promoters must meet individuals (youth) “where they are.” She spoke about hip hop as a medium to engage youth, and referred to the political nature and some of the controversies surrounding the genre. 

According to Ms. Silver, hip-hop is one of the bridges to the grassroots that funding agencies are constantly searching for. The problem is that because of invisible barriers like age, race, and class, the philanthropic world has been historically cut off from the underground world of hip-hop, a situation that hurts both the activists and the donors. There is a gap between foundations and the organizations they want to support. Youth activism has shifted from the sit-ins and protest marches of the 60s to collectives that use hip-hop and multi-media to get their point across.

Ms. Silver stated that the digital and cyber world are means to reach a public that you may not reach otherwise.  She mentioned her e-newsletter called "Put On BLAST!", Akila Worksongs’ free "direct delivery" list serve/email marketing service. The organization sends out messages (or email BLASTS!) to every email address in their subscription database. There is no cost to join the database, which currently numbers 8,500 subscribers. Of those subscribers, nearly 700 are in the media (print, radio, broadcast, and internet media). Since 1997, the list has become one of the leading sources of information for people of color who are movers and shakers, progressive, creative, and "in the know." Akila Worksongs has promoted many artists and various events and causes through this method.

 

 

 “Many young black men are asleep to who they are and what they should do.”  With that opening statement, George R. Williams began his personal and professional observations regarding our young African American men and how the arts can be used to engage and challenge them.  Using the metaphor of sleep, Mr. Williams stated that our youth are non-attentive and numb, having been  lulled to sleep by going through the motions and our culture of violence.  He stated our young Black men are treated as insignificant and he mentioned the statement by luncheon speaker, Judge Glenda Hatchett, “Nobody is calling a boy ‘son’ anymore.”   We tend not to know how to interact with youth and thus we frequently avoid them and they avoid us.

 

Mr. Williams played the game of “Hangman” with the group to spell out the word “Marginalized”, indicating how our youth are frequently treated in our society. 

 

Noting our youth may act out because they are disconnected, Mr. Williams drew strong parallels using the word “Father – Hood” by indicating a hood is a covering – and our youth have no covering – no one to teach, model, coach, provide, protect and love them. 

Mr. Williams concluded his presentation with a dramatic presentation entitled, “Life Sentence Without the Possibility of a Father” in which he gave a striking voice to the many young men who have to grow up without a father.  Arts, Mr. Williams contends, is just one avenue to avoid repeating the cycle of estrangement and disconnection of a male child by giving them a voice. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop D4—Media Blitz: Everything the Practitioner Needs to Know to Mount and Effective Media Campaign

(Repeat of Workshop D2)

 

Speakers:         Thierry Fortune, Senior Vice President, MEE Production, Philadelphia, PA

Mackenzie Cato, Ph.D. Candidate, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC

 

 

Ms. Cato took a Media Campaign in a “nutshell” approach and suggested the following tips for Producing an Effective Media Campaign:

 

• Cultivate a good relationship with your local media all year round.

• Ensure that media outlets receive your materials in time for their deadlines.

• Appoint an official spokesperson.

• Develop key messages: the most important points you want to communicate.

Write them in concise, plain language (see sample key messages)

• Ensure your print materials are clean, attractive, and easy to read with lots of white space.

• Be consistent. Ensure that all of your print materials display your key messages, your organization’s logo and contact information, etc…

 

She went on to provide useful suggestions for securing media sponsors, developing short PSA’s to go in community calendars or the event section of your newspaper, writing and distributing media releases, development of a media kit and your own feature television shows with a call in format.

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop D5—Teen and Media by the Numbers: Using Media to Encourage Positive Behaviors

(Repeat of Workshop D1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Top of Page]

TRACK E: HEALTH

 

Workshop E1—Sweet as Sugar: The Impact of Diabetes and Other Health Challenges on African American Marriage and Relationships

 

Speakers:         Carmen Samuel-Hodge, Ph.D., School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Larry LeFlore, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Family Sciences, Texas Woman’s University          

 

Dr. Samuel-Hodge discussed the impact of diabetes on African American families, including statistics on diabetes and African Americans, the physical and social/psychological impact of diabetes, and strategies for reducing the impact of diabetes (Source: Samuel-Hodge et al. Diabetes Education. 2008 May/June [in press]).

 

Approximately 21 million or 7% of people in America have diabetes, 9.6% of whom are adults 20 years and older. About one-third of individuals with the disease do not know that they have it. Diabetes is present in 13.3% of all African Americans, 25% of whom are between the ages of 65 and 74. In addition, African Americans are 1.8 times as likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites. In terms of African American women, 1 in 4 over the age of 55 has the disease and deaths from diabetes have increased 23% over the past 30 years. This is most likely correlated to body size (obesity) and poor eating habits.

 

The physical impact of diabetes includes blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage, and blood vessel and heart disease. Every 24 hours, there are 4,100 new cases of diabetes, 810 deaths, 230 amputations, 130 cases of kidney failure, and 55 cases of blindness. In addition, 54 million people in America have pre-diabetes (high blood sugar) and half of them do not know it.

 

The results of a study regarding African American women and how caring for family and others impacted diabetes self-care showed that women who reported that they were not following a diet for diabetes also reported more people who regularly depend on them for help/support. In addition, difficulty saying “no” to family and friends was associated with higher stress, higher perceived self-barriers, and a reduced sense of mental and social well-being. A study among 185 African Americans with diabetes showed that active coping predicted better dietary behaviors and church involvement played a positive role in both general and diabetes-specific well-being.

 

Dr. Samuel-Hodge proposed the following strategies for reducing the impact of diabetes:

 

• Develop culturally appropriate behavior change and skill-building strategies
• Let “storytelling” enhance behavior change strategies
• Increase the visibility of positive role models who have diabetes
• Train community diabetes advocates
• Strengthen informal support systems
• Test the effectiveness of family-based interventions for adults.

 

Dr. LeFlore’s presentation focused on relationships and health. He stated` that the basis for strong relationships and good health was commitment. Much of the attitude about relationships (marriage in particular) has shifted from “until death do us part” to “until our legitimate personal interests do us part.”  He cited statistics about mental health in the black community and the broader American population.

 

The leading chronic illnesses affecting African Americans are diabetes, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, and cancer. Diabetes is one of the five leading causes of death for African Americans. In terms of HIV/AIDS, a report released in 2005 showed that among men, 41% of those living with HIV/AIDS were black and among women, 64% were black. African American adults are less likely to be diagnosed with coronary heart disease but are more likely to die from it. Finally, in 2003, the death rate for all cancers combined continued to be 35% higher in African American men and 18% higher in African American women than in white men and women.

 

In discussing relationships and health, Dr. LeFlore stressed that health issues can impact the caregiver’s behavior/thoughts about commitment and personal and relationship goals, and would most likely influence parenting, sex and intimacy, and finances. Also, “ambiguous loss” could occur, where there was psychological presence or absence and/or physical presence or absence experienced by partners. He suggested that the correlations between relationships and health are more prevalent than realized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop E2—Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up: Overcoming the Challenges of Depression in Marriage

 

Moderator:      Annette Rogers, Ph.D., Statistician, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

 

Speakers:         Anne Jones, Ph.D., School of Social Work, University of North Carolina,  Chapel Hill    

Tonya D. Samuel, Ed.D., Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health

           

Dr. Jones’ presentation was entitled “Depression and Marital Discord: Which Comes First?” She discussed the kinds of depressions; the relationship between gender, race, economics and depression; the relationship between depression and marital quality; the impact of oppression on depression and marriage; and effective forms of treatment.

 

Prevalence of depression tends to be underestimated and underreported (Gollan, Friedman, & Miller, 2002). Symptoms of depression include ongoing sadness, anxiousness or empty mood; feelings of hopelessness, guilt and worthlessness; diminished interest or pleasure in normal activities; fatigue, loss of energy, and/or decreased libido; insomnia or hypersomnia; loss of appetite/weight loss (or gain), and thoughts of self-harm or suicide (National Institutes of Health, 2007).

 

In terms of gender effects, different socialization practices may predispose men and women to conflicting patterns of interaction. According to Gollan, Friedman, and Miller (2002), women are more sensitive to relationship issues while men respond to stress with problem solving approach. With regard to race, the Department of Health and Human Services (2001) noted that African American have developed coping mechanisms which help counteract negative judgments and promote self-esteem. Dobalian & Rivers (2008) found that African Americans have a lower life-time prevalence of depression than whites but also point out that the rates may be lower due to underreporting. Economically, poverty represents a strong risk factor for both poor physical and mental health, including depression (Groot, et al, 2003).

 

A strong link has been found between depression and marital dissatisfaction (Helms & Buehler, 2007). Causes include mood instability and dysfunctional interpersonal interactions. Marital conflict has been shown to be a predicator of depression for men and women, as well as affairs, unplanned pregnancy, and domestic violence. During these volatile periods, alcohol and drug use are more likely to occur during depression, more commonly among men.

 

Dr. Jones concluded that effective treatment should include cultural competency, skills in working with couples, and an openness and willingness to incorporate nontraditional beliefs and practices into the therapeutic process. She also stated that information about depression and treatment resources should be made available throughout the community.

 

Dr. Samuel’s presentation was entitled “The Feasibility of Beauty Shop Health Initiatives to Impact Marriage and Depression.”  She stated that beauty shops are change agents that affect inner well-being and outer appearance, such that some researchers have coined the services to be “beauty therapy.” In the black community, beauty shops are revered as institutional community assets where women can receive emotional support for the stressors of marriage. While engaging in conversation in a relaxing, unassuming environment, women seek advice on topics such as personal relationships and health.

According to Dr. Samuel (2008), research shows that health topics—including relationships, food, exercise, cancer, and diabetes—are frequently talked about in these settings.

 

Based on this information, Dr. Samuel proposed the use of local business associations to bring increased exposure and resources to health initiatives. They can be a “pipeline” to health service professionals who are able to provide their expertise in beauty shop group settings. For program planners and researchers, it would mean including beauty shop partners in program planning and evaluation. For beauty shop partners, it would mean accepting the role of community leader and advocating project activities to clients. For healthy organizations, it would mean another referral service to advocate for health and good health practices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop E3—Till Death Us Do Part:  Look at Violence in African American Relationships and Marriage

 

Moderator:      Frances Ashe-Goins, R.N., MPH, Deputy Director, Office on Women’s Health and Director, Division of Policy and Program Development, HHS, Washington, DC

 

Speaker:          Dr. Duane J. Dyson, M.D., Founder and Chairman, Violence Prevention Institute, East Orange, NJ           

Tameka L. Gillum, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

 

Dr. Gillum began by defining intimate partner violence (IPV), which cuts across all races, cultures, social classes, and sexual orientations. Until recently, limited attention has been paid to communities of color and persons from disadvantaged backgrounds in the IPV research and literature. Limited research has addressed culturally specific dynamics that contribute to IPV. Each year there are an estimated 4.8 million incidents of IPV against American women age 18 and over.  These incidents result annually in nearly 2 million injuries and nearly 1300 deaths.

 

She went on to discuss the factors that compound intimate partner violence in the African American community.  These include racial stereotypes about black women and the myth that the black family is inherently violent/dysfunctional; feelings of loyalty to the black community and family; and disproportionate economic disadvantage faced by black people in America. In addition, there is a reluctance of police to enforce the law in the interest of battered black women, as well as reluctance of African American survivors to call police. Service providers as well as survivors express an inherent knowledge of racism existing within the legal system and some expressed this as a reason for not calling the police. Finally, many services/interventions take a color-blind approach to assisting survivors and perpetrators, so persons of color are not seeking or receiving full benefit of services. African American survivors have expressed dissatisfaction with domestic violence shelters, legal services, social services, response of church (Gillum, 2008; Gillum, in press 1; Gillum, in press 2). Survivors, services providers, and researchers have called for culturally specific services.

 

Dr. Gillum argued that in order to reverse these trends, men in our communities must bond around non-violence and respect for their partners and hold each other accountable. We must support women in our community, our sisters, friends, and daughters who disclose abuse, and condemn any form of violence which occurs in our communities. IPV programs (shelters & batterer interventions) can increase the number of qualified people of color on their staff to reflect population being served. Curricula of such programs should incorporate aspects of culture and culturally specific dynamics of violence.

 

 

Dr. Dyson began by reminding the audience of the crisis posed by the lack of involved fathers or positive role models for many African American youth.  With affirming rites of passage gone, the gap has been filled by negative role models.  Media have glorified gangsters and pimps and desensitized youth to violence. 

 

Dr. Dyson spoke about his experience as an emergency room physician, where he observed that more children are being treated in the emergency rooms at an alarming rate as a result of gun and gang violence.      In partnership with other physicians, Dr. Dyson created the Violence Prevention Institute in response to the increasing number of youth victims and perpetrators of violent crimes.  The Institute’s prevention program called “Cops and Docs,” provides education to middle school students on how the impact of negative behavior will affect them long-term. This program is a partnership between the mayor, city manager and police chief of East Orange, New Jersey.  The Cops and Docs program includes a slide presentation of real victims and their injuries (in graphic detail). There is also a demonstration of surgical instruments used in the emergency room.  A police officer provides a presentation on the legal aspect and a victim who has been affected for life discusses his painful and life changing-experiences resulting from gang membership.

 

Dr. Dyson went on to discuss some of the reasons youth join gangs: curiosity, family tradition, fear, and sense of camaraderie.  To counteract these problems, more recreational programs and mentoring pools should be established.  Youth should be required to perform community services before graduating high school.  Parents also have responsibilities.  They must be accountable, talk to their children, know their friends, know where they are at all times, establish clear rules, listen to their music, notice behavioral changes, and pay attention to evidence of alcohol and drugs.

 

He went on to speak about African American relationships and violence.  The community has a role to play in preventing domestic violence. Women can show that violence is unacceptable by pressing charges, seeking shelter and holding men accountable for their violence against them.  Parents also have a responsibility to encourage healthy relationships between teenagers and intervene in cases of dating violence.

 

In closing, Dr. Dyson challenged the adults in the audience to take responsibility for youth in their communities.  He encouraged faith based organizations to set up rites of passage programs, develop opportunities for recreation and encourage parental accountability and involvement.

 

An audience member asked what can be done to address a legal system that is not sympathetic to African American victims of violence.  The panelists suggested that one can join or work with organizations that work on training police.  Individuals must be involved with their communities and hold their local Board of Education, police department, and mayoral offices accountable in the areas of prevention, intervention, interdiction (policing), incarceration and re-entry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop E4—Sweet as Sugar- The Impact of Diabetes and Other Health Challenges on African American Marriage and Relationships

(Repeat of Workshop E1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop E5—Till Death Do Us Part: A Look at Violence in African American Relationships and Marriage

(Repeat of Workshop E3)

 

Moderator:      Rev. Carol Moulton, J.D., M.A., Management Analyst, ACF