Hey Dads,
We're only a week into 2021, and we've already witnessed some horrific images on the news as our nation's Capitol was stormed by a large group of domestic terrorists. As mostly white men waved Confederate flags while wearing shirts with anti-semitic words and symbols on them, I experienced a wide range of emotions while trying to focus on my other responsibilities in life. What the hell is going on? Is this really happening? How can people not understand that white privilege is a thing when they see this? Anger, sadness, fear. Repeat.
Life is full of confusing, scary, and challenging events. It's difficult enough for us to make sense of these happenings for ourselves, and it becomes even more challenging to try and explain what is going on in the world to our children in a developmentally appropriate way. It's also terrifying at times to think about the world that our children are growing up in. There's so much hatred and darkness.
There's also a lot of hope and lightness. Over the past few days, I have had dozens of conversations with fathers in Dad Guild regarding the current events at our nation's Capitol, systemic racism, and raising children in this world. What has struck me the most is the level of thoughtfulness, compassion, honesty, and vulnerability everyone has been sharing with one another. These events stir up lots of thoughts and feelings, and it's so important that we're processing them with other people in our lives. I feel so fortunate to be a part of a community of so many compassionate fathers who have been taking the time to share these feelings with one another. I really love this community.
And as we're raising children through all of this, I wanted to share a couple of NPR articles with you all that provide some frames for what we're sharing & not sharing with our kids regarding scary events in the news:
Please know our community will always be a space where we can share, be vulnerable, and process these events with one another. I appreciate all of you for the love and dedication you show up with on a daily basis, and I look forward to the conversations and connections ahead.
-Keegan
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All virtual events are being hosted by Dad Guild on Zoom. Same link. Same password. Every time (with the exception of the Fletcher Free Library book groups, which you will receive a separate Zoom link for via email when you register).
Link: https://zoom.us/j/142812659?pwd=MDRwQXE2MEhiRVVjaE5hUFRYOE91Zz09
Password: 614565
Having difficulty setting up Zoom? Lacking access to reliable technology that allows you to connect with us? Reach out to us and we'll see how we can help.
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Imagination Library Fundraiser a Success! Thank You!
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Exciting news! After a couple weeks of fundraising on GoFundMe and Front Porch Forum, Dad Guild successfully raised $3,305 from over 60 individual donors in order to bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to the City of Winooski! We will be launching the program in the weeks ahead, and look forward to working closely with community partners in the Onion City to maximize the potential of this initiative. A tremendous THANK YOU to everyone who donated, worked on this campaign, and helped share the fundraiser with others. Stay tuned!
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A Commitment to Transparency: Our Organization's Operating Budget
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At Dad Guild, we are committed to financial transparency with all of you. It's been almost two years since our organization officially became a 501(c)(3), and we wanted to share with all of you a closer look at the dollars that make Dad Guild possible. As you can see, we've been able to do a lot with the small amount of funding we have, and we're committed to stretching every dollar as far as it can go. As our community grows and the work we do expands, we know that additional funding will be needed at some point to pay for staffing and other additional resources. Raising funds will be one of our top priorities in the years ahead, and we'll certainly share campaigns when they're launched. In the meantime, please consider making a donation to Dad Guild by visiting our website today (you can also see a larger image of our operating budget on there on the "Donate" page).
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Launching Our Newest Initiative: Dadvocates
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We're stepping up our community engagement game in 2021. In addition to connecting, supporting, and educating fathers of young children in Vermont, we're also looking to increase the level of community engagement opportunities for dads. We're excited to announce the launch of our "Dadvocate" program, which will provide regular opportunities for fathers to make their communities a better place. Please stay tuned as more information comes out in the weeks ahead, and feel free to reach out if you're eager to get involved! Many hands make light work, and we'll certainly welcome yours.
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Book Recommendation: The 5 Love Languages
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The pandemic has been exhausting for many of us, and one of the regular challenges fathers have been talking about is maintaining healthy relationships with our partners. There have been a lot of great, supportive conversations within our community around connecting with partners, and a handful of folks have mentioned the book, The 5 Love Languages, by Gary Chapman, as a great resource and tool for strengthening your relationship. Check it out, and be in touch if you need help getting a copy. Maintaining a strong, loving relationship with your partner is crucial during these turbulent times.
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Weekly Wednesday Check-Ins
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As always, our Dads' Night In Weekly Hump Day Check-Ins continue! Every Wednesday night from 8:45 - 10:00pm, our Zoom Meeting is open to all, and folks can jump in for 5 minutes, or stay the whole time. Conversations range from funny personal experiences, to watching Die Hard for the first time, to having a place to talk about the challenges of juggling all the things right now. It's also just a good place to go if you have questions around parenting topics such as sleep training, potty training, etc. as there's usually a handful of dads there ready to offer their perspectives. Hope to see you out there!
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Fletcher Free Library Book Group: This Book is Anti-Racist
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Our monthly book group with the Fletcher Free Library continues. For the month of February, folks will be reading the young adult book, This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell. Please visit the library's website to register, and then join us for two Thursday evenings in February as we discuss the book, what it is bringing up for us, and how we're thinking about the content in terms of raising our own children. This book group is open to the public, and folks do not need to be a father to join. Hope to see you there!
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Let's Grow Kids Virtual 2021 Policy Priorities Briefing
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As part of our Dadvocate program, Dad Guild will be increasing our efforts to help advocate for policy work being done in the world of early childhood education. There will be plenty of opportunities to lend your voice to the movement, and for now there is a great learning opportunity coming up on January 12th. Let's Grow Kids is hosting a virtual session that will outline their 2021 policy priorities, so visit this link to sign up for one of the timeslots, and get ready to learn more about what you can do.
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