As we approach the end of the year and look ahead to marking 30 years as an organization next year, I’ll be spending a few weeks on what’s ahead for the National Center for Fathering (NCF). (For some practical thoughts for your fathering and the holidays, please read on and see the link below.)

NCF is poised to step up and make a bigger difference—helping and encouraging thousands if not millions of dads. Although there are great challenges ahead, we have a renewed resolve to reach men (and women) with the message that children need involved, aware, devoted fathers in their lives.

One key strategy is addressing issues faced by millennial fathers. 

The new generation of fathers is much different from when we began in 1990. Many of the key principles and insights from our research still apply, but there is a need for new and ongoing research to identify and address the issues and challenges most relevant to these dads.

This also means we need to become more tech-savvy since today’s dads are so plugged into the digital world and their mobile devices. It’s vital that we create or update materials and resources to address these dads and their challenges in ways that naturally fit into their everyday lives while staying current with changes in technology. That includes our website, web-based and mobile apps, ebooks, social media and, as resources allow, strategic investments in online ads and search keywords.

Making progress will require considerable investments of staff time as well as hiring outside help to handle specialized tech updates and functionality—not to mention getting younger dads involved to help lead and guide this effort. 

Looking ahead, there is much to be excited about. Whether you’re very familiar with NCF or you’re a new friend, please consider supporting these efforts with a year-end gift. We are ready to inspire and equip dads in big ways, and your contribution will be greatly appreciated. You can do so online right here. 

Thank you for your consideration. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this.

Ken Canfield

Now, read about the changes one dad made to his family’s December routine in this article.