Men from across the country to gather in Atlanta on Oct. 25 and 26 to learn tips to support student achievement and social success

WHAT:

Research shows that when men are present in schools and involved in children’s lives, negative behavior decreases, student achievement increases and children are better adjusted socially. Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, male teachers and male mentors from across the country will gather in Atlanta on Oct. 25 and 26 to network and learn tips and best practices to engage more men in schools, communities and PTA and ensure the academic and social success of all children. The conference is hosted by National PTA and WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students).  

During the event, attendees will hear from J.D. Lewis, founder of The Actor’s Lab and Twelve In Twelve Foundation; Andrew J. Young, Jr., former Congressman, United Nations ambassador and mayor of Atlanta; Azim Khamisa, author, activist and inspirational speaker; James O. Rodgers, president of The Diversity Coach; Otha Thornton, president of National PTA; and Eric Snow, executive director of WATCH D.O.G.S. They also will participate in expert-led workshops on topics including the importance of males, getting dads through the door and family engagement in the digital age.

WHEN:

National PTA Male Engagement Conference
Saturday, October 25 – Sunday, October 26

Otha Thornton and Eric Snow Presentations
Saturday, October 25 – 8:30 to 9 a.m.

J.D. Lewis Presentation
Saturday, October 25 – Noon to 1:15 p.m.

Ambassador Andrew J. Young, Jr. Presentation
Saturday, October 25 – 2:45 to 3:15 p.m.

Azim Khamisa Presentation
Sunday, October 26 – 8 to 9 a.m.

James O. Rodgers Presentation
Sunday, October 26 – 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

WHERE:

Embassy Suites Hotel – Atlanta Airport
4700 Southport Road
Atlanta, GA 30337

WHO:

• Otha Thornton – president of National PTA
• Eric Snow – executive director of WATCH D.O.G.S.
• J.D. Lewis – actor, director and playwright and founder of The Actor’s Lab and Twelve In Twelve Foundation
• Andrew J. Young, Jr. – civil and human rights leader and former Congressman, United Nations ambassador and mayor of Atlanta
• Azim Khamisa – author, activist and inspirational speaker
• James O. Rodgers – president and principal consultant of The Diversity Coach
• Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, male teachers and male mentors from across the country

CONTACT:

Heidi May, National PTA
hmay@pta.org
Office: 703-518-1242
Cell: 614-570-3922

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

About WATCH D.O.G.S.

WATCH D.O.G.S.® is an innovative program focusing on increasing male involvement in our nation’s schools by using the positive influence of fathers and father-figures for a two-fold purpose: (1) to provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their very presence that education is important, and (2) to provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying. Fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and uncles are asked to spend at least one day during the school year working as a volunteer at their student’s school. They support the school through monitoring the school property and working alongside the teachers in the classroom, the hallways, the lunchroom and on the playground. They help with reading, writing and arithmetic. They are great as homework facilitators and recess referees. They will also provide listening ears and whatever else needs to be done in order to help the teacher’s plant seeds of success in the lives of the students. 

WATCH D.O.G.S.® is a founding member of the PTA M.O.R.E.® (Men Organized to Raise Engagement) alliance and is an excellent outreach program with a proven record for increasing volunteer hours, male involvement and PTA membership.