Dads unite: Every Charlotte school should be harnessing father power

We were there for a breakfast put on by All Pro Dad, a program from a national nonprofit that tries to get more fathers involved at their children’s school. We ate Chick-fil-A biscuits, drank coffee (or milk, for the kids) and talked about the theme of the day: being unique. I could barely find a seat.

It’s been statistically shown that fathers are less likely to be involved in schools than mothers. It’s also been shown that dad involvement is associated with higher achievement in school.

But there are a ton of barriers to getting them in the door, even if they want to. You’ve heard of “room moms” volunteering in the classroom. Ever heard of a “room dad”? Mothers are socially encouraged and expected to be involved. It’s tough if you think you’ll be the only father there.

That’s why I really like what All Pro Dad is doing at these schools. Besides the monthly breakfasts, they’re arranging dads to fill in volunteer gaps together, where fathers can work side-by-side. It’s not just an open-ended welcome. Dads respond better when they’re asked to do one specific thing. At one school, they’re being asked to direct the carpool line on Fridays.

The work All Pro Dad is doing coincides with a growing movement at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The district’s “Be There Dad” program has similar goals and launched at 10 schools last year and recruited 150 volunteers. Another 10 schools are on tap for this year.

That still leaves a large gap in CMS.

All Pro Dad only has chapters at two schools in Charlotte. Get information about starting one at your kid’s school here. It’s only $35 for the year. Chick-fil-A is a national sponsor, meaning local franchises are encouraged to help out, too.