Barrington Reeves Barrington Reeves Project Development Co-ordinatorProject Development Co-ordinator

Sowing SeedsSowing Seeds

Working With Men/Fathers, Male Working With Men/Fathers, Male Inclusive servicesInclusive services

The African Caribbean The African Caribbean ExperienceExperience

Holistic Human PrinciplesHolistic Human Principles

Love and Balance are prerequisites for Human Love and Balance are prerequisites for Human Relationships, between masculine/feminine Relationships, between masculine/feminine (Internal) and Male/female (external). (Internal) and Male/female (external).

Holistic Human PrinciplesHolistic Human Principles Certain principles can be developed to bring balance to all Certain principles can be developed to bring balance to all

relationships for the benefits of the children.relationships for the benefits of the children. These are: - These are: - Willingness, Willingness, Awareness, Awareness, Acknowledgement, Acknowledgement, Acceptance, Acceptance, Understanding, Understanding, Forgiveness, Forgiveness, Responsibility, Responsibility, Commitment,Commitment, Faith.Faith.

Holistic Human Principles cont’dHolistic Human Principles cont’d

Life is energy and we all possess energy expressed Life is energy and we all possess energy expressed as Love.as Love.

How we feel depends on our experience. our How we feel depends on our experience. our experience is an internal process consisting of experience is an internal process consisting of Thoughts , Feelings and expressed as Behaviour.Thoughts , Feelings and expressed as Behaviour.

Intuition and creativity can transform our internal Intuition and creativity can transform our internal and external worlds, so anything is possible, and external worlds, so anything is possible, working with men/fathers as a positive resource.working with men/fathers as a positive resource.

Sowing SeedsSowing SeedsIntroductionIntroduction

Aims:Aims: To work with Parents especially Men/fathers including Young fathers to encourage and To work with Parents especially Men/fathers including Young fathers to encourage and

participate in responsible and consistent parenting and relationships. participate in responsible and consistent parenting and relationships.

To work with Service Providers to develop culturally appropriate services for Men/Fathers To work with Service Providers to develop culturally appropriate services for Men/Fathers from African Caribbean Communities, by running African Caribbean Fatherhood & from African Caribbean Communities, by running African Caribbean Fatherhood & Relationship & Parent programmes.Relationship & Parent programmes.

ObjectivesObjectives To establish workshops/forums & events for the Black Family, especially Men/Fathers to To establish workshops/forums & events for the Black Family, especially Men/Fathers to

gather and share experiences and discuss issues relevant to successful parenting and gather and share experiences and discuss issues relevant to successful parenting and promote bonding & consistent interaction.promote bonding & consistent interaction.

Improve parenting skills amongst the Family, especially Men/Fathers. Improve parenting skills amongst the Family, especially Men/Fathers.

Network with other organisations to inform about research, practice & delivery of services.Network with other organisations to inform about research, practice & delivery of services.

To help services providers develop strategy for Male Inclusive Services.To help services providers develop strategy for Male Inclusive Services.

Sowing Seeds PhilosophySowing Seeds Philosophy The name The name Sowing SeedsSowing Seeds also indicates our philosophy and the way we work. The square also indicates our philosophy and the way we work. The square

was agreed upon, at once for the beauty of its simplicity, as it represents a number of was agreed upon, at once for the beauty of its simplicity, as it represents a number of important concepts, firstly the four points on the square corresponds to the cardinal points important concepts, firstly the four points on the square corresponds to the cardinal points on the compass that used singularly or in combination provides direction and engenders a on the compass that used singularly or in combination provides direction and engenders a full view and awareness of ones environment and ecology.full view and awareness of ones environment and ecology.

The square (or in its 3 dimensional state, a cube), also represents the four basic elements The square (or in its 3 dimensional state, a cube), also represents the four basic elements necessary for life, these being earth, air, water and fire. Life and more precisely the quality necessary for life, these being earth, air, water and fire. Life and more precisely the quality of life is critical, and through our various activities, we aim to improve the quality of life for of life is critical, and through our various activities, we aim to improve the quality of life for all.all.

ColorsColors The color of the square, black was so chosen to represents the home of ideas that are The color of the square, black was so chosen to represents the home of ideas that are

formed and take shape within the depths of the mind and the place where the seeds of new formed and take shape within the depths of the mind and the place where the seeds of new ideas can be planted. The color green indicates the fertile receptive mind, or the mind that is ideas can be planted. The color green indicates the fertile receptive mind, or the mind that is no longer stagnate or dormant but able to generate and contemplate life enhancing options. no longer stagnate or dormant but able to generate and contemplate life enhancing options. The font Sowing Seeds is completed in yellow as the bright light of creativity and progress. The font Sowing Seeds is completed in yellow as the bright light of creativity and progress.

Sowing Seeds derives its name from the belief in growth and the potential of individuals Sowing Seeds derives its name from the belief in growth and the potential of individuals and communities to adapt develop and progress. It is then about stimulating generating and and communities to adapt develop and progress. It is then about stimulating generating and supporting effective ideas that will contribute to constructive change growth and thinking. supporting effective ideas that will contribute to constructive change growth and thinking.

We are aware that change is an evolutionary process and that individual and collective We are aware that change is an evolutionary process and that individual and collective growth takes time and is not, in the first instance immediate or apparent. growth takes time and is not, in the first instance immediate or apparent.

““It takes a Village to Raise a Child”It takes a Village to Raise a Child”African Centred Spiritual ConceptAfrican Centred Spiritual Concept

The roots of this ancient proverb lies in Africa in the main attributed to The roots of this ancient proverb lies in Africa in the main attributed to Igbo /Yoruba Traditions in Nigeria.Igbo /Yoruba Traditions in Nigeria.

On one level it tells us that the raising of the young cannot be left to On one level it tells us that the raising of the young cannot be left to individual families let alone one parent, in isolation. It reminds us, that individual families let alone one parent, in isolation. It reminds us, that for the most part child rearing is probably the most demanding of all for the most part child rearing is probably the most demanding of all human activities and though it is a role we adapt to, it is nevertheless human activities and though it is a role we adapt to, it is nevertheless presents us with a massive challenge to our self concept, patience, presents us with a massive challenge to our self concept, patience, financial resources, understanding and our own challenge to fulfil our financial resources, understanding and our own challenge to fulfil our dreams and accept ourselves.dreams and accept ourselves.

On a deeper level, this is an illustration of a particular way of On a deeper level, this is an illustration of a particular way of experiencing and relating to the world that sees wholeness a experiencing and relating to the world that sees wholeness a connectedness in all things that implies a responsibility we all share, connectedness in all things that implies a responsibility we all share, in the development of our young, each other and community. in the development of our young, each other and community.

Sowing Seeds African Caribbean ProgrammesSowing Seeds African Caribbean Programmes

The programmes explores the issues faced by African Caribbean Men/Fathers & Women in single & mixed gendered groups. The Fatherhood Programme & Parenthood & Relationship Programme

Issues explored include:-Masculinity, Relationships, Identity, Money, Parenting Styles & Child Development, Education, Family Law, Spirituality (Cutting the ties that Bind), Communication, Sex, Fatherhood, Intimacy, Mixed Relationships, Re-constituted Relationships, Communication. .

““It Takes a Village to raise a Child.”It Takes a Village to raise a Child.”

Questions Posed During SessionsQuestions Posed During Sessions

How were you Mothered/Fathered, what was the Impact of How were you Mothered/Fathered, what was the Impact of this?this?

What is it to be a Man/Father, What are the expectations for What is it to be a Man/Father, What are the expectations for these roles?these roles?

Do you feel there is Understanding Of Black Family Life Do you feel there is Understanding Of Black Family Life and your role In it?and your role In it?

How do we as men teach young boys about Masculinity?How do we as men teach young boys about Masculinity? Does Society and Culture have an Influence on your Does Society and Culture have an Influence on your

Parenting Role and Capacity?Parenting Role and Capacity?

EvaluationEvaluationComments from ParticipantsComments from Participants

Excellent, Thank you.Excellent, Thank you.Needs a full day seminar on thisNeeds a full day seminar on thisparticular topic & include muchparticular topic & include muchwider audience.wider audience.Dynamic & Healing.Dynamic & Healing.Very supportive in helping us toVery supportive in helping us tomake positive decisions.make positive decisions.Superb, challenging & Inspirational.Superb, challenging & Inspirational.Needs more involvement ofNeeds more involvement ofprofessionals with the community.professionals with the community.

Men/Fathers TodayMen/Fathers Today 5.4 Million fathers living with Dependant Children.5.4 Million fathers living with Dependant Children. 178,000 Lone parent fathers up from 60,000 in 1970.178,000 Lone parent fathers up from 60,000 in 1970. Around 2 million non-resident fathers.Around 2 million non-resident fathers. 33% of childcare taken care of by men/fathers.33% of childcare taken care of by men/fathers. 93% of men take time off during the birth of their children.93% of men take time off during the birth of their children. 2005, 31% of father worker flexi time compared to 11% in 2002.2005, 31% of father worker flexi time compared to 11% in 2002. Only 44% of women with babies believe women are naturally better Only 44% of women with babies believe women are naturally better

carers than men.carers than men. 80% of men/fathers in BME Communities compared to 68% of white 80% of men/fathers in BME Communities compared to 68% of white

fathers want greater involvement with their babies. fathers want greater involvement with their babies. Statistics taken from Equal Opportunity Commission 2005.Statistics taken from Equal Opportunity Commission 2005.

Human Interaction, Solution Human Interaction, Solution focusedfocused

We cannot solve our problems with the same We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them. level of thinking that created them.

It’s the process of solving rather than the outcome It’s the process of solving rather than the outcome that proves to the learningthat proves to the learning

Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein

The Challenge :The Challenge :

Every worker in the field of Health & Social Every worker in the field of Health & Social Care should be trained to recognise the ways Care should be trained to recognise the ways in which their own Cultural upbringing is likely in which their own Cultural upbringing is likely to have affected their perceptions of the to have affected their perceptions of the difficulties that their clients bring……………difficulties that their clients bring……………

Source : Murphy- 1986. Race & Counselling In Health & Social Care.Source : Murphy- 1986. Race & Counselling In Health & Social Care.

Model for Change, Model for Change, Human Interaction, Self AwarenessHuman Interaction, Self Awareness

Do you as a professional recognize your own feelings, thoughtsDo you as a professional recognize your own feelings, thoughts& emotions in relation to what issues are being presented by the& emotions in relation to what issues are being presented by theclient and do you recognize them in your professional practice? client and do you recognize them in your professional practice?

REFLECTIVE PRACTICEREFLECTIVE PRACTICE!!!!!!!!!!

Involving Men/FathersInvolving Men/Fathers

Is the parenting capacity of men and women ordained by nature, biology and psychology?

OrIs it a product of particular historical circumstances, social processes

and ideologies, and vary with ethnicity, religion and cultural background?

Working with fathers and male carers raises many issues for us all, both personal and professional?

We all bring values and beliefs related to motherhood and fatherhood – whether these are implicit or explicit?

Professional Attitudes Regarding Professional Attitudes Regarding Men/Fathers.Men/Fathers.

What Is Fatherhood aboutWhat Is Fatherhood about What do we see as the roles and responsibilities of men/fathersWhat do we see as the roles and responsibilities of men/fathers As professionals how do we support the notions of Manhood, Masculinity & As professionals how do we support the notions of Manhood, Masculinity &

fatherhood.fatherhood. What are your attitudes and beliefs about Men/Fathers, What are your attitudes and beliefs about Men/Fathers, How do your attitudes & beliefs influence your interactions with Men/Fathers in your How do your attitudes & beliefs influence your interactions with Men/Fathers in your

professional practice.professional practice. How do we as adults/professionals influence Children & Young people’s views of How do we as adults/professionals influence Children & Young people’s views of

men and fatherhood.men and fatherhood. What is your Organisational attitude regarding engagement & working with What is your Organisational attitude regarding engagement & working with

Men/Fathers, from BME Communities, especially African Caribbean men/fathers Men/Fathers, from BME Communities, especially African Caribbean men/fathers and young men/fathers. and young men/fathers.

Organisational StrategyOrganisational Strategy

What are the organisations policies towards men/father, What are the organisations policies towards men/father, especially now with the Gender Equality Duty On service especially now with the Gender Equality Duty On service provision.provision.

How do staff relate to working with Men/fathers and what How do staff relate to working with Men/fathers and what are the issues for staff.are the issues for staff.

How does the organisation work with Equality & Diversity, How does the organisation work with Equality & Diversity, i.e. working with BME, Disability & Sexuality.i.e. working with BME, Disability & Sexuality.

How do you feel about working with African Caribbean How do you feel about working with African Caribbean Men/fathers and other BME groups.Men/fathers and other BME groups.

Engagement Of Men/Fathers.Engagement Of Men/Fathers.

What do you feel are the incentives for men/fathers to get What do you feel are the incentives for men/fathers to get involved, how do you communicate this?involved, how do you communicate this?

Do you prioritise activities for men/fathers?Do you prioritise activities for men/fathers? Where do you advertise events for men/fathers?Where do you advertise events for men/fathers? Do you think of men/fathers as a positive resource of Do you think of men/fathers as a positive resource of

experience and learning?experience and learning? Do you make events meaningful to their lives and Do you make events meaningful to their lives and

experience and a learning opportunity?experience and a learning opportunity?

Some Tips For Professionals & VolunteersSome Tips For Professionals & Volunteers Look to research the local area in which you work and find out what work is going on with Look to research the local area in which you work and find out what work is going on with

men/fathers and seek the local knowledge.men/fathers and seek the local knowledge. Do an audit of the local community and find out how organisations are working with Do an audit of the local community and find out how organisations are working with

men/fathers and what they are doing, find your own unique way of working with them.men/fathers and what they are doing, find your own unique way of working with them. If you want to work with men/fathers, look into research about their culture and lifestyle, do If you want to work with men/fathers, look into research about their culture and lifestyle, do

not make assumptions.not make assumptions. Please do not leave working with men/fathers to male staff only especially Black staff as this Please do not leave working with men/fathers to male staff only especially Black staff as this

can fell very patronising. Work as a team to devise strategies to deliver this service as a can fell very patronising. Work as a team to devise strategies to deliver this service as a team, even if the BME staff facilitates it.team, even if the BME staff facilitates it.

Keep up to date on the research produced on men/fathers work and their role in the family, Keep up to date on the research produced on men/fathers work and their role in the family, use this to form debate and practice in the organisation and continually ask men/fathers, be use this to form debate and practice in the organisation and continually ask men/fathers, be that your husband, partner, boyfriend, young men, older men what they would like, make it that your husband, partner, boyfriend, young men, older men what they would like, make it hypothetical as they may take offence to be asked in such a direct way. hypothetical as they may take offence to be asked in such a direct way.

Look at the alternative cultural models of Family functioning and see what can be learned Look at the alternative cultural models of Family functioning and see what can be learned from this in relation to the Indigenous cultures model of family functioning (Nuclear Model)from this in relation to the Indigenous cultures model of family functioning (Nuclear Model)

HumanityHumanityOur deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that

we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? talented, and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." presence automatically liberates others."

““IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD!!!” Yoruba Tradition, Ile IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD!!!” Yoruba Tradition, Ile Ifa, Nigeria.Ifa, Nigeria.

Nelson Mandela: Speech to South African Parliament For New Nelson Mandela: Speech to South African Parliament For New Government Post Apartied 1994.Government Post Apartied 1994.

Support for Male Inclusive ServicesSupport for Male Inclusive Services

A Male Inclusive Service Self Assessment & A Male Inclusive Service Self Assessment & Practice Tool can be purchased from Sowing Practice Tool can be purchased from Sowing

Seeds.Seeds.

E-mail: sowingseedsmanchester@hotmail.co.uk.E-mail: sowingseedsmanchester@hotmail.co.uk.

Or phone 07816-211559 ask for Or phone 07816-211559 ask for

Barrington Reeves, Barrington Reeves,

Project Development Co-ordinator.Project Development Co-ordinator.