Community-Based Programming Articles
Location...Location…Location
There is a popular phrase which states “build it and they will come.” This saying is sometimes true but oftentimes not realistic—especially when it comes to developing and implementing fatherhood programs.
There are a great number of fatherhood programs with great staff, curriculum, facilities, and community support—but lack participants. Logic dictates that there is no actual program without participants to serve. Unfortunately, some fatherhood program practitioners are skilled in the business of program operations but do not know the location of their target population.
Successful fatherhood practitioners know the location of their target population. This knowledge can help you successfully launch and implement your program.
- If your program is located in a rural setting, you may find program participants in locations such as hunting lodges, fire stations, fishing equipment stores, and sporting events.
- If your setting is more urban in nature, you might recruit program participants at shopping malls, libraries, social service buildings, business venues, and sporting events.
- If you’re looking to recruit teen and younger adult fathers, skateboard parks, shopping malls, computer gaming facilities, and dance clubs tend to serve as prime locations for recruitment. Successful development and implementation of your fatherhood program requires knowledge of the location of the target population.
Here are some common male or father-friendly locations (As reported by successful 24/7 Dad™ program practitioners):
- Fishing Locations
- Hunting Locations
- Sporting Events
- “Bass Pro” type venues
- Barbershops
- Fire Stations
- Correctional Facilities
- Healthcare Facilities
- Educational Facilities
- Entertainment Facilities
- Restrooms
- Businesses
- Religious Institutions
- Military
- Airports
- Racing Facilities
- Computer Gaming Facilities
- Social Service Facilities
- Judicial Courts
- Basketball Courts & Gyms
- Health Clubs
- Night Clubs
- Hip-Hop Clothing Stores
- Public or Private Recreational Facilities
With this knowledge and other father-friendly locations that may be unique to your community, you will be more effective and efficient in strategically targeting your program marketing and recruitment efforts. Program resource materials and staff outreach activities are better utilized and geared toward select venues and generate a greater return of program participants.
And now the business of serving fathers can begin!