--- title: 10 Tips for New Facilitators of NFI Programs description: If you are new to running an NFI program you will want to read these tips! image: https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/Images/Blog/NFI_Blog_10-tips-new-facilitators.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/10-tips-for-new-facilitators-of-nfi-programs#main) - [![NFI mark](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI%20mark.svg)FATHERHOOD.ORG](https://www.fatherhood.org/) - [STORE.FATHERHOOD.ORG](https://store.fatherhood.org/) [![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=149&height=82&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=119&height=65&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=119&height=66&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=89&height=49&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ](https://www.fatherhood.org) - [How To Build Strong Families](https://www.fatherhood.org/build-strong-families) - [Why Father Inclusion Matters](https://www.fatherhood.org/why-father-inclusion-matters) - Show submenu for Get Involved Get Involved - [Fatherhood Programs](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/programs-and-resources) - [Train Your Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/staff-training) - [State, County, and City Agency Services](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/collaborative-services) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Show submenu for Get Informed Get Informed - [How To Build Strong Families](https://www.fatherhood.org/build-strong-families) - [Why Father Inclusion Matters](https://www.fatherhood.org/why-father-inclusion-matters) - [Father Stats & Infographics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - Show submenu for Get Involved Get Involved - [Fatherhood Programs](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/programs-and-resources) - [Train Your Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/staff-training) - [State, County, and City Agency Services](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/collaborative-services) - Show submenu for Get Started Get Started - [Find Your Stage of Father Inclusion](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-inclusion) - [How Father Friendly Is Your Organization?](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-friendly) - [Get In Touch](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) [Store](https://store.fatherhood.org/?hsLang=en) [Get In Touch](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) [Store](https://store.fatherhood.org/?hsLang=en) Show submenu for Get Started Get Started - [Fatherhood Data & Statistics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - [How Father Friendly is Your Organization?](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-friendly) - [Other Free Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/nfi-free-resources) - [Talk With us to Get Started](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) National Fatherhood Initiative Blog / [Latest Articles](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood) [NFI-Specific Programs & Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/nfi-specific-programs-resources) # 10 Tips for New Facilitators of NFI Programs 2 min read ![Melissa Byers](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/melissa_circle_icon.png?width=100&height=100&name=melissa_circle_icon.png) [** Melissa Byers ** ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/author/melissa-byers) Melissa is the Chief Marketing Officer at National Fatherhood Initiative® (NFI). Melissa oversees the organization's marketing, communications, graphic design, and product fulfillment functions. ![NFI_Blog_10-tips-new-facilitators](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Blog/NFI_Blog_10-tips-new-facilitators.jpg?width=453&name=NFI_Blog_10-tips-new-facilitators.jpg) Everybody's new at something, sometime. But isn't it great when you're new at something and you have a few tips and hints for success in advance? Sure it is! That's why we put together the following 10 tips for new facilitators of NFI programs (e.g. [24/7 Dad®](https://store.fatherhood.org/24-7-dad-programs/), [InsideOut Dad®](https://store.fatherhood.org/insideout-dad-programs/), [Understanding Dad™](https://store.fatherhood.org/understanding-dad-an-awareness-program-for-moms/)) to get you and/or your new staff and volunteers headed in the right direction on the road to success. Read them below and download a PDF copy [here](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/Miscellaneous%20Documents/10-Tips-for-New-Facilitators-091718.pdf)! | **1.** | **The most important thing is to verify that you have a complete program kit.** - Review the list of the components for your program kit (available on the back of the [PDF version of these tips](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/Miscellaneous%20Documents/10-Tips-for-New-Facilitators-091718.pdf)). - If you don’t have a component(s), please contact NFI to acquire it (them) at 240-912-1263 or [fathersource@fatherhood.org ](mailto:fathersource@fatherhood.org) | | --- | --- | | **2.** | **Determine whether you desire, or your organization or funder requires, formal training to deliver the program. While NFI does not require [facilitator training](https://www.fatherhood.org/curricula-training), we encourage it. We offer training options online and in person.** - **View NFI’s program-specific webinar and in-person training schedule**, or inquire directly for custom training at your location. Visit [fatherhood.org/training](https://www.fatherhood.org/training). - **Consider acquiring your Effective Facilitation Certificate****™****: **This training helps you learn effective tips and techniques to work with adult learners. It’s ideal for anyone running any NFI program! Visit [www.fatherhood.org/efc](https://store.fatherhood.org/effective-facilitation-certificate-online-training/). - **Consider acquiring your Father Engagement Certificate****™****: **This training helps you learn five core competencies you must develop to effectively engage dads in your program and other services for dads. It’s ideal for anyone serving dads. Visit [www.fatherhood.org/fec](https://store.fatherhood.org/father-engagement-certificate/). | | **3.** | **Review the supplemental contents on the Flash Drive or CD/DVD in your complete program kit. **Review and use the marketing pieces to promote your program, the pre- and post-survey, and optional videos (if applicable). (Note: The videos don’t replace a facilitator’s delivery of the program, but rather, they enhance engagement by varying the delivery method for some of the program’s content.) | | **4.** | **Educate yourself on the program. **Read the entire Program Guide in the Facilitator’s Manual. It contains important information to help you understand the program’s background, philosophy, and structure. | | **5.** | **Plan ahead for how you will recruit participants into and retain them in your program**. Visit our Recruitment and Retention webpage for loads of ideas: [https://www.fatherhood.org/recruit](https://www.fatherhood.org/recruit). | | **6.** | **Discuss with your boss/director/purchasing department about ongoing purchases of program handbooks. **Each participant should have their own handbook to use throughout the program. Use of the handbook is critical to program fidelity and the ability of participants to learn. You can purchase additional handbooks at [fathersource.org](https://www.fathersource.org/). (Note: You may not reproduce or copy any NFI curriculum component.) | | **7.** | **Familiarize yourself with NFI’s Resources for delivering programs virtually now or in the future. **Should your program want to deliver virtually, we have several resources to help you. The first is our "[7 Steps to Delivering NFI Programs Virtually and Successfully](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/Miscellaneous%20Documents/Deliver_NFI_Programs_Virtually_tip_sheet-070220.pdf)" info sheet.  You can also visit our website for program delivery guidance [here](https://www.fatherhood.org/program-delivery-covid-19), and then read our 2 part blog on the subject [here](https://www.fatherhood.org/fatherhood/how-to-facilitate-a-fatherhood-program-in-a-virtual-world-part-1). | | **8.** |  **Visit ****[https://www.fatherhood.org/free-resources-main](https://www.fatherhood.org/free-resources-main) ****for more than 150 free resources to help you succeed in serving dads or moms. ** | | **9.** | **Check out ****[http://www.fathersource.org](https://www.fathersource.org/) ****for other resources you can purchase for program participants that complement your program, such as brochures, tips cards, and posters. ** | | **10.** | **Prepare for your first session! **Print out handouts and download any other contents you will need from the CD-ROM or Flash Drive, especially if you will deliver the program in a jail or prison that might not let you bring such devices into the facility. Also, review the “Materials” listed at the beginning of each activity in your Facilitator’s Manual to ensure you have everything you need to succeed. | **Don't forget to download the free info sheet** [here](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/Miscellaneous%20Documents/10-Tips-for-New-Facilitators-091718.pdf).  **Interested in our next webinar and in-person curricula training? Checkout our training calendar [here](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/national-fatherhood-initiative-6925750249)**. [![Fundraising for Fatherhood Programs Webinar](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/135704/475ca806-65ae-4ab5-a628-14b7be4bc0a4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/135704/475ca806-65ae-4ab5-a628-14b7be4bc0a4) Date Published: 04/04/2019 Last Updated: 11/22/2024 ## Learn How to Build a Fatherhood Program That Works Download this free guide for a proven 7-step roadmap—from making the case and securing funding for your program, to launching and measuring real results! [Get The Guide Now!](https://www.fatherhood.org/starting-a-fatherhood-program) ![7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program.png?width=700&height=700&name=7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program.png) [ Previous ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/how-to-help-dads-become-a-peaceful-parent) [ Next ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/how-nfi-uses-big-data-to-help-dads-and-the-organizations-that-serve-them) ## Related Articles ### [Five Leadership Practices That Build Father-Inclusive Organizations Image created with GPT Image 2. Creating a father-inclusive organization doesn't happen through a new but isolated fatherhood program, staff training on how to include fathers, or ... Read More](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/five-leadership-practices-that-build-father-inclusive-organizations) ### [Beyond Graduation: Keeping Fathers Connected Image created with GPT Image 2. Many organizations do a good job recruiting fathers and helping them complete a fatherhood program. But what happens after the program ends? How do ... Read More](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/beyond-graduation-keeping-fathers-connected) ### [Funding A Father-Inclusive Effort For Non-Governmental Organizations Image created with GPT Image 2. Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) struggle to identify funding sources for fatherhood initiatives and programs. After all, beyond the ... Read More](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/funding-a-father-inclusive-effort-for-non-governmental-organizations) ### Explore Topics [NFI-Specific Programs & Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/nfi-specific-programs-resources) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/tips-tricks) [General Fatherhood Program Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/general-fatherhood-program-resources) [General Fatherhood Research & Studies](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/general-fatherhood-research-studies) [Success Stories](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/success-stories) [NFI News & Updates](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/nfi-news-updates) [Program Recruitment & Retention](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/program-recruitment-retention) [Research on NFI Programs & Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/research-on-nfi-programs-resources) [Fundraising](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/fundraising) [All Posts](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/all) ### Subscribe to Championing Fatherhood ![Laptop with NFI store website opened](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/Laptop%20with%20NFI%20store%20website%20opened.png?width=279&height=167&name=Laptop%20with%20NFI%20store%20website%20opened.png) ### Get the Father Engagement Resources You Need [ Visit Online Store ](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKw4WaOo8902iPmpW%2ByUsyBSKuq3qkzqNyXpzwPOccE0AXP2KES9oXgU9nIB8fuwW%2BqIn%2Fks1zUl4Xat3EfgSWc9L3SpStWlNlgOYxw5gMRlbHlSTv5NllcFgvU6lYkSZwB5VyC1gksPebRm5z%2FxU8k1Flp%2FIqV%2FKhmFjDSTcs%3D&portalId=135704) [![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1 (1)](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201%20(1).png?width=148&height=88&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201%20(1).png) ](https://www.fatherhood.org) [![Facebook](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/Facebook.svg) ](https://www.facebook.com/nationalfatherhoodinitiative/) [![LinkedIn](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/LinkedIn.svg) ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-fatherhood-initiative) [![candid-seal-platinum-main](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/email/candid-seal-platinum-main.png?width=100&height=100&name=candid-seal-platinum-main.png) ](https://www.fatherhood.org) About - [Our Mission](https://www.fatherhood.org/our-mission) - [Our Impact](https://www.fatherhood.org/our-impact) - [Our History](https://www.fatherhood.org/history) - [Our Board & Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/leadership) - [Contact Us](https://www.fatherhood.org/contact-us) Train Your Staff - [Program Facilitator Training](https://www.fatherhoodpractitioners.org/collections/core-programs) - [Earn Your Certificates](https://www.fatherhoodpractitioners.org/collections/certificates) - [Live Group Training](https://www.fatherhood.org/training-institute) Fatherhood Programs - [24:7 Dad®](https://store.fatherhood.org/shop-by-program/24-7-dad/) - [ProFathering15™](https://store.fatherhood.org/profathering15) - [24:7 Dad Key Behaviors™ Workshop](https://store.fatherhood.org/247-dad-key-behaviors-workshop-facilitators-kit/) - [InsideOut Dad®](https://store.fatherhood.org/insideout-dad-facilitators-kit/) - [Understanding Dad™](https://store.fatherhood.org/understanding-dad-facilitators-kit/) - [Co-Parenting Program Bundle](https://store.fatherhood.org/co-parenting-group-based-facilitators-bundle/) Fatherhood Data - [Free Data & Infographics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - [Father Facts™ 9 Publication](https://store.fatherhood.org/father-facts-ninth-edition/) - [Father Facts Poster Sets](https://store.fatherhood.org/posters) - [Father Involvement Brochures](https://store.fatherhood.org/brochures) Free Resources - [Father Friendly Check-Up™](https://www.fatherhood.org/ffcu) - [Fatherhood Program Selection Tool](https://www.fatherhood.org/program-selector) - [Championing Fatherhood Blog](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood) - [Help Center](https://help.fatherhood.org/) - [**FatherSource™ Store**](https://store.fatherhood.org/) --- © 2026 National Fatherhood Initiative®. 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