Return-Path: Delivered-To: info@ausheart.com.au Received: (qmail 26506 invoked from network); 29 Mar 2003 21:35:46 -0000 Received: from bne004se.server-mail.com (203.147.241.115) by 0 with SMTP; 29 Mar 2003 21:35:46 -0000 Received: (qmail 18103 invoked from network); 29 Mar 2003 21:35:45 -0000 Received: from unknown (HELO bne063v.webcentral.com.au) (202.139.234.63) by bne004se.server-mail.com with SMTP; 29 Mar 2003 21:35:45 -0000 Subject: Fathers -Defending the Nation Sender: "Fatherhood Foundation" From: "Fatherhood Foundation" Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2003 07:35:43 +1000 To: "Warwick Marsh" X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal Content-Transfer-Encoding: Quoted-Printable MIME-Version: 1.0 X-USER_IP: 61.9.128.173 X-Mailer: JMail 4.1.0 by Dimac Message-ID: <003301c1cfc4$27ced2d0$0800a8c0@bosweb.com.au> Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="--NEXT_BM_659B4814220A4DF58BA1A95B1FE42D5D" This is a multipart message in MIME format. ----NEXT_BM_659B4814220A4DF58BA1A95B1FE42D5D Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: Quoted-Printable Newsletter Issue No=2E 31-31st March, 2003 In this issue: - Welcome to fathersonline=2Eorg - Dads with Young Children - Grandads - Laughter - Single Dads - Special Feature - Thought for the Week - News & Info - Dad's Prayer - Mission Statement & Help Us! Welcome to fathersonline=2Eorg ---------------------- Dear Mark, I don=92t know about you but I have been glued to the television watching th= e progress of the war=2E=A0 If it=92s not the war, it=92s the =91violent=92 = peace marches=2E=A0 The world seems to have gone mad=2E=A0 In the middle of = all this I have found some really good news passed on by my friend Lionel Ri= chards at Ozydads Network in Perth, WA: www=2EOzyDads=2Enet=2E=A0 Fathers Di= rect www=2Efathersdirect=2Ecom in the UK are hosting the first World Summit = on Fatherhood=2E=A0 Fifty leading experts on fathering from around the globe= are meeting at Christ Church College, Oxford for a whole week=2E=A0 Profess= or Graham Russell and Tony White are representing Australia along with repre= sentatives from the nations from Africa, Nth and Sth America, Europe and the= Middle East=2E =A0 What we are doing through the work of the Fatherhood Foundation and other Au= stralian fathering organisations is not unusual or without precedent=2E=A0 I= t is part of a myriad of initiatives taking place around the world to restor= e fathers and fathering to a place of dignity and honour=2E=A0 The CIVITAS r= eport by Rebecca O=92Neill in the UK released September 2002 clearly shows o= ur experiment with the fatherless family has failed in every way possible=2E= =A0 www=2Ecivitas=2Eorg=2Euk/pubs/experiments=2Ephp (http://www=2Ecivitas=2E= org=2Euk/pubs/experiments=2Ephp) =A0 The failure of the fatherless family is confirmed by hundreds of similar rep= orts from Australia, America and Europe=2E=A0 Perhaps the most damning evide= nce of the results of fatherlessness is staring us in the face through our T= V sets and newspapers every day=2E Saddam Hussein, the man who takes great p= leasure in torture, rape and general mayhem=2E=A0 One eyewitness told a Brit= ish enquiry, =91There was a machine designed for shredding plastic=2E=A0 Men= were dropped into it and we were forced to watch =2E =2E =2E=A0 I saw 30 pe= ople die like this=2E=A0 Their remains would be placed in plastic bags, and = we were told they would be used as fish food =2E =2E =2E=92=2E=A0 The person= heading the enquiry says torture, execution and ethnic cleansing are part o= f everyday life in Saddam=92s Iraq=2E=A0 Sunday Telegraph, March 23, page 93= =2E =A0 Saddam Hussein was a fatherless child=2E=A0 His father Hussein al-Magid died= or disappeared before Saddam was born=2E=A0 His stepfather Ibrahim al Hassa= n disliked Saddam and abused and beat him=2E=A0 He did not allow Saddam to g= o to school=2E=A0 Saddam=92s stepfather forced him to tend sheep and steal f= or him=2E=A0 Within a few generations Saddam Hussein was in total control of= Iraq=2E=A0 His hero was Hitler and it is interesting to note that Hitler be= came fatherless at the age of 13 years=2E Hitler was in fact rejected by his= own father in his early years in the same way that Saddam's stepfather reje= cted him=2E So far Saddam Hussein is proving to be an excellent imitation of= Hitler in every respect=2E =A0 Lovework for this week =B7=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0 Be a father to your children =B7=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0 Love your children =B7=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0 Don=92t abuse or beat your children =B7=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0 Encourage your children to go to school=2E =B7=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0 Don=92t force your children to tend the sheep or steal fo= r you=2E =A0 Next time someone says to you that they were marching for peace and why were= n=92t you at the demonstration; just tell them that you were doing your demo= nstrating at home by being a father to your children=2E=A0 Mother Teresa sai= d, =93World peace begins to break down in the homes=94=2E =A0 Yours for world peace Warwick Marsh Fatherhood Foundation=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0= =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0 =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0= =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0 =A0 =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F= =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F= =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F Warwick Marsh is the founder of the Fatherhood Foundation and=A0 married=A0t= o Allison for=A027 years=2E He is the father of five children, four boys and= one girl, ranging in age from 22 years to=A010 years=2E=A0 Warwick is a mus= ician, songwriter, producer and public speaker who likes to think he can sti= ll laugh at himself=2E =A0 Dads with Young Children ---------------------- THE ART OF FATHERING =96 IN WITH THE IN-LAWS =A0 =A0 The ritual every Monday morning; stop at the newsagent, raid the change from= the car ashtray; buy the newspaper; buy a chocolate bar for morning tea; an= d fill out the =91lucky numbers=92 for the Lotto draw=2E Yep, this week coul= d be the one, a million bucks in the pocket, I may never have to look at my = boss=92 smiling face ever again =96 my numbers are going to come up! Sounds = nice eh=3F Ever wondered what the statistics say about winning Lotto, and wh= at your chances really are=3F I am not really sure as to the actual odds =96= but I am guessing it=92s about the same odds as me being forty years old, w= ith a six-pack stomach, no grey hair, living on the beach at Noosa Heads, an= d never having to work again=2E Look, up in the sky, is that a pig I see=3F=3F= =3F=3F=3F =A0 Now, I am going to provide you all (especially the male readers) with a stat= istic that not only defies the odds, but will probably leave many of you men= out there with mouths agape, in absolute shock=2E Get ready=85=85I love my = in-laws!!! Aha, you heard right=2E My wife=92s parents flew up on Sunday eve= ning and are staying for 10 days, and it=92s great=2E Not only does my wife = and kids get a buzz to see Nana and Pop, but so do I=2E Let me explain=2E =A0 My wife=92s father was a deputy in one of the Illawarra=92s coalmines, a rou= gh and tough, straight shooting hard worker from the =93old school=94=2E Me = =96 well I was a young guy just out for a buzz and a good time, not at all s= erious, not concerned about the future, just wanting to spend time at the be= ach or the local pub=2E I realise now that perhaps I wasn=92t the =91ideal=92= catch for the eldest daughter of the family=2E However, It didn=92t take lo= ng for my father-in-law to see the true potential in me =96 that=92s right -= =A0he saw I needed=A0to be a coalminer=2E Well, to cut a long story short, I= spent nine years working at the same mine as my father-in-law, often side b= y side =96 we got to know each other pretty well=2E Over the dinner table we= would often =91cut coal=92, discuss the one thing we had in common; mining=2E= =A0 We even started going on the annual holidays together to a beautiful place c= alled Yamba=2E Not only were we workmates, but now also fishing buddies=2E I= t was all panning out to be the start of a great relationship=2E Sure we had= our ups and downs, but nothing too serious=2E And my mother-in-law =96 she = is an absolute gem, a modern day Mother Teresa=2E To this day, I have not me= t a woman with a more humble, more loving, and more serving heart=2E This wo= man would give the shirt off her back to any member of her family, especiall= y her precious grandchildren=2E Nana =93lives=94 for her grandkids=2E Yes, I= have married into a truly wonderful family=2E So, is it good to catch up wi= th them=3F =A0 To see the joy on my children=92s face as nana and pop got off the plane, to= sense the feeling of relief and love from my wife as she spends this time w= ith her family=2E And just to have familiar faces around the house is great = too=2E Yes guys, I am very happy to be sharing these next 10 days with my in= -laws=2E Not only are they great people, they did let me marry the most beau= tiful women in the world you know!! =A0 Till next time, PAUL =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F= =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F= =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F Paul Sloan is an accountant working in Maroochydoore=2E=A0 He is married wit= h three children aged one, nine and eleven years=2E=A0 Paul is an active sur= fer who lives on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland=2E=A0 He is a family man w= ho hasn=92t lost his sense of humour=2E Grandads ---------------------- It is better to bind your children to you by a feeling of respect, and by ge= ntleness, than by fear=2E =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0= =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0 Terence Laughter ---------------------- Q: What's the difference between a sofa and a man watching Monday Night Foot= ball=3F A: The sofa doesn't keep asking for beer=2E Q: How do men sort their laundry=3F A: 'Filthy' and 'Filthy but Wearable'=2E Q: What does a man consider to be a seven course meal=3F A: A hot dog and a six pack=2E Q: What is a man's idea of helping you with the housework=3F A: Lifting up his legs so you can vacuum underneath them=2E Q: How many husbands does it take to change a lightbulb=3F A: We'll know as soon as one gets off the couch and does it=2E A quote on ma= rriage I had some words with my wife, and she had some paragraphs with me =A0 =A0 A new husband is like a girl's father=3F =A0 If it's true that girls are inclined to marry men like their fathers, it is = understandable why so many mothers cry so much at weddings=2E =A0 =A0 Single Dads ---------------------- The Childcare industry and the De-Fathering of Society =A0 Part 4:=A0 the Well-Being of Children is Being Sacrificed On the Altar of Radical Feminist Legislation by Roland Foster =A0 Government funding of the childcare industry was not designed to remove chil= dren from their fathers=2E=A0 The fact that it does so is a consequence of t= he cultural bias against separated fathers that exists in our culture=2E=A0 = This bias pervades every aspect and level of society=2E=A0 It means that in = the development of government policies, and in the Opposition parties=92 res= ponse to these policies, the interests and concerns of separated fathers are= not given even a passing thought=2E =A0 Non-custodial fathers are left floundering on the periphery of their childre= n=92s lives=2E=A0 They are considered irrelevant and have been disenfranchis= ed=2E=A0 The non-custodial parent has no right to make any choices regarding= the care of their children beyond the strict limitations imposed by Family = Law Court Orders=2E =A0 It=92s the custodial parent who retains the freedom to make selections regar= ding the care of their children=2E=A0 In about 90% of cases this is the moth= er=2E=A0 Not only are there no incentives for the mother to select the fathe= r as the carer, but there are strong disincentives=2E =A0 The cost to the mother of choosing the father to care for their children inv= olves: - Sacrificing part of the Child Support =91entitlement=92 (this is compounde= d if the father=92s income is reduced as a consequence of reducing his work = hours in order to care for his children)=2E - Surrendering to the father a proportion of the family allowance payment=2E= - Possibly putting at risk their parenting allowance=2E As a consequence the choices mothers make feed the phenomenal rise of the ch= ild care industry=2E =A0 The subsidiaries provided to childcare centres rob fathers of their children= =2E=A0 There are no subsidies for fathers wanting to care for their children= =2E=A0 There is nothing=2E In fact there is less than nothing=2E=A0 Whatever= resources a father might have that enables him to care for his children is = taken away from him by the Family Law Court and the Child Support Agency=2E =A0 The tragedy inherent in this is that children are being robbed of their fath= ers=2E=A0 This is nothing less than child abuse=2E =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F= =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F= =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F =A0 Roland Foster is an non-custodial father, separated since 1997, with 5 young= children aged between 6 and 14 years=2E=A0 Roland is a passionate father an= d an active social reformer who believes Australia's current laws are contri= buting to the creation of our fatherless society=2E Special Feature ---------------------- =A0 10 Ways to Be a Better Dad =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0 1=2E Love Your Children's Mother Absolutely the best thing you can do=2E=2E=2EA husband and wife who let thei= r kids know they=92re in love provide a secure environment for their childre= n=2E' If Dad and Mom accept each other, then they must accept me, too' is th= e hidden message=2E=2E=2Eand that=92s a powerful declaration of security for= any child=2E The best family education=3F Having parents who love and cheri= sh each other=2E =A0 2=2E Spend Time With Your Children How you spend your time reflects what=92s important to you=2E It=92s a simpl= e truth=A0 kids know long before Dads do=2E No matter what you might say to = make up for lost time, if your children feel you are not as concerned about = them as you are with work, or some other interest, they=92ll perceive that t= hey=92re not valuable=2E To kids, perception IS reality=2E Which is why ther= e=92s no greater love a father can give than giving of himself for his child= ren=2E =A0 3=2E Earn The Right To Be Heard Want your child=92s first thought when they=92re facing adversity to be 'I w= onder if Dad=92s available=3F' Then build the road that will lead them home = now=2E That means taking an interest in their views and their issues=2E It m= eans being honest, and vulnerable=2E It also means talking about anything=2E= =2E=2Eand often=2E Children want to be led, but the successful father earns = the right to lead=2E =A0 4=2E Discipline With A Gentle Spirit True discipline is a function of a father=92s love for his children, which i= s why it should never be hard-nosed or harsh=2E Discipline=92s role is not t= o intimidate or tear down but to mould and to correct=2E So, discipline with= a teacher=92s heart and your children will learn just how much you love the= m=2E =A0 5=2E Be A Role Model Fathers are role models to their children=2E=A0 A father can best teach his = children the values of self-restraint and hard work=2E=A0 A father can also = champion the virtues of honesty and humility by admitting when he is wrong=2E= =A0 Modeling - being a living example - is worth more to your children than = anything you could ever tell them=2E =A0 6=2E Teach The Lessons Of Life For far too many fathers, teaching is something somebody else does=2E Howeve= r, the responsibility for teaching children rests primarily with parents=2E = A father who teaches his children right from wrong imparts his faith in God = to his kids and encourages them to strive for excellence=2E He=92ll be rewar= ded as his children grow up to make good choices=2E A father should always b= e alert for everyday examples in which to teach his kids the lessons of life= =2E =A0 7=2E Eat Together As A Family Most children today don=92t know the meaning of a family dinner time=2E Yet = the communication and unity built during this time is integral to a healthy = family life=2E Sharing a meal together =96 breakfast, lunch or dinner =96 pr= ovides structure to an often hectic schedule=2E It also gives kids the oppor= tunity to talk about their lives=2E This is a time for fathers to listen, as= well as give advice and encouragement=2E But most importantly, it is a time= to be together on a daily basis=2E =A0 8=2E Read To Your Children In a world wired for sound, it=92s important that fathers make the effort to= read to their children=2E=A0 Childhood is a time for learning =96 first by = seeing, then by hearing and reading=2E When a father reads to his children, = he draws out their creativity and helps inspire their dreams=2E Reading to y= our children also encourages literacy, a crucial step in a lifelong process = of self-improvement=2E A father=92s desire to see his children soar above th= e clouds unfolds the moment he opens a book and begins to read=2E =A0 9=2E Show Affection Children long for a secure place in this fast-paced world=2E They find it mo= st often in the warm embrace of a parent=2E As children grow, so does their = need for acceptance and sense of belonging=2E Such a need is met when a fath= er offers a hug, or a kind word, and expresses his appreciation and love for= his children=2E But showing affection doesn=92t stop there=2E Letting your = children know that you love them requires a daily effort=2E =A0 10=2E Realize A Father's Job Is Never Done Some day every father must let go of the youthful activities that bond him w= ith his children=2E But a good father realizes that as he allows his childre= n their freedom to direct their own lives, he doesn=92t abandon them at a do= rm room, a wedding altar, or the door of their first job=2E His encouragemen= t and discernment will leave a legacy to his children, and their children af= ter that=2E =A0 =A92001 Family First=2E=A0 All rights reserved=2E =A0 =A0 =A0 Thought for the Week ---------------------- Peace and war begin at home=2E=A0 If we truly want peace in the world, let us begin by loving one another in our own families=2E =A0 Mother Teresa =A0 =A0 =A0 News & Info ---------------------- Serious Fun =A0 Warwick Marsh wrote an article a few weeks ago on fathers getting involved i= n their children=92s music=2E=A0 He suggested a few artists that are good va= lue for our teenagers=2E=A0 Warwick would like to acknowledge that he made a= serious mistake=2E=A0 There is an album called =91Serious Fun=92 which is s= eriously good and requires some serious listening=2E=A0 The Grammy nominees,= the Australian =91Paul Colman Trio=92 are a seriously good band and can be = found at www=2Epaulcolmantrio=2Ecom=A0 I=92m sure that Paul=92s dad, Robert = Colman should be seriously happy by now!=A0 Dads are allowed to be a little = biased, don=92t you think=3F =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F= =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F= =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F =A0 =A0 First World Summit on Fatherhood =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0 Opens March 24 in Oxford Leading experts from around the globe meet today (March 24) at Christ Church College, Oxford for the first World Summit on Fatherhood Contact: Jack O'Sullivan, Fathers Direct 01608 737125/ 07779 655585 The week-long summit, backed by the United Nations, will be attended by 50 experts from five continents, including delegates from India, Russia, Brazil, the United States, Australia, Cameroon, Jamaica, Sweden, Israel, Turkey and Egypt=2E Senior UN officials will also attend=2E Among the delegates is Dr Michael Lamb, from the US National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, whose research has been key in establishing the importance of father involvement to child development=2E The task of the conference will be to agree a series of policy positions on how promotion of involved fatherhood can aid child health and development and gender equality globally=2E The results of the deliberation will be presented at the UN General Assembly next year to mark = the 10th anniversary of the UN Year of the Family=2E The initiative reflects increasing evidence that father involvement, from early on in a child's life, can have significant impact on child health= and educational advancement as well as improving a mother's health and career opportunities=2E The conference will focus on using fathers better to tackle child poverty, poor nutrition and the HIV/ AIDS=2E The summit puts Britain at the centre of international thinking on fatherhood as the Government prepares to introduce two weeks statutory paid paternity leave on April 6, the first state entitlements to be specifically targeted at fathers in the UK=2E Recent research from the University of East Anglia, commissioned and published by the Equal Opportunities Commission found that one third of parental childcare is now done by fathers, marking considerable generational change=2E Patricia Hewitt, UK Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and Minister for Women, described the summit as a 'important step forward for families' She said: 'This summit demonstrates the crucial role that fathers can play in supporting mothers both at home and at work and in promoting child development=2E' The summit has been organised by Fathers Direct, the UK national information centre on fatherhood and is supported financially by the Bernard Van Leer Foundation, a Dutch charity that specialises in promoting child development=2E Duncan Fisher, Chief Executive of the Fathers Direct, said: 'This summit is a unique opportunity to exchange experiences from around the world about how the resources of fatherhood can be harnessed for the benefit of families=2E We have tended to underestimate and under-use this resource=2E Yet, we know that so many fathers across the globe share a common ambition to do the best they can for their children, partners and families=2E' The summit will provide a snapshot of fatherhood around the world=2E For example: - A review of ethnographic reports from 156 cultures conclude that only 20% of cultures promoted men's close relationships with infants, only 5% with young children=2E Men are not seen as caregivers=2E - Many children in the world miss years of time with their father because of relationship breakdown, migrant working, death and other factors=2E= Percent of childhood years spent without a father (but with mother) Brazil 9%; Ghana 29%; Colombia 13%; Botswana 36%; Dom=2E Rep=2E 14%;Kenya 27= %; Ecuador 7%; Mali 8% Peru 9% ;Senegal 16%; Trinidad and Tobago;Zimbabwe 30= % (Source: Bruce, et al 1995) - Fathers still contribute far less time to direct care of children than do women worldwide; however, the size of fathers' contributions is increasing=2E Although there are tremendous variations across regions and among men in a given region, studies from diverse settings find that on average fathers contribute about one-third to one-fourth as much time to direct child care (Population Council, 2001) In some U=2ES=2E studies, fathers' availability to their children has increased from about one-half of that of mothers in the 1980s to nearly two-thirds that of mother= s in the 1990s (NCOFF, 2002) - Some research shows that men's psychological well being is higher the more time they spend caring for a child (e=2Eg=2E, Eggebein & Konester, Journal of Marriage and the Family, 2001) (Linda Haas) Involved fathers get intrinsic pleasure from seeing their children's behaviour and development (Linda Haas) - New fathers show changes in hormonal levels (decreased levels of testosterone and estradiol and increased levels of prolactin and cortisol) around the birth of their infants that resemble those in their partners (Storey et al=2E, 2000)=2E - Experimental work shows that Israeli and American fathers recognise their infants by touching their hands after only 60 minutes of exposure, even when blindfolded (Bader & Phillips, 1999; Kaitz et al=2E, 1994)=2E =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F= =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F= =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F Notes to editors Fathers Direct is the national information centre on fatherhood, a charity founded in 1999 to promote close and positive relationships between men and their children=2E It publishes the awarding-winning www=2Efathersdirect=2Ecom plus guides and provides training, conferences and= briefings on fatherhood=2E Fathers Direct, Herald House, Lambs Passage, Bunhill Row, London EC1Y 8TQ=2E 020 7920 9491=2E http://www=2Efathersdirect=2Ecom/ =A0 =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F= =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F= =5F=5F =A0 National Fathering Forum Policy Development Update =A0 It is a major challenge to get agreement on how to =91turn the tide of fathe= rlessness=92 in Australia=2E=A0 Our recent Fathering Forum held in parliamen= t on 10th February, 2003 had almost 40 in attendance, with 25 key representa= tives from government, fathers groups, divorced dad=92s groups, church, lobb= y groups, secular & Christian charities and the community=2E=A0 Everyone agr= eed that Australia was in crisis regarding fatherhood at a number of differe= nt levels=2E=A0 On Tuesday, 25th March a sub-committee met in Sydney to work= on the 3rd draft policy=2E=A0 Further work was needed to fine tune certain = points and we look forward to the presentation of a 4th draft policy documen= t to the Fathering Forum for discussion and final vote in the very near futu= re=2E =A0 =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F= =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F= =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F =A0 Mensprayer=2Ecom =A0 Warwick Marsh from the Fatherhood Foundation and the leader of the Australia= n Prayer Network, Brian Pickering, are meeting with other interested men on = Wednesday, 9th April 9=2E30am to 4 pm in Sydney for a prayer conference on h= ow to pray for the issues of fatherlessness and to gather men to pray for a = spiritual awakening to the importance of fathers and families for the future= of our children and our nation=2E=A0 =A0 If you are interested to be a part of this prayer gathering please contact: = Peter Berger at PBerger@sfe=2Ecom=2Eau (outbind://3-0000000032CBAB5D739DC94B= 96EC76F40D7B3FC0642F2000/PBerger@sfe=2Ecom=2Eau), Phone: (02) 9256 0508, or = Brian Pickering at picksaa@compassnet=2Ecom=2Eau (mailto:picksaa@compassnet=2E= com=2Eau) =A0 =A0 =A0 Dad's Prayer ---------------------- Dear God I pray for world peace Let it begin in me=2E Help me be at peace with myself=2E Help me be at peace with my wife or my ex-wife=2E Help me be at peace with my children=2E Help me do my part for world peace by loving my children=2E =A0=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F= =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F= =5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F Mission Statement & Help Us! ---------------------- Mission Statement The Fatherhood Foundation is a charitable, non profit incorporated associati= on with a goal to inspire men to a greater level of excellence as fathers, b= y encouraging and educating them, thereby renewing and empowering families=2E= Click here for more information about us (http://www=2Eausheart=2Ecom=2Eau/f= athers/about/index=2Ehtml) Help Us! The Fatherhood Foundation believes that the key to life is=A0giving=2E That'= s why this newsletter is given freely without expectation=2E=A0 Life is also= about relationships=2E=A0=A0That's=A0what being a good father is all about,= developing close relationships with your loved ones=2E=A0 The Fatherhood Foundation would like to develop long term friendships with t= hose who give=2E We gratefully accept one off gifts and sponsorships=2E Our = preference though, is for regular giving partnerships=2E Your gift will help= us change=A0our world=A0for the better, one father at a time=2E Give on line at www=2Efathersonline=2Eorg (http://www=2Efathersonline=2Eorg/= ) - a secure site=2E []=B7[Donate Online (http://www=2Eausheart=2Ecom=2Eau/fathers/help/index=2Eh= tml)] You have received the fathersonline=2Eorg newsletter because you have subscr= ibed, or you have been subscribed by a friend=2E=A0 If you do not wish to re= ceive future emails, please click the=A0UNSUBSCRIBE button below or send an = email to info@fathersonline=2Eorg (mailto:info@fathersonline=2Eorg) with the= word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject heading=2E ----NEXT_BM_659B4814220A4DF58BA1A95B1FE42D5D Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: Quoted-Printable