October 9, 2009

NEWS FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Friends,

I just returned from the opening of this year’s Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative Summit. The purpose of this annual, two-day event is to bring men together to discuss the importance of being fathers, promote positive images of the father role and gather data to help address the many obstacles that prevent men from being involved, responsible and committed fathers. Workshops range from financial responsibility to tips on reaching today’s kids. The Summit is the annual centerpiece event of the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative, which we launched in October of 2005.

Numerous studies indicate the critical role involved fathers play in the success of their children—socially, educationally and economically. While we’ve made great progress, our City still faces the daunting challenges of teen pregnancy, unacceptable school drop-out rates and youth violence. We cannot afford to ignore the powerful impacts men who have fathered children, but have not yet become dads, are having on our community.

Children who have an active father are more inclined to graduate from high school and pursue higher education. Children with an active father are more likely not to engage in criminal activity.

That is why I have partnered with leaders in our community – from business and education to social services and faith organizations – to launch the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative with the goal of improving the well-being of children by increasing the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible and committed fathers in their lives.

Today, I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with two men. One was Jose Garcia, a father of five and a 2007 conference participant. It was deeply gratifying to hear Jose’s story of his conference involvement and how it led to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with his children. Jose is an active father who has stayed involved with the Fatherhood Initiative.

The most famous father on stage today was Olympic Gold Medalist and Heavy-Weight Champion of the World George Foreman. Mr. Foreman is in town to deliver the keynote address at this year’s Summit.

Prior to his address, Mr. Foreman spoke with the press. He mentioned the invitation I extended to him and said it was an invitation he couldn’t turn down. I’ll never forget how he put it: “I couldn’t say no. I knew I had to be involved. Fatherhood is more important than any championship.” While I recently retired from boxing and certainly can’t claim to be an Olympic champion, I couldn’t agree more.

Sincerely,

Mayor, City of Milwaukee

For more information about the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative, please feel free to follow the link to their Web site.

Visit my website at: http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/mayor