WPFP11: Let's Get the Dads' Point of View, with Louis Mendoza

 
 
 

In this Episode

Today we shine a light on what it’s like to be a father on an unexpected parenting journey. Dads need support too, but their needs are different. My guest, the earnest and amazing Louis Mendoza, runs the Washington State Father’s Network, which connects fathers of kids with special healthcare needs with each other so they can talk about their experiences, share resources, and develop a sense of camaraderie. We also learn about a workshop Louis conducts called “Telling Your Story with a Purpose” which helps fathers craft an “elevator pitch” of their story with the aim of influencing someone – be it a legislator, teacher, therapist… or other target – to mobilize on the behalf of their child and others. This is a fundamental skill that every parent or caregiver can hone to become a more effective advocate. Father voices seem to be under-represented when it comes to advocacy and Louis is on the move to bring them OUT. Can’t wait for you to hear this one.

About Louis

Louis Mendoza is Director of the Washington State Fathers Network, which connects fathers of children with special health care needs with resources, information, education and each other to become more competent and compassionate caregivers. The Fathers Network is one of the family support programs offered by Kindering, a nonprofit organization that provides early intervention services to infants and children who have special needs or are at risk, as well as their families.

 What You’ll Learn

  • Why fathers tend to be more isolated from social support than mothers

  • Why the Fathers Network doesn’t necessarily call itself a “support group”

  • How a Father’s Network get-together is structured

  • What benefits dads get from being together and sharing their experiences, resources, and suggestions

  • What kinds of challenges dads want to deal with in their meetings

  • Why Louis conducts a workshop called “Telling Your Story with a Purpose” for dads

  • Why the male perspective on the lived-experience of raising a child with special health care needs is not being heard as much

  • How Louis coaches dads to tell their story effectively to promote change

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Resources Mentioned

Kindering

Kindering is a nonprofit organization that provides early intervention services to infants and children who have special needs or are at risk, as well as their families.

Washington State Fathers Network

Connects men with each other and with resources and information, by training men to tell their story and advocate for change and by working to promote inclusion.

Visit the website at FathersNetwork.org.

For more information, contact Louis Mendoza at louis.mendoza@kindering.org or at 425-653-4286.

 
Kendra Wilde