As we close out 2019 and look to 2020, we often take stock of our year; the good, the bad, and in-between. We vow to make some changes. Eat less. Hug more. Actually vacuum the coils underneath the refrigerator. Obviously, some will happen and some won't.

Something I've heard people say, and have said myself, is to volunteer somewhere. Anywhere. If this is you, let me recommend contacting Good Dads and checking to see if your neighborhood elementary school has an All Pro Dad chapter. Consider helping with the All Pro Dad chapter there . . . and if there isn't one, maybe you can start one! Maybe you have a child at the school, a grandkid, a nephew, or a neighbor. If you attend a church, maybe there’s already a relationship established with a nearby school. That's how I got started.

I didn't have any kids of my own when my church started a chapter at a school, but I jumped right in. Initially, I was just a helper, but slowly became a co-captain. (Teamwork makes the dream work.)

Now, our team is on Year 4 of meeting with  kids and parents for breakfast at McGregor Elementary. We recognize many dads and kids. We know the staff at the school. We were politely asked not to give the kids candy before they go to class. You live and you learn, right?

You're probably thinking, that's great, but why should I get involved? There are so many answers to that question, but the simplest is if not you, then who?

This world moves fast. Our culture is so divisive and self-centered, that we all need to chip in. We can make a difference. Our community is like one big quilt. We can either continue to sew it together or let the edges fray. And it's too big of a job for just the government or the schools or the churches or the non-profits. We all have a role to play.

The wonderful thing about being an All Pro Dad Captain is that the barrier to entry is really low. All the material you need to get started is readily available. There is a curriculum with discussion ideas, games to play, and even videos to show if you want to use them. Moreover, our school district, Springfield Public Schools, has been very willing to help as much as possible.

What are the desired skills for a Captain, you ask?

1. You must be able to set an alarm.  These meetings are during breakfast, so once a month, you'll need to be able to get up and going by 7:15 AM or earlier, depending on when your school starts and how long it takes for you to get ready.
2. You should probably know how to send emails.  Just based on the fact that you're reading this, I'm going to assume you know your way around a computer or phone. And basic communication is a good thing.
3. You like seeing kids and parents having a good time.  If happiness makes you angry, this isn't the volunteer role for you.

So now you know. Being a Captain isn't daunting. The most important thing to remember is that you are a facilitator of a time for kids and their parents to just be together. And in this fast paced world, providing something so small can have a big difference.---

Interested in learning more about All Pro Dad's impact in Springfield, MO? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of the Good Dads Podcast to hear three local Captains explain how they got involved and why both kids and dads look forward to the time together each month.

Click here to learn more about All Pro Dad resources and chapters around the country.

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