'The beginning is the most important part of the work'

Well Plato wrote that in far simpler, yet deeper-thinking times ...you know what?  it might be true, but its certainly exciting to make a start on a new project. More about me in the next post(busy dad of 4 bla bla bla), but for now …..
Its fashionable to talk about vision and values, so i’ll start there ever hopeful that even a bit of it resonates with others.
The vision for this network is so that dads, grandads and other male carers can have a space to connect with one another, learn from each other - all as informally as possible (ok, ok even setting up a group with a title and meetings etc is already way too formal?!) The problem is that for many men, who aren't naturally a ‘joiner’ of things, networks and friendships, particular don't happen naturally.  SO without doing something we end up doing NOTHING.   We watch with interest the significant women in our lives going off to playgroup and coming home with friends! How does that happen?
There are a couple of truths that we don't always like to admit, because we are men and we have it all in hand, have a cunning plan, have never dropped a ball yet!  
(1)Parenthood and maintaining a positive, healthy relationship and work-balance is hard.....and (2) we cant do it alone.
Just being human and a grown up male is hard enough some days, so we wont run away from the chance to share life enhancing, inspiring  messages on here that have helped some men on the journey.  Take what you need and scroll down past the rest.     
But...promise that actual meet ups will be simply coffee or a pint or two away from the noise and mess of the little ones. Unashamedly social and sociable.  Who knows though whether a parallel programme of courses, day trips, sport or events could happen in time- depends on some funding and interest.
At least until we are more established and can take a sounding from members we will welcome ‘likes’ from anyone to the Facebook page (ie its not a closed group limited to dads or men) So it would be lovely to have lots of our family and friends to share the vibe too.
So whether new Dad, widowed Dad, grand-dad, foster Dad,  young Dad, step-Dad, single Dad, estranged Dad, Dad of 1 , adoptive Dad, or Dad of 9 - you are welcome.  Join the mailing list, follow the social media
This is absolutely not a group or network which is about father’s justice in the family court system, pushing a men vs women agenda, being preachy or judgemental,  fighting culture wars or the like. It doesn't mean that if these are big things in your life you wont be welcomed and heard- its just that this network wont be your vehicle.  Sorry, there are plenty of other spaces.
I’ve given it a try to pin this thing down- it isn't an exhaustive list, after all it is only day 1, where everything is possible, nothing is definite and there is room for infinite  creativity and growth.  Actually quite a cool space to be in! maybe Plato me-old-lad was right after all!