28th International Families and Fathers HOPE Talk & Workshop Proposal Form

A Message from Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW

President and Chief Executive Officer

Fathers and Families Coalition of America

My colleagues,

If you are reading this, my name is Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, and I have the honor of serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fathers and Families Coalition of America.

This Coalition was born in 1996 from a grassroots collective of entities, organizations, and thoughtful leaders in Arizona. We came together with a shared belief—that families matter, that parents matter, and that when we invest in people, communities grow stronger.

In 1999, we recognized an important need for staff development as we worked to fulfill one of our earliest statewide grants to serve low-income parents in Arizona. That grant focused on young fathers, and it was one of the first of its kind in the nation. At the same time, we were entrusted with additional opportunities, including a statewide basic education and life skills grant for individuals participating in what was known as the Jobs Program, as well as a federal Workforce Development grant.

These grants—many of which were authored by me and trusted colleagues—allowed us to grow. They allowed us to reach more families. They allowed us to build programs that made a difference.

But as we moved forward, we realized something deeper.

We realized that programs alone were not enough.
Resources alone were not enough.
Even services alone were not enough.

To truly reach the parents we were serving—and to help them make meaningful changes in their lives—we needed something more.

We needed hope.

Every year, as the leader of this wonderful international nonprofit, I select a theme that reflects the needs of our community and the direction of our work. For 2027, the theme is simple, powerful, and deeply intentional:

HOPE.

Hope is not just a word.
Hope is not just an idea.
Hope is a force that begins within and expands outward.

And because of that, we are introducing something new to our international conference experience:

HOPE Talks.

Many conferences offer keynote speeches, panel discussions, fireside chats, and professional development sessions. At the Fathers and Families Coalition of America, we have implemented many of these formats over the years—cafés, community connection spaces, leadership development sessions, and opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

But HOPE Talks represent something different.
They represent a moment.
They represent a shift.
They represent the possibility of transformation.

The vision of a HOPE Talk is to create a space where diverse individuals—from all walks of life and all professional backgrounds—can share wisdom, lived experience, and practical insight that others can immediately apply. Each HOPE Talk is designed to deliver at least three takeaways, which we call Hope Nuggets—simple, meaningful lessons that participants can carry into their personal lives, families, workplaces, and communities.

Whether you are a parent, a practitioner, a leader, an educator, a Head Start professional, a community advocate, or someone working in any field that touches the lives of others, the purpose remains the same:

Hope begins within—and then it overflows to others.

This is what we call a micro-to-macro-to-meso approach.
Change starts with the individual.
It strengthens families.
And it ultimately transforms communities and systems.

Each HOPE Talk is an opportunity for someone to see themselves differently—to recognize their capacity for growth, leadership, and purpose. It is a moment when individuals can take the next step in their journey.

That is why we invite you to complete this proposal form with excitement, creativity, and intention. Because what you share—your story, your insight, your lesson—could make the difference in the life of another person.

Looking forward, HOPE Talks will become a permanent part of our International Families and Fathers Conference and our regional institutes. These will be 15-minute sessions where the spotlight is on you—your voice, your message, and your ability to move hearts and minds.

In those 15 minutes, what you offer should be deeper than a traditional presentation.
It should move the needle.
It should create momentum.
It should build belonging.
And above all, it should inspire hope.

When preparing your HOPE Talk, I invite you to reflect on what we call the Three I's:

Inspiration
Influence
Impact

These three elements should be at the center of your message and reflected in your three Hope Nuggets. They are the foundation of a meaningful presentation and the pathway to lasting change.

We also ask that all HOPE Talk presenters submit a short, thoughtful video that introduces their message. This video allows our team to experience your passion, your purpose, and your vision. It gives us a glimpse of what you will bring to the stage—and it helps us ensure that each session contributes to the collective strength of our conference community.

My colleagues,

This is more than a submission process.
This is an invitation.

An invitation to lead.
An invitation to share.
An invitation to make a difference.

We are building something that will continue to grow for years to come—a platform where voices are heard, experiences are honored, and hope becomes action.

I encourage you to approach this opportunity with courage, creativity, and confidence.

Because your message matters.
Your story matters.
And the hope you carry may be exactly what someone else needs.

With gratitude and respect,

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW
President and Chief Executive Officer
Fathers and Families Coalition of America