Dr. Laura Borland
Founder of Dad-Ease, DADvocate, and Doctor of Social Work
Sunrise, Florida, United States
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Dr. Laura Borland, DSW, is a fatherhood advocate and founder of Dad-Ease, an ecosystem of solutions designed to promote parental parity. With a deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by dads, she strives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all parents. In a society where fathers are often unseen or undervalued in the parenting equation, Dr. Borland aims to spark a conversation about the importance of recognizing and supporting fathers in their parenting roles. She is also a published author and writer, where she has been featured on television, radio, podcasts, and print.
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Topics
The "B" in B-Corp Shouldn't Mean Burnout
Reframing the conversation around B-Corps and burnout is necessary in empowering individuals to champion innovation while preserving their mental health. In this talk, we will explore the delicate balance between pursuing meaningful work and maintaining personal well-being. The goal is to challenge the prevailing notion that doing good must come at a cost to our mental health or that passion-driven professionals must sacrifice their well-being for their cause.
Objectives:
Raise Awareness: Highlight the alarming rates of burnout in mission-driven sectors, particularly among those engaged in B-Corps and similar organizations.
Encourage Reflection: Prompt participants to examine their motivations and the sustainability of their work habits, especially in high-stakes environments.
Provide Strategies: Equip attendees with practical tools and strategies to promote mental wellness while pursuing impactful missions, ensuring that commitment to purpose does not lead to personal detriment.
#DadsToo: Why Fathers Need to be Included in the DEI Conversation
In the pursuit of a more equitable world, we often focus on gender equality and inclusivity. However, the role of fathers is frequently overlooked. This talk sheds light on why fathers’ inclusion matters in the DEI conversation and how it benefits families, workplaces, and society.
Key Points:
1. Breaking Stereotypes:
- Challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes associated with fathers.
- Highlight the diversity of fatherhood experiences.
2. The Impact on Families:
- Explore how involved fathers positively influence children’s development.
- Discuss co-parenting dynamics and shared responsibilities.
3. Workplace Policies and Support:
- Address the challenges fathers face in balancing work and family life.
- Advocate for paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, and supportive policies.
4. Mental Health and Well-Being:
- Acknowledge the emotional toll of fatherhood.
- Encourage open conversations about mental health.
5. Representation Matters:
- Discuss the importance of visible father figures in media and leadership positions.
- Promote diverse narratives of fatherhood.
6. Collaboration and Allyship:
- Engage men as allies in promoting gender equality.
- Encourage workplaces to recognize and celebrate involved fathers.
Format:
45-minute talk with Q&A session (15 minutes).
Personal anecdotes, research insights, and practical takeaways.
Everyone Assumes Dads Have It Figured Out: They Don't
Stereotypes often portray fathers as confident and unshakable, but the reality is more nuanced. This workshop challenges assumptions and provides strategies for families, employers, agencies, and the community to discuss their struggles, uncertainties, and the need for support.
Workshop Content:
1. Breaking the Myth:
- Explore common misconceptions about fatherhood.
- Share personal stories of vulnerability and growth.
2. Navigating Parenthood Challenges:
- Discuss the emotional rollercoaster of parenting.
- Address feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
3. Communication and Connection:
- Learn effective communication strategies.
- Encourage open dialogue with partners and peers.
4. Self-Care and Mental Health:
- Highlight the importance of self-care for dads.
- Discuss coping mechanisms and seeking professional help.
5. Building a Support Network:
- Connect with other dads facing similar challenges.
- Explore community resources and online forums.
6. Reframing Expectations:
- Embrace imperfection and redefine success.
- Celebrate small victories and growth.
Workshop Format:
Interactive sessions, group discussions, and breakout activities.
Guest speakers TBD (including experienced dads and mental health professionals).
The Built-In Business Benefits of Social Justice
In a world that increasingly values social responsibility, businesses that actively embrace social justice initiatives not only contribute to meaningful change but also unlock a myriad of for their organizations. This fireside chat will delve into how prioritizing social justice can lead to innovation, enhanced community connections, and sustained growth. As entrepreneurs, nonprofits, startups, and creatives adapt to shifting societal norms, understanding the intersection of social justice and business can be a powerful tool for future-proofing their organizations.
Objectives:
Define Social Justice in a Business Context: Explain what social justice means for businesses and why it is crucial for modern enterprises.
Highlight the Business Case for Social Justice: Showcase tangible examples and data illustrating how social justice initiatives can drive innovation, improve employee morale, and enhance customer loyalty.
Encourage Connection and Collaboration: Foster a mindset among participants that values collaboration with communities and stakeholders to create a more equitable business landscape.
Provide Actionable Steps: Offer participants practical strategies for integrating social justice principles into their business models.
The Invisible Parent: Helping Fathers to Be Seen in Society
In a world where parenting roles are often stereotyped, fathers sometimes find themselves overlooked or undervalued. This workshop aims to shed light on the experiences of fathers, challenge societal norms, and empower them to be visible and engaged parents.
Workshop Content
1. Understanding the Invisible Role:
- Explore the historical context and cultural biases that contribute to the invisibility of fathers.
- Discuss common misconceptions and myths about fatherhood.
2. Breaking Stereotypes:
- Identify harmful stereotypes associated with fathers.
- Encourage open dialogue about the diverse roles fathers play.
3. Fatherhood Challenges and Triumphs:
- Share personal stories and experiences.
- Discuss the unique challenges fathers face (e.g., work-life balance, emotional expression, societal expectations).
4. Building Support Networks:
- Highlight the importance of community and peer support.
- Provide resources for fathers seeking connection and understanding.
5. Parenting as a Team:
- Emphasize co-parenting and equal partnership.
- Offer practical strategies for effective communication and collaboration.
6. Visibility and Advocacy:
- Discuss ways to amplify fathers' voices in media, workplaces, and policy discussions.
- Explore advocacy opportunities for positive change.
Workshop Format:
- Interactive sessions with guest speakers, panel discussions, and group activities.
- Q&A sessions to address participants' questions and concerns.
The Lopsided Levying of the Law: How the Justice System Skews towards Injustice for Fathers
The justice system plays a critical role in our society, but it isn’t always impartial. This workshop dives into the specific challenges faced by fathers within the legal system, shedding light on biases, stereotypes, and systemic issues that disproportionately affect them.
Workshop Content:
1. Understanding the Disparities:
- Explore statistical evidence of how the justice system treats fathers differently.
- Discuss custody battles, child support, and visitation rights.
2. Implicit Bias and Stereotypes:
- Uncover unconscious biases that impact legal decisions.
- Address stereotypes about fathers’ roles and responsibilities.
3. Navigating Legal Processes:
- Provide practical guidance for fathers dealing with legal proceedings.
- Discuss legal representation, court appearances, and documentation.
4. Child Custody and Parental Rights:
- Analyze custody determinations and their impact on fathers.
- Explore shared parenting models and their benefits.
5. Financial Burdens and Support Obligations:
- Examine child support calculations and their fairness.
- Discuss the economic strain on fathers.
6. Advocacy and Reform:
- Empower fathers to advocate for change.
- Highlight organizations working to address these disparities.
Workshop Format:
Interactive sessions, case studies, and group discussions.
Guest speakers TBD), including legal experts and fathers who have navigated the system.
26th International Families and Fathers Conference Sessionize Event
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