Join the RI Fatherhood Initiative Steering Committee Increase father engagement. Improve outcomes for children, families, and communities.
The Rhode Island Fatherhood Initiative (RIFI) brings together fathers, service providers, system partners, and community advocates to elevate father voices, strengthen family supports, and guide statewide fatherhood strategy and policy.
Why This Matters Strong father engagement builds happier, healthier, safer families and communities. RIFI is rooted in the belief that increasing meaningful participation of fathers — including lived experience leadership — improves outcomes across systems and supports families to thrive.
Steering Committee Purpose As a Steering Committee member, you will help:
- Provide authentic input to state agencies and programs focused on fatherhood and family support.
- Partner with fathers and system partners to shape RIFI priorities and activities.
- Support public awareness, advocacy, and systemic improvements to strengthen father engagement statewide.
- Contribute to collaborative leadership that lifts lived experience and professional expertise equally.
Who Should Apply We welcome applicants who represent:
- Fathers with lived experience impacting child welfare, custody, workforce, health, or community systems.
- Community and family-serving organizations engaged with fathers and families.
- State and local agencies partnering on fatherhood and family support initiatives.
- Advocates, practitioners, and stakeholders committed to strengthening father involvement.
Diverse backgrounds and perspectives are especially encouraged. (Participation is optional and not required for PSN service access; all are welcome to apply.)
Expectations of Steering Committee Members Committee members are asked to:
- Attend monthly Steering Committee meetings (currently the first Thursday of each month; location rotates).
- Actively contribute experience, insight, and guidance to RIFI planning and initiatives.
- Represent and inform statewide fatherhood engagement efforts with integrity and respect.
Membership is open to agencies, state partners, and father leaders — and applications do not guarantee immediate appointment.
About RIFI Partners Prevent Child Abuse Rhode Island (PCA RI) works to prevent abuse and neglect, strengthen protective factors for families, and support community awareness and advocacy.
Parent Support Network of Rhode Island (PSN) provides free, peer-based support and services to families, including fatherhood support, goal-oriented engagement, and connection to resources.
Through a collaboration between PCA RI, PSN, the Department of Children, Youth & Families, and other partners, RIFI fosters shared leadership and system-level change in support of fathers and families across Rhode Island.
Apply to Join the Steering Committee Please complete the application below. Your voice and perspective can help shape meaningful policy, programs, and supports that strengthen fathers, children, and families.
Questions? Contact: Christian Nunez 📧 c.nunez@psnri.org
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