Papaful Council Participation
Welcome
You're about to begin an 8-week journey with a group of fathers committed to learning, reflecting, and growing together. This group is not about having all the answers.
It's about honest conversations, shared experience, and building stronger families together.
What to Expect
Each week we will meet for 2 hours on Zoom.
Sessions include:
Large group discussion
Small "council" breakouts (6–10 dads)
Guided reflection exercises
Practical tools you can apply at home
Throughout the series we will apply the Papaful ANCHOR framework, which guides our conversations and reflections.
A — Acknowledge your inherited story
N — Name what you're carrying
C — Calm your nervous system
H — Hold your values
O — Own your leadership at home
R — Rebuild generational strength
Together these steps help fathers understand where they come from, how they show up today, and how they want to lead their families moving forward.
Over eight weeks we will explore topics such as:
birth and adoption stories
gender norms and expectations
relationships with our own fathers (or lack thereof)
partnership and intimacy
emotional regulation
saying goodbye to life before kids
stepping more intentionally into fatherhood
Focus on You
This space is for dads only. While we understand the occasional "baby in arms" necessity, we encourage you to join without your little ones whenever possible.
Councils
During the program you will be part of a Council.
A Council is a small group of 6–10 dads who meet in breakout rooms during each session. This is where deeper sharing and connection happen.
Our Group Principles
The strength of this group depends on how we show up for one another. These shared values guide our conversations and help create a space where dads can speak honestly and feel supported.
Presence
We show up fully and engage with intention.
Deep Listening
We listen to understand, not to win. We reflect before we react.
Respect
We honor one another’s dignity and lived experience, protect confidentiality, and safeguard trust.
Curiosity
We ask before we assume. Questions create a connection.
Responsibility
We own our words, actions, and impact. When we miss, we repair and grow together.
Two Requests
To make the experience as cohesive as possible, we ask the following of all participants:
Stories Stay, Lessons Leave: Take the wisdom home to your family, but leave the names and specific stories in the session. We want everyone to feel comfortable being real.
Support Over Solutions: We’re here to listen, not "fix." Please hold the advice unless someone specifically asks for it. If you need advice, just ask!
Technology Tips
Join from a quiet space if possible
Headphones recommended
Camera on helps connection
Same Zoom link each week