Mayor Presents Attorney Jeffery Leving Proclamation Creating New Holiday Honoring Fathers in Henderson

CHICAGO, Feb. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Henderson, Nevada Mayor Andy Hafen proclaimed February 13, 2014 "Fathers and Families Coalition of America Day" and presented renowned Chicago family law attorney Jeffery Leving with an original signed proclamation at an empowering ceremony with the city clerk. Leving, a pioneer in fathers' rights, has dedicated over thirty years to strengthening healthy families and improving outcomes for children impacted by the absence of their fathers throughout the nation.  The new holiday is designed to encourage healthy relationships within families thereby helping to raise healthy children. 

Leving notes, "I am honored to be presented this proclamation by Mayor Hafen.  Setting aside one day a year to focus on promoting healthy families through positive father involvement is a critical step.  I hope that cities around the country take note and follow Henderson's example."

Leving was presented with the proclamation by the mayor following his important speech at an international fatherhood conference in Las Vegas. Leving's topic, A Father's Role in Preventing Family Violence, focused on utilizing a father's involvement to halt the cycle of violence and abuse. 

His seminar emphasized 3 key principles:

1.    Children Whose Fathers are Present Have Greater Self-Esteem

Children who receive positive attention from their dads – such as spending time together, throwing the football, watching a movie or just hanging out – have greater self-esteem, making them less likely to become victims of destructive or violent relationships. 

2.    Fathers Are Positive Role Models For Their Children

Dads have a unique opportunity to serve as their child's primary role model.  By engaging with others in a positive manner, fathers provide a compelling lead for children to follow. Fathers who are separated or divorced from their childrens' mother can still play a pivotal role by teaching their children effective communication skills, even in difficult situations.

3.    Fathers Engaged In Positive Relationships Teach Children to Expect Respect

Children learn from watching those around them.  When children see their fathers being treated in a positive manner in a relationship – whether with a friend or a significant other - they learn that they too should expect to be treated well.

About Jeffery M. Leving:    Chicago Father's Rights Attorney Jeffery Leving founded the Fatherhood Educational Institute (www.fatherhood-edu.org) a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting father involvement in all communities.

For information concerning legislative and social reform, contact Jennifer Whiteside at 312-296-3666.

SOURCE Fatherhood Educational Institute