At any rate, it was exciting to realize that the subject of men was receiving national attention. Vice-President Gore left the conference with 4 specific recommendations. The fourth recommendation was to reconvene this conference again next year with the same focus, men being involved with their children. At the Texas Migrant Council in Laredo, Texas, fathers help organize teams for sports competitions between neighborhood Head Start Centers and assist with barbecues. Approximately one-third of the teaching positions in 48 centers are held by men.
Men hold half of the central office and area supervisory positions.
Over 1,000 PAT programs in the State provide regular home visits and group meetings to educate all the parents about their children. The Pinebelt Association for Community Enhancement Head Start in Hattiesburg, Mississippi operates the Positive Male Role Program, which enlists men from businesses, churches, community organizations, and the local military base. Over 25 men volunteer as teaching assistants, outing companions and food preparers. Some of them read stories, help the children with art or science projects, and talk about their own work and hobbies. None of the men happen to be a biological father of the children enrolled there.