This should be good.  Can't wait to see the dads that come out of the woodwork for this one.  If it's just a general piece about SAHDs then I say open up the flood gates to the opportunists.  But if it's a piece specifically about our Chicago dads playgroup, then I personally would prefer to be represented by dads that actually participate in the playgroup on a regular basis.  Personally, that was my primary opposition to the 190 North piece.

Thanks for running with this one Mark.

I have to disagree with the idea that being a part of the Dads group means attending playgroup.

Will there be cars for everyone in the audience?

Hi Mark - thanks for taking the reigns on this; I agree, I think this is a fantastic opportunity for us to represent ourselves.

Publicity concerning SAHD is a subject we should all feel welcome to particiapte in and contribute to, no matter our individual attendence. The only opportunity I see is one where we can improve the public's awareness of the SAHD. 

I haven't been to the group in ages because of logistics - Charlotte goes to school M-F and the timing just clashes horribly with Dorothy's nap and lunch etc etc, but I'd be happy to help make up numbers, represent our case, be part of an interview. Let me know how I can help cooridinate. 

Chat soon, 

Peter, Charlotte & Dorothy.

Hi Mark - I have to agree with Peter. Even though all the dad's don't meet weekly, especially in Chicago, I do attend Play groups here in the NW Suburds. Timing, distance, and other daily things some times make it difficult to meet in Chicago. But, I think this is a great opportunity to show the real positive side to being a SAHD.

In fact, because of this group, a couple months back a professor from Northwestern was looking for SAHD to come in a talk for an hour. I was one of the people on the "board" along with two other mothers. It was not only a lot of fun for me and the students but, I enjoyed showing a real positive and well-balanced side to being a SAHD.

Let me know if their is something I can do to help.

Thanks,

Jeff & Rachel Scanlan 

My ex-wife would throw a fit if I participated with Lilly on camera.  However, I want to encourage anyone and everyone out there to show solidarity for our lifestyle and participate, even if you're just in the background of the piece.  We're not lazy, stupid or incompetant.  We're loving, caring parents whose kids need us in their lives just as much as their mothers.  Logistically, we just happen to be the ones taking care of the kids.  Oprah is an amazing vehicle to spread our message.  DO IT!!!

I'm happy to participate although no need for a car.  A bunch of diapers and diaper cream would work though.

Talia takes her nap until about 10ish so after that would work for us.

Do I need to wear a suit to the play group?

Ariel

Do I need to wear a suit to the play group?

No....you're all going to wear your "AtHomeDad.org" t-shirts.  

(just kidding...too bad those don't exist)

We could have some printed up. Maybe "Yes, I know how to change a diaper," or "No, it's not my day off work."

Also...  you will likely be mobbed if you open it up to anyone.   I'd encourage you to keep it to people who have at least attended one or two of the regular playgroups in the past.

Just for clarification's sake John and Peter, I didn't say that one had to be a part of the playgroup to be a part of the dad's group.  Obviously there are many ways to be connected i.e. website, sports pools, DNO's, what have you.  But my opinion does depend on the angle of the piece.  Is it about the Chicago Dads Playgroup or about SAHDs?  I felt the 190 North piece failed because there was no clear mission on the part of the producers, or of us to be honest.  And I'd hate to have another group of dads that don't really know each other herded together and asked to recite a cheesy "signing off" line at the end of the day.  I may be a cynic, but I don't believe that a random group of us just showing up to push our kids on swings is really going to improve the public's awareness of the SAHD.  It is a great opportunity, but to what end?  What really unifies us other than being a group of guys at home with our kids?  This is not meant to be an inciteful, rhetorical question.  I'm really interested to hear from all dads registered on this website.

Also, they want us to be in the studio audience but without our kids?  Will childcare be provided?

Shawn,

According to the producer, there is a no kids in the audience policy regardless of the show topic. I agree that sucks but there's not much we could do, other than maybe shell out for a babysitter for a few hours. The taping is supposed to happen from 1-3 PM Friday.

I think one reason the 190 North piece failed is because it was mixed in with unrelated Chicago around town pieces. From what the producer told me, this Oprah show is all about celebrating dads of all walks. I'm guessing our bit will be edited down to 6 minutes or less after the parading out of the obligatory celebrity dad, the Iraq war vet dad, the single dad raising a gaggle of kids by himself, etc. etc. Standard Oprah stuff.

But even that tiny bit is worth getting the message out to the legions of moms who'll be tuning in.

Honestly I sorta wish this opportunity hadn't come round now because I'm stressing out (crunch time for the wife now which means lots of overtime and no downtime for me). And I have absolutely nothing to wear. :)

Thanks for the added info Mark.  I agree about power of context.  And for some reason the theme of "dads from all walks" seems more comfortable than a bull's eye piece about SAHDs.  That said, I guess I'm in.  Gulp.

'm pretty new to the group and have only been to a couple playgroup events but I'm friends with one of the producers of the Oprah show --if that's worth anything to anybody.

Adamsdad "If not you, Who? If not now, When?"

I know there are a lot more dads in the group than those who actively participate in activities and post. Judging from the number of people responding to this post though, I wonder how many dads and kids would show up for this playgroup.  Hopefully we won't be mobbed.

I might not have been involved or attended that many events yet but then, my daughter is only six and a half months old, wouldn't take a bottle for about 4 months, and with this beautiful Chicago winter it's been tough to get out.  That being said, I hope there will be a good representation of experience at the playgroup (i.e. various ages, new SAHDs, first time dads, and folks who have been involved a bit longer and who can share what they've learned over the years).  I also hope that there will be SAHDs with various reasons for being a SAHD.  While not every dad out there is a SAHD by choice, I think it is important to recognize that SAHDs who are out there by necessity are still caring and nuturing parents who can embrace the experience even if they didn't orginally sign up for this full time, non-monetary rewarding job.

Also, a thanks to Mark and a question or two:  in terms of the playgroup, since the weather has been so nice and predictable, does anyone think it would be a good idea to have an indoor playgroup or at least a backup in case the weather doesn't cooperate?  Also, if there is a mob how many tickets is the show doling out and how will it be decided who attends if there are more dads than tickets? 

Just a couple things to consider.

I've seen a lot of good point on this thread.  Here is how I would like to see it go. 

I would like for the regular dads to show up for the taping, we all know each other and it would be more like our actual group.  I would feel uncomfortable with anyone speaking for the group (apart from group regulars or those like Peter, Mark, Seth, or even Cliff) .  We were misrepresented in the 190 north piece by this.

I think the playgroup date should be next Thursday-because that's when our group is, lets not make it a different date to accomidate those who just want to be on Oprah.  The location is up to the Chris-who is the organizer this month.  We have been outside this month and we should again, it's nice out.  Sorry if you can't make it for whatever reasons.  If people really want to get to group you can.  Bella and I come down almost every week after school, usually to meet Shawn and Ruby or maybe a couple of other later people, I get tired of people posting various reason whay they can't do this or that.  We all have busy lives and things that come up.  (sorry for the mini rant).

I also agree with what Bill posted about this being a good opportunity to show that we are parents like any others.  And I definately disagree with having anything scripted or a theme planned out.

Also Bella has Spring break next week, so we will be there the whole time.  Does CPS have break next week? 

Kevin

Hi Kev Just a bit of context.

The request from the producer came to Mike Biewenga and he passed her request on to Cliff, Mark and me like he usually does.My first reaction is to tell the producer "no thanks" but the group isn't just me or the guys who make it out to playgroup regularly and the TV stuff is fun, interesting and chance to be heard for a lot of guys.

Mark has agreed to run with this, what he has proposed is a good solution and I trust him. Guys who are interested can take part in the show and the rest of us can continue to turn up (or not) at Thursday playgroup as normal.

I hope we're not miscontruing a chain of communication for a hierarchy here.  Though I personally think Mark should be the point person (his plan seems the most simple and well thought out), I appreciate all the dialogue.  There's no reason we can't share constructively on all matters ie. logistics, topics, and the like.  We have a few days, and hearing perspectives, particularly from the newer dads, is a breath of fresh air.  There seems to be some discrepency about what the Chicago dads' group is and means to its members of varying participation.

Thanks to Mark for organizing and putting up with all that entails.   I also believe he should continue to be the point person.  I agree with Shawn that most any discussion is a positive for the group. 

Afternoons are better for us but we could make a morning work as well. 

I enjoy the formless nature of the group: no leaders and the only critera for membership seems to be that you are male, a parent, and decide you are a member....anything else is debateable.  But when the rubber hits the road---a carrot is offered (tickets to Oprah), solid definitions of membership and  participation see to be more pertinent.  In this regard Ariels points are valid and need to be addressed but only if the number of people attending is large. 

Next weekend is the in person at home dads fantasy baseball draft so the DNO needs to be moved to this weekend.  Saturday night at 7?  Any interest?  Kevin, would you come if we went to the Handlebar?  Do they have TVs to watch the games?  The Map Room is another place I'd like to try if we can't lure Kevin with vegan food. 

Chris

I'd love to come out of the woodwork and misrepresent the Chicago Dads!

We're in the burbs and we don't do playgroups anymore. (I only crash the Chicago DNO's!) :)

No seriously guys, good luck with that. If you get any extra seats, I'd love to sit in on the taping.

Brian

Chris, I agree with moving the DNO to this Saturday.  I was just thinking about The Handlebar the other day...delicious vegan fair.  I would like to discuss this further there.

John, I don't agree with the notion of those who want to be on the show can just show up for it and then come or not come to playgroup as usual.  Then we are getting back to the 190 North piece where that exact thing happened.  If we do this I want it to be Dads from the group/playgroup representing Chicago Dads, not people coming out of the woodwork just being media whores.  Brian, this does not include you (out of the woodworks/ media whore) you have been around group and DNO's forever and I know you represent the group well.

I'm fine with Mark being the point person for this project (Thank you Mark), I agree with Chris that there is not a leader in this group and I hope all voices are listened to. 

Kevin

Wow, lots of good discussion here. Keep in mind this is not a done deal. The producers are still talking about what they want to do for the show. One thing that keeps coming up is asking about the ethnic diversity of the group. I will let you decode what that means for yourself. I have not met a lot of the newer guys, so if you happen to fit that, please speak up. Otherwise I'll assume we're a mostly white group of dads.

Adamsdad: the producer I'm talking with is Bridgette.
Ariel: she said they are setting aside 150 seats for dads for the Friday taping. I'm not sure how many we'll be allocated.
JimAce: thanks for the space recommendation. I already have a space in mind if this does happen, but maybe we can check the Lincoln Park space out another time. Also, while it will probably be nice weather next week, I think an indoor location will lead to a better experience for everyone not having to chase your kid to the other end of a park.
Kev: CPS is not on break next week. Also logistically Thursday may be difficult. They are taping the show Friday, and will probably need a few days lead to film the playgroup. This is how it goes with TV people...
Chris: neither Handlebar nor Map Room have TVs. I'd be up for something Saturday.

Thanks everyone for weighing in!

Sorry if i come across as an ass. The truth is just thinking about all this gives me a headache and I'm relieved that Mark is doing what needs to be done.

I do want to be supportive of whatever the group decides but I don't want to be on daytime TV and most of all I don't ever want to see a TV camera on a Thursday again. Honestly I assumed there was an inverse correlation between playgroup attendance and interest in doing media.

I would love a beer tomorrow evening if I can make it out.

I'd like to get the groups opinion about an indoor or outdoor location for the playgroup.  I, for one, would like it outside at a park.  It does not make sense to me to have a play group inside when it is in the mid 50's.  I mean we have been trapped inside all winter long.  I also do not pay $10-15 for my kid to play inside for a couple of hours.

Others please chime in. 

Kevin

So what happened with 190 North that has everybody all worked up?

Adamsdad "If not you, Who? If not now, When?"

I should be in for DNO although it depends on when I get dinner ready from my demanding wife (she told me to write this, see she's demanding).

Shine a good light on SAHD. There are more of us out here now with the recession

I think the key drivers behind location for the 'Opray Playdate' are weather, numbers of Dads expected and what if any suggestion the show has to make. As ever we should have a back-up dry location should the weather quickly turn and in this respect we are fortunate as Chicago has plenty of good free indoor options. The Zoo in Lincoln Park offers a few options, not least the Pritzker Childrens' Zoo which is contained and large enough to accomodate quite a lot of people. 

Also, I would be happy to be part of any interview, one on one or group-oriented. This is a great opportunity for us to both promote our group and the 'cause' of the SAHD. Ultimately the editor's desk will determine the final shape but our individual and collective comments are our own to choose and in this regard I think the best foot forward to put is one that keeps the audience interested and entertained, such as a personal story or perspective. I think the only agreement amongst us that need be made in advance is that dads have fun, be themselves and speak positively when interviewed. If everything else fails, crack a joke about nipple confusion and Meconium, that'll surely leave an impression. 

When will we have a clearer sense of timing Mark?

Peter, Charlotte & Dorothy.

Hey Guys,

This is pretty big.  I actually sent Oprah a letter asking her to sponsor the convention in October and hope that you all are able to add to the impression to Oprah that she may decide to make a donation to us and help us get some more positive exposure versus some of the other exposure that we have been receiving lately.  I really wish that I would be able to be in town to participate with you all and to help make this very successful.  Please let me know how it goes.

Thanks,

Robb, LinOma Dad

www.athomedadconvention.com

Hi Dads,  My daughter and I are available for the play group, if and when it happens, and I am interested in attending the Oprah show.  Please keep me in tune ...

Alby1 - Chicago, IL

I missed the DNO and discussion.  What's going on with O, the playdate, ext?

Kevin