This case study examines the Standing Capacity model operated as part of the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative (OMI) since 2004. The term Standing Capacity refers to a marriage and relationship education service which operates at the same time and place in a community on an on-going basis. Most community-based healthy marriage initiatives offer workshops on an […]
"As a marriage and family therapist, you are likely to see many individuals, couples, and families in your practice who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing significant alcohol-related problems. This Guide will: Introduce you to an alcohol problems framework and its implications for alcohol treatment and intervention; Provide you with background information on […]
Young adults are typically eager to learn about relationships and how to succeed in them. Some are considering engagement/marriage whereas others are looking for guidance on how to make smart choices when it comes to dating partners. With a rate of 3.5 divorces per 1,000 people, many young adults have experienced the break up of […]
Marriage education is available to a large number of couples and individuals across the United States, due in part to the authorization of federal funds supporting state and local healthy marriage activities. There are more than 300 programs funded through public dollars to deliver relationship education and related services to youth and adults. A key […]
Marriage mentoring is a marriage education strategy that pairs an experienced couple alongside a younger couple to help them navigate through the ups and downs of their relationship. The amount of time the two couples stay connected varies, but generally averages six to twelve months. A successful mentor relationship can last informally for years. This […]
The success of a marriage education program is built on having a proven, well-delivered curriculum offered in a setting that promotes safety and respect, and makes each participant feel valued. Even the best curriculum or the most well-designed program can be undermined if the instructors struggle with their command of the material, their presentation style, […]
For those who are new to workshop delivery, the logistics can demand equal time and preparation. A potential participant’s first impression of your program can be the deciding factor in their involvement. Regardless of how helpful your program may be; neglecting factors like comfort, convenience and environment can negatively impact perceptions of and participation in […]
Marriage educators are the face of your marriage and relationship education program. Proper training is critical to your program’s success. These individuals must have the knowledge and skills to appropriately respond to questions about the curriculum, identify unhealthy (and potentially violent) relationships, set boundaries, and effectively facilitate and/or present information. This is no small task, […]
An incentive, for purposes of this Tip Sheet, means a reward available for participating in a marriage education program. An incentive may have direct value, like a restaurant gift card, or may have an indirect value, like a certificate of completion for a free/reduced marriage license. Incentives can be for each couple, participant or just […]
A press release is a common way to promote an upcoming event or share important news. These are especially important tools for publicly funded healthy relationship and marriage programs that may not have a large marketing budget but want to raise community awareness of the services they offer. This Tip Sheet provides a formatting guide […]