David Taylor

Position: Program Manager
Organization: Healthy Marriage/Healthy Families Coalition of Tarrant County

Biography

I am the Program Manager for the Healthy Marriage- Healthy Families Coalition of Tarrant County. We are a group of more than 30 different agencies, faith based organizations, and individuals committed to supporting healthy marriages and relationships in our community.  

We have classes for couples and singles, and provide some assistance for participants to attend, based on need. Classes are available in English and Spanish.  

The coalition is not about coercing anyone to marry or remain in an unhealthy relationship.  We do not wish to stigmatize those who choose divorce, nor do we wish to limit access to divorce.  We do not seek to diminish, either directly or indirectly, the important work of single parents. 

Speech Titles

“How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk/ette” 

“Couple Communication”  

PREP (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program)

Speech Description

 “How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk/ette” 

Is there really any explanation for why love is blind?  Do we have any hope for learning how to avoid marrying a jerk or jerkette (for this program is for BOTH males and females)? 

The answer is a resounding... YES!!!! Based upon a thorough review of research pertaining to this subject, the "How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk/ette" program exhaustively and humorously describes: 

·        The major areas that predict what a person will be like in marriage;

and

·        the bonding forces that must be kept in balance as a relationship grows. 

Come to this class and learn to “FOLLOW YOUR HEART WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND!”  

“Couple Communication” 

 COUPLE COMMUNICATION teaches effective talking, listening, and conflict resolving skills.  In the COUPLE COMMUNICATION Program, you will:

·        Hear brief explanations of the concepts, skills, and processes.

·        See demonstrations of the communication skills and processes (live or on video).

·        Reflect on and then discuss your own experiences in exercises.

·        Practice skills and processes with real issues of your own choice (appropriate for the setting) using skills mats, tools to speed learning and extend skill use after the class.

 ·        Receive coaching and feedback on your use of skills.

·        Apply your learning in real situations between class sessions.  

PREP (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program)  

PREP is one of the most comprehensive and well respected divorce-prevention/marriage enhancing programs in the world. PREP is a skills and principles-building curriculum designed to help partners say what they need to say, get to the heart of problems, and increase their connection with each other.

PREP is education, not therapy. Most of us learned to read with the help of a teacher. We took tennis lessons, piano lessons or at least watched a t.v. show on how to remodel the bathroom before digging in. But when it comes to loving relationships, we just assume we’ll know how to do it. The fact is that most of us didn’t learn relationship skills in a direct manner from qualified sources. Most of us simply picked up bits of information from people who had good intentions, but lacked expertise. Worse, some passed on advice that was downright wrong.

PREP is for couples who want to make their marriage be the best it can be. It doesn't matter whether you have a newfound love, you're gritting your teeth as your teen gets his license, or your youngest has left you with an empty nest. PREP offers you the chance to discover how to enjoy your marriage no matter where you are today or what tomorrow may bring.

References

Minimum Speaking Time: 15 minutes
Maximum Speaking Time: 8 hour workshop