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Local Initiatives

Actively involved fathers are a positive force in the lives of their children and have a positive impact on the community as a whole. This section provides resources and directives to find more information on how local governments can get involved.

Things Mayors Can Do

Convene Your Own Leadership Summit on Fatherhood
Make responsible fatherhood a priority in your community. Bring together top civic, business, religious, educational, law enforcement, and social-service representatives to work together.

Direct Discretionary Funds to Local Fatherhood Projects
Mayors can use resources to support community programs that work with fathers in varied capacities. Father absence affects many issues already being taken on by local agencies, such as crime, lack of educational achievement, poverty and high heath care costs.

Organize or Become Involved in a Civic and Philanthropic Coalition for Responsible Fatherhood
Most cities have an extensive network of youth, volunteer, and civic organizations, many of which are designed to meet the needs of children, youth, and families, but not all have established fatherhood programs or the initiative to begin fatherhood programs.

Invite the Faith Community in Reaching Fathers and Families
The faith community has tremendous potential for reaching families at their point of need, and can aid in confronting many social problems if well supported. There are many ways to support faith-based organizations without crossing church-and-state separation boundaries.

Source: Adapted from National Fatherhood Initiative materials


Other Relevant Resources

Examples of Local Initiatives

  • Community Action Program of Lancaster County Fatherhood Program (PA) Exit Disclaimer - The Lancaster County Fatherhood Initiative (LCFI) is an organization dedicated to strengthening fatherhood and challenging fathers to be responsible and committed dads and loving role models to children. The organization works with community organizations to make their services/environments more father-friendly. It also provides fathers with education, advocacy, and support, and gives experienced fathers an opportunity to grow by mentoring less experienced fathers.

  • Fatherhood Collaborative of San Mateo County (CA) Exit Disclaimer - The mission of the Fatherhood Collaborative of San Mateo County is to engage parents, providers, employers and the broader community to better understand the importance of men and fathers as they related to children. The Collaborative serves as an incubator for initiatives and activities improving the lives of children, fathers, and families in San Mateo County by recognizing the unique needs of fathers and men.

  • Florence County Fatherhood Engagement Initiative (SC) Exit Disclaimer - Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service The Fatherhood Initiative, Reducing Poverty Through Father Engagement, is designed to reduce poverty by re-engaging absent fathers in the lives of their children.