Day 26: Getting Involved - The Story Behind No If's

The inspiration behind "No Ifs"

Financial troubles. A broken relationship. Past family struggles. Peter had a long string of excuses for being an uninvolved father. But he didn't hide behind any of them. Peter stepped up to the challenge and stayed involved and active in his son's life, despite several difficult trials. He hopes his story will inspire other fathers to abandon their excuses - not their relationships with their children.The product of a broken home, Pete was determined to give his son the love and attention he needed and deserved, regardless of circumstances.

Peter's college girlfriend, Jennifer, became pregnant with their son after only eight months of dating. Carter was born on March 16, 2001, several months after Peter and Jennifer graduated.

Under tight financial conditions, Pete was determined to be everything his parents were not and spent as much time as possible with his son. However, many pressures began to strain Jen and Pete's relationship. They broke up and decided to equally share custody of Carter. Pete was left to raise his son under very difficult circumstances with little support.

Although it was extraordinarily difficult, Carter and Pete grew tremendously close and Pete still considers this period to be the most trying and rewarding experience he has ever faced.During this time, Pete began to realize the importance of involved fathers and was determined to start an organization to increase awareness and support for dads. His concept was to start an organization around a "No Ifs" concept that would endeavor to educate the public about the importance of fathers. However, he soon realized that an organization already existed and was working to support and encourage dads: National Fatherhood Initiative.

Pete and the National Fatherhood Initiative partnered to produce "No Ifs" awareness bracelets to remind fathers that there are no excuses for uninvolved fatherhood.

There is a very happy ending to Pete's story. Jen and Pete have realized the importance of their relationship and they are now married (Carter served as Pete’s best man). Carter is a healthy and happy seven-year-old and Jen and Pete both have successful careers. As a result of his own experiences, struggles, and triumphs, Peter is committed to staying involved in Carter's life and encouraging other fathers to do the same with their children. He had "No Ifs," and neither should you."

So, order your "No Ifs" bracelets today to show your devotion to your children!

Day 25 - Getting Involved: No Ifs...

Your children need you -- no matter what!

There are "No Ifs" when it comes to being the best dad you can be!

Order your No Ifs™ bracelets today to show your devotion to your children! Or better yet, give them to your kids to let them know you are an involved, responsible, and committed dad. Get your braclet at: http://www.fatherhood.org/noifs.asp

Day 24 - Getting Involved: Becoming a Doble Duty Dad

Kids Need You to be a Double Duty Dad™!

There are 24 million children in the United States today growing up in a home without their father. Even dads who are in the same home as their children sometimes need a little extra help and encouragement on the journey of fatherhood.

If you are a dad whose children are grown, or away from home, chances are you’ve mastered everything from diapers and first steps to first dates and driving lessons. You might feel as though you’ve already finished your tour of service.

But National Fatherhood Initiative knows you have valuable experience and unique talents to give! Join NFI's Double Duty Dad™ program, and by giving as little as 24 hours a year to helping kids or helping dads, you can get rewards for "doing Double Duty."

To get started, simply sign up! And, don't forget to buy the Double Duty Dad™ kit, complete with a Double Duty Dad™ hat you can wear, and a Double Duty Dad™ Guide that's filled with helpful tips for working with dads and kids and recommended volunteer organizations. Plus, when you buy the kit, you become eligible to receive rewards - Bronze, Silver, and Gold pins - for the hours you log!

Then, it's simple--start volunteering! Keep track of the time you spend. For logging 12 hours or more--as little as 15 minutes a day--we will mail you rewards for your dedication to "doing Double Duty."

Dad, it doesn't take much to make a difference. Help the kids and dads who need you, right now! Sign up for Double Duty Dad™ today! And - don't forget your Double Duty Dad™ kit -

Day 23 - Getting Involved - Receive the Dad E-mail

Join the Dad Email List

The Dad E-mail is our weekly e-newsletter filled with helpful hints and tips just for dads! We'll give you relevant ideas for connecting to your children, balancing work and family, handling tough family issues, and more.

Get Connected - sign up for the Dad E-mail! http://www.fatherhood.org/dademail.asp

Day 22 - Join the Dad's Club

You're a dad for life, so join the Dads Club for life!

Find out more about this and other products from www.Fatherhood.org by joining Dads Club at https://www.fatherhood.org/dadsclub.asp!

Children that are raised with involved, responsible and committed fathers do better in school, life, and work!

That's why the National Fatherhood Initiative works to educate and encourage dads across the country to be the best dads they can be! Dads make a tremendous difference in the lives of their children!

National Fatherhood Initiative's new Dads Club is a great way for you to show that you are committed to being an involved, responsible and committed father. National Fatherhood Initiative hopes to get tens if not hundreds of thousands of dads from all over the country to become a part of the Dads Club to demonstrate that they understand the important role Dads play!

Because you're a dad for life, we think it's only natural to become a Dads Club member for life. Once you join, there are NO renewal fees -- ever. Once you're a part of the Dads Club, you're a member for life.

A one-time fee of only $30 provides you with the following:

• An exclusive Dads Club T-shirt!


• National Fatherhood Initiative's most popular CD-ROM Directions for Dads™!


• A special "No Ifs" commitment bracelet to wear or give to your child!


• Great Discounts on FatherSOURCE items ONLY for Dads Club participants!


• Regular updates on National Fatherhood Initiative's programs, outreach strategies, and new products!


• National Fatherhood Initiative's weekly helpful Dad E-mail (optional)!
  

There are 24 million children growing up without their dad in the United States today, and the percentage of children living in father absent-homes has more than tripled in the past 40 years. As a member of the Dads Club, you are helping National Fatherhood Initiative reverse this cycle of father absence and promote father involvement.
You, Dad, can make a difference for the next generation!

Will you be a part of the solution?

Day 21 - Becoming a 24/7 Dad

OVERVIEW

Our community-based programming equips local, regional and state organizations to effectively engage fathers and strengthen families. We can help your organization to provide men with practical, accessible parenting resources that foster self-awareness, compassion, and an increased sense of responsibility.

Partner with us to equip strong fathers and build strong families and communities.
Our Community-Based Programming Offers:

• Quality Resources
• Professional Technical Assistance
• Trainings and Workshops
• A Trusted Partner Download a printable overview
  

COMMUNITY-BASED RESOURCES - Our wide variety of curricula, brochures, and interactive resources are flexible, easy to use, and relevant to your needs as a facilitator.

• 24/7 Dad™ Fatherhood ProgramDeveloped by parenting and fatherhood experts, this program teaches men the characteristics they need to be good fathers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn More Buy Now
• Also available in Spanish as Siempre Papá™
• 24/7 Dad™ InteractiveNow dad can improve his fathering skills on the go! This self-paced version of our best-selling 24/7 Dad™ program takes dads on a personal journey to help them learn about and improve their parenting skills. Learn More Buy Now
• Dad's PackThis creatively packaged bundle is filled with essential skill-building and confidence-boosting resources. Each pack includes three of our most popular brochures and our Directions for Dads™ CD ROM. Learn More Buy Now
• BrochuresFilled with practical tips and guidelines, our brochures cover a variety of important topics. Brochure titles include "10 Ways To Be A Better Dad", "Creating A Safe Home For Your Family", "The Seven Benefits of Marriage For Men", and more. View Brochures

The Power of Impact - Day 20

"Every child has a hole in her soulin the shape of her father."- Roland Warren, NFI President

This past Father's Day, NFI President Roland C. Warren appeared on The Today Show to talk about the importance of fathers and how much children hurt - physically, emotionally, and economically - when a father is absent. We work hard to educate the public and start cultural conversations about the importance of involved, responsible, and committed fathers. View interview.

Today, pray that fathers will understand the significant role that they play in their children's lives. Ask God to give NFI the opportunity to continue to spread this important message.