This post is extracted from my challenge to 250 fathers at the end of the first ever "Fathers in Focus" conference in October 2023, in Madison Wisconsin. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of fathers, and a call to action for supporting men in this monumental role called - fatherhood. Click here to listen to the challenge.
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We look forward to making this Fathers in Focus conference an annual activity that gathers fathers from across Wisconsin, the nation, and the world here to Madison to be celebrated, to be supported, to be challenged. But today, we have shared our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs. We have learned from one another and strengthened our resolve to be the best fathers we can be. And, as we prepare to return to our families, I challenge you to resolve to be the best human beings that you can be, to be the best men that you can be, to be the best fathers that you can be.
As a teacher, a clinical psychologist, a researcher, an uncle, a mentor, a son . . . I am dedicated to the study of fatherhood. I have had the privilege of witnessing the profound impact fathers have on their children and communities. Today, I reflect on my own experiences with fathers, including my own, and the countless stories I have encountered in my work.
I envision a future where all fathers, especially those who have been most unfairly vilified, such as Black non-resident fathers, are given the recognition and respect they deserve. These fathers are deeply interested, invested, and excited about their children’s lives. I dream of a day when fathers from across the nation and the world will gather here in Madison without reservation or question, to be celebrated, supported, and challenged.
Today, we have shared our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs. We have learned from one another and strengthened our resolve to be the best fathers we can be. As we prepare to return to our families, I challenge each of you to strive to be the best human beings you can be, to be the best men you can be, and to be the best fathers you can be.
We live in a time when the role of fathers is challenged most fiercely, while the benefits of the father role is needed so acutely. "Up ye mighty men!" for there is a monumental task at hand.
If you want to make an impact on the world look no further than your child. If you want to establish legacy, look no further than your child. If you want to change the future of your family, look no further than your child. If you want write history, there is no richer canvas than your child.
"Up ye mighty men!"
This is more than a call to action; it is a declaration of our strength, our potential, and our unwavering commitment to fatherhood, to generation change, to nation building. Each of us holds within the power to shape the future, to mould the minds and hearts of our children. Our children look to us not just for guidance, but for inspiration, for the courage to dream, and the strength to persevere, but before we utter one word, by our very lives and actions we would have taught our children lessons they will not so easily forget.
Fathers in Focus. Teach your children that their emotions are important. Teach them that their voice matters. Teach them to be honest with themselves and other. To thine own self be true. Teach your children to care for others as they care for themselves. Teach them that there is love and beauty in this world but to be strong and stand against darkness that is a threat to all of us. But teach them with few words – live these ideals honestly in the presence of your children. Up ye mighty men there is a task at hand.
Fathers in Focus. In the quiet moments of our lives, when the world seems still, it is our actions that speak volumes. It is in the bedtime stories, the shared laughter, the soothing of a bruised knee, the full belly laughs, the wiping of snotty snivelling noses, the reviewing of homework, and navigating the challenges of friendships, bullying, the lessons taught and learned, it is here that we make our stand. It is here that we build the foundation of our children's futures.
"Up ye mighty men!" Let these words echo in your hearts as you return to your families, as you face the challenges and joys of fatherhood.
"Up ye mighty men!" For we are the pillars of our homes, the steady hands that guide our children through the storms of life. Our influence extends beyond the walls of our homes, shaping communities, and ultimately, our nation and the world.
"Up ye mighty men!" Embrace this responsibility with pride and determination. Let us be the examples our children need, the heroes they look up to, and the men they aspire to become. Return to your family renewed, return to your children inspired, return to your communities fortified and connected.
As we leave this conference, let us carry with us the lessons learned, the bonds formed, and the commitment to be better, to be vulnerable, to be stronger, and more present in our children's lives.
"Up ye mighty men!" We do not fear our vulnerabilities, our weaknesses, or our shortcomings. We embrace them and grow through them. We use them to connect with each other and to fertilize the growth of our children.
"Up ye mighty men!" Let this be our rallying cry, our promise to ourselves and to our children.
Fathers in focus. Together, we can create a legacy of love, of strength, of wisdom and change. Together, we can rise to the challenge of fatherhood, not just as individuals, but as a united force for good.
"Up ye mighty men!"
"Up ye mighty men!"
"Up ye mighty men!"
Let us rise, let us lead, and let us inspire.
Thank you.
Connect with fellow dads in our community who are also working on being more present and consistent. Together, we can make 2025 the year of real, authentic fatherhood.
Let's build this community together! Tag a father who needs to see this, and share your own dad goals for the year in the comments. Remember, your experience might be exactly what another father needs to hear right now. How are you showing up for your kids this year? Let us know in the comments! 👇🏾
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COPYRIGHT 2024 BY DR. ALVIN THOMAS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.
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