Champions of Change: Honoring Fatherhood

Ed. Note: Champions of Change is a weekly initiative to highlight Americans who are making an impact in their communities and helping our country rise to meet the many challenges of the 21st century.

Watch this Champions of Change video here.

President Obama, like millions of fathers around the country, has said that being a dad is the most important job a man can have. That’s why this past Tuesday, the White House honored 15 Champions of Change who are standing in the gap for our kids, and serving their families, their communities and our nation. Along with Michael Strautmanis from the Office of Public Engagement, I was proud to participate in a discussion with these fathers and leaders as we shared our stories about what fatherhood meant to us and how each person had contributed to strengthening fatherhood in their own lives and in their communities.

Some of these stories are of redemption. Others are about the supportive role that mothers, grandparents and mentors play when fathers aren’t around. More than one is about a father who initially didn’t fully understand his responsibilities, but came to recognize the sacredness of being a dad. 

I hope you’ll enjoy these stories as much as I enjoyed meeting these wonderful Champions of Change.  We’re excited to honor fatherhood—not just on Father’s Day, but in the months and years to come.

Joshua DuBois is Executive Director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships and Co-Coordinator of President Obama’s Fatherhood Initiative.