Dads, This Is Your Moment
Dads Stand Up brings fathers together to build real community and get involved in local service. No politics, no BS. Just Dads having fun, building new relationships around what we care about, and creating the communities our kids deserve.
Applications close March 6th for our Spring 2026 launch.
Apply to Lead a Chapter
Learn More Below
What Is Dads Stand Up?
Building Local Dad Communities Who Have Fun, Build Bonds, and Create Positive Action
Dads Stand Up is our national chapter program that brings fathers together through what they already love—good times, camaraderie, getting stuff done, and of course, being a Dad—and channels that energy into making a real difference locally.
The program is simple:
- Gather Dads through fun events and experiences that cater to your interests
- Take action on what matters, with service projects that make a visible impact
- Build lasting community by sharing stories, insights, and laughs with fellow Dads
- Stay connected nationally and learn from fellow Dads across the country
We're launching 5 pilot chapters in March-June 2026, and we need local leaders like you.
How We Know This Works
Proof From Philly
Our Philadelphia pilot proved the vision is real:
- 90%+ of Dads felt more affirmed as fathers
- 100% felt more connected to other Dads
- 100% were more motivated to improve their local communities
- Revitalized a major park, side-by-side with our kids
Through it all, we were unapologetically about that Big Dad Energy life. Where else can you go from checking egos in Mario Kart to talking about raising kids in a digital era to shouting out Sesame Street at a Phillies game??
When we meet Dads where they are, celebrate their Big Dad Energy, and create opportunities to make a difference together—they respond powerfully.
What Chapter Leads Do
Your Role (March - June 2026)
- Host 2-3 gatherings that connect Dads through what they already love. Keep it simple or get creative! Our past events have ranged from escape room-style games to brewery outings to baseball.
- Lead at least one local service action where Dads get stuff done for your neighborhood. It's up to your Dad squad: park cleanup, school volunteering, advocating to your local government, hosting community conversations...these are just a few examples.
- Connect monthly with chapter leads nationwide who are doing the same work. We'll build collective energy by learning together, sharing successes and learnings, and offering support.
- Tell the story by partnering with our team, so that we can inspire more Dads to get in the game with us. It's time for us to show everyone what Dads are about.
What You Get
Support & Resources
Up to $4,000 for chapter events and activities (food, space, materials)
$100 gift card for your leadership and time
One-on-one coaching from our founding team, through monthly check-ins and on-the-fly support
Resource library with event templates, messaging guides, sample invitations, and proven strategies from our Philadelphia pilot
National network of fellow chapter leads through monthly 90-minute virtual gatherings for peer learning and support
Virtual community platform for real-time connection, idea sharing, troubleshooting, and celebrating wins
Storytelling support ($500-1,000) for photo/video documentation of your chapter in action
What Makes This Different
Big Dad Energy, Not Politics
We're not calling out, we're calling in. Dad life is about joy, love, possibility, and being a part of something bigger than ourselves. We're channeling our desire to be strong, present fathers into building the communities our children deserve.
We lead with:
✅ Celebration over correction
✅ Interests over ideology
✅ Action over armchair quarterbacking
✅ Kids at the center
✅ Local solutions
This isn't:
❌ Political or partisan
❌ Talking heads who critique masculinity or shame values
❌ Assuming Dads need to be "educated"
❌ One-size-fits-all approaches
The result?
Dads from across differences coming together around what we all want: to be amazing fathers who uplift their communities.
Timeline
Program Timeline
NOW - March 6, 2026
- Applications open. We're selecting 5 pilot cities based on geographic diversity, community readiness, and the vision of the local leadership team.
- Selected chapter leads announced. Orientation and then we're off and running.
March - June 2026
- Chapters launch! Host your events, lead your service actions, and connect monthly with other chapter leads.
June - July 2026
- Learning phase. We celebrate what worked, amplify wins, create the national playbook, and prepare for expansion based on what we learned.
Who We're Looking For
Ideal Chapter Leads
You don't need professional organizing experience.
You need to be:
- A Dad who loves being a Dad and wants to create community with other fathers
- Ready to take action locally and not just talk about what needs to change
- Rooted in your community and care about making it better for all families
- Comfortable bringing people together through activities, service, and real connection
- Committed to nonpartisan approach because this is about community, not political parties
- Willing to show up for 3 months for your fellow chapter leads and the Dads in your city
Bonus: 2-3 Dads can co-lead together. In fact, we encourage it.
Selection Process
How We're Choosing Pilot Cities
We're prioritizing:
- Geographic diversity across regions (urban, suburban, smaller cities)
- Able to pick up speed quick so you can engage other Dads and shape service projects
- Commitment of local leadership and community readiness for Dads to stand up
Target: 5 pilot chapters for March-June 2026
How to Apply
Ready to Lead?
Applications close March 6th, 2026. We'll select 5 pilot cities and begin onboarding in March 2026.
The application asks:
- Why are you interested in leading a Dads Stand Up chapter?
- What does Big Dad Energy look like to you?
- What's your proposed approach for bringing Dads together in your city?
- Confirmation that your approach is nonpartisan (not intended to support a political candidate or political party)
Apply Now
Questions?
Email Mohan
FAQ
Common Questions
Do I need organizing experience?
- Nope. You need passion, commitment, and a desire to bring Dads together. We provide training, resources, and ongoing support.
How much time does this take?
- During the 3-month pilot, expect 5-10 hours per month for planning and events, plus monthly 90-minute virtual gatherings with other chapter leads.
What kinds of events should I plan?
- Whatever fits your community and what Dads in your community enjoy. Could be outdoor adventures, sports gatherings, service projects, skill-sharing, BBQs. Start with what you know Dads want to do.
Do I need to have everything planned before applying?
- No! We're looking for commitment and vision, not a perfect plan. We'll help you develop your approach during orientation.
What if my city isn't selected for the pilot?
- We're starting with 5 cities to learn and refine the model. If there's strong interest in your area, we'll keep you in the loop for future expansion.
Can I co-lead with another Dad?
- Absolutely! We actually encourage 2-3 local leads per chapter.
What's the "nonpartisan" requirement mean?
- Your chapter can't be designed to support a specific political candidate or party. The focus is on building Dad community and taking action on what matters to families.
What happens after the 3-month pilot?
- We'll evaluate, learn, and decide on next steps for expansion. Strong chapters may continue with support. We'll build a playbook based on what we learned together.
Our Kids Are Watching
They notice when we show up—not just at home, but in our communities. They see when we build real friendships and take action on what matters.
Ready to lead a movement of Dads in your city?
