‘Dadication’ in Action: Celebrating the Everyday Heroism of Young Fathers

As Father’s Day approaches, a powerful campaign reminds us that being a dad isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.

The Ad Council, in collaboration with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC), launched the latest phase of the “Dadication” campaign. This initiative celebrates fatherhood through the authentic stories of young dads overcoming challenges to be active and present in their children’s lives.

🎥 Meet Jose: A Father Embracing Firsts

One of the campaign’s heartfelt stories features Jose, a young Hispanic father sharing his journey through “fatherhood firsts.” From changing diapers to comforting his child, Jose’s experiences resonate with many dads stepping into parenthood for the first time.

His story emphasizes that fatherhood is a learning process, and the most important aspect is being there for your child. As another dad in the series, Alex, aptly puts it:

“There’s no perfect way: your own way will be the perfect way.”

These PSAs aim to normalize the struggles and triumphs of being a father, especially for younger men aged 16 to 24, including those who may be part-time or non-custodial dads. In a society where fathers often feel pressured to have everything figured out, the campaign offers a refreshing message: it’s okay to grow as a parent alongside your child.

👨‍👧‍👦 A Reminder of What Truly Matters

Produced pro bono by ad agency Campbell Ewald, the “Dadication” PSAs are more than just advertisements—they’re real stories from real fathers. They highlight the importance of emotional investment and consistency in fatherhood, even when circumstances aren’t ideal.

According to Kenneth Braswell, Chief Executive Officer of Fathers Incorporated:

“This new creative reflects a renewed commitment to drive awareness and action around responsible fatherhood… reassuring all fathers that the obstacles of fatherhood can be overcome by being present.”

Since its inception in 2013, the campaign has garnered over $370 million in donated media value, resulting in over 29.2 billion audience impressions nationwide, demonstrating the profound impact of its message.

📺 Watch Jose’s Story

You can watch Jose’s moving PSA on the Fatherhood.gov website or directly through this link:

Watch Jose’s Story

🧰 Resources for Dads

All PSAs direct viewers to Fatherhood.gov, where dads can find tips, videos, and free resources—many available in Spanish—to support them at every stage of their parenting journey.

Some highlights include:

  • Co-parenting strategies
  • Child development tips
  • Guides for new and expectant fathers
  • Spanish-language resources

💬 Why It Matters

At PapiBlogger, we’ve always believed in highlighting the untold stories of Latino dads. Jose’s experience—and the broader message of the “Dadication” campaign—serve as a powerful reminder that fatherhood isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up.

So, whether you’re navigating your first diaper change or helping with high school homework, remember: You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be present.

📣 Have a “dadication” moment of your own? Share it with us on social @PapiBlogger or email us at info@papiblogger.com.

0 comments… add one

Leave a Comment