OUR INITIATIVES
Get involved with Real Dads Network
COMMUNITY
DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE
The Daddy Daughter Dance is one of our signature events. We have been doing the dance for about a decade. The Daddy Daughter Dance is a celebration of that special relationship between fathers and their daughters. Our Dance is an elegant event that presents an opportunity for a father or father figure and his daughter (or daughters) to get dressed up, dance, have dinner, talk, laugh, be entertained and share a memorable evening together with other fathers and their daughters.
REAL DADS WEEK
This is a celebratory week aimed at acknowledging and recognizing FATHERS and FATHER FIGURES who are exemplary role models and play such a vital role in the success of children.
Real Dads Network is the only organization in the country that celebrates fathers for a whole week. We started with Black Fathers Week in 2008, but moved to Real Dads Week to be more inclusive; but our focus is still black fathers.
FAMILY FUN DAY
Real Dads Network Family Fun Day is an initiative to bring families together for a day of enjoyment and bonding. Family Fun Day promotes a sense of community, encourages social interaction, and fosters a supportive environment for families to connect. It's a day filled with laughter, joy, and shared experiences, designed to celebrate the importance of family and the value of spending time together.
GROUPS & MEETINGS
GIVING BACK
REAL DADS BOOK CLUB
The purpose of the Real Dads Book Club is for fathers to model the behavior they want for their children. The best way to lead is by example. We bring a fatherhood community together to learn about and discuss topics that are important to us.
Last Thursday, Each month at 7:00 PM (EST), we meet virtually to discuss the book for that month.
This is a support group for single dads that provides an opportunity for single dads to share their personal experiences and feelings, coping strategies, firsthand information about family court.
The group meets quarterly.
NAVIGATING THE FAMILY COURT SYSTEM
Generational wealth refers to the financial assets passed down from one generation to the next. Real Dads Generational Wealth Building Series aims to educate, inform and provide strategies for building and preserving wealth for fathers and families.
The workshops are in person, and we meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:00 pm.
REAL DADS GENERATIONAL WEALTH BUILDING SERIES
Real Dads Network is in partnership with the grassroots organization The Youth Crime Watch of Liberia, Africa, to support the Street Library Program. Youth Crime Watch exists to empower, improve, and transform people’s livelihood.
The Street Library program provides a fun, safe, and encouraging learning space for underprivileged children ages 5-13 every weekday. The children receive two hours of educational games, books, movies, toys, music, and time to be kids!
Through this partnership, RDN will be shipping books, supplies, and educational games to the young people of this African community.
STREET LIBRARY
Real Dads Network has adopted Clever Minds Free Primary School in the Lyara community Warri Delta state, Nigeria, to help over 500 children get 21st-century tech skills.
In December, we purchased 20 Dell Chromebooks for the school, which will be used in their newly built stem lab, which is set to open in February 2022.
RDN in partnership with Xstream Team of William and Aida Jackson of My Quest To Teach will be providing STEM and STEAM training sessions for the students and staff at Clever Minds.
REAL DADS INTERNATIONAL STEM AND STEAM PROGRAM
REAL DADS VOTE
The goal of Real Dads Vote is to get fathers more civically engaged by educating them about the importance of voting, not just in the Presidential elections but the local elections as well. The local elections have more of an impact on our daily lives than the presidential elections. We want men to understand the power of their vote and how voting goes a long way towards making the changes we seek.
Historically, Black Men do not vote in large numbers. We want to change that.
Register to Vote and have your child register if they are older enough to vote. Please share the link to family and friends and encourage them to register to vote!
Also, purchase a Real Dads Vote shirt to spread the word that voting is essential and that our vote matters.
RDN offers a scholarship for a graduating NYC Black male high school student. We award one $1,000 scholarship. The Student must demonstrate consistent and strong leadership skills and meet the following eligibility criteria.
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Is a U.S. Citizen
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Lives in NYC
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Has an 80% High School Grade average
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Has been accepted to an accredited four year College or University
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Is willing and available to accept the scholarship award at the Real Dads Network Scholarship and Awards ceremony (In-person or virtual).
REAL DADS HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP
Real Dads Network's Colorectal Cancer Campaign is geared towards men and dedicated to combating the disproportionate impact of colorectal cancer on Black and Latino communities in New York State. With higher mortality rates and late-stage diagnoses compared to white individuals, these communities face systemic barriers such as limited healthcare access and socioeconomic disparities. Our campaign aims to raise awareness among men and promote early detection through education and advocacy. By fostering collaboration and empowerment, we strive to ensure all men, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, have equal opportunities for optimal colorectal health. Join us in our mission to encourage as many men as possible to get screened and work towards a healthier, more equitable future for Black and Latino communities in NYS.
REAL DADS NETWORK'S COLORECTAL CANCER CAMPAIGN
Real Dads Network's Slam Dunk For Children and Dads VIP Knicks experience program is dedicated to crafting impactful moments for fathers and their children, fostering positive parenting through sports and shared bonding. The program aims to enhance quality time, encourage positive fatherhood, boost children's morale, and integrate the values inherent in sports with those of parenting.
Supported by the New York Knicks, Footlocker, and other program backers, Real Dads Network extends an exclusive invitation to fathers and children, granting them a unique VIP Knicks game experience and a complimentary pair of sneakers from Footlocker. This initiative celebrates the profound joy and invaluable relationship between children and their dads.
REAL DADS NETWORK SLAM DUNK VIP KNICKS EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
Real Dads Health and Wellness Series empowers fathers to prioritize their well-being and family connections through engaging workshops covering physical fitness, nutrition, stress management, and cancer prevention. Join us to enhance your health, strengthen family bonds, and thrive in a supportive community.
REAL DADS HEALTH SERIES
ADVOCACY