our vision
& Mission

Shining a Light on the Role of Fathers in Pennsylvania

Over the past decade, THE COMMISSION’s mission has been to address a critical issue long overlooked: the absence or non-involvement of too many fathers in the care of their children and families. Our work aims to spotlight the profound consequences of this absence and advocate for systemic change.

A Decade of Advocacy and Action

To bring this issue to the forefront, THE COMMISSION established clear steps, goals, and objectives to guide our statewide efforts. In 2019, we launched the Pennsylvania’s Greater Father-Family Involvement Campaign (PAGFFIC) with a three-pronged agenda:

1. Raising Awareness: Elevating the consciousness of Pennsylvanians about the vital contributions fathers make to the well-being of children and families.
2. Policy Advocacy: Educating state leaders to adopt father-inclusive policies and institutional practices that support men within families.
3. Legislative Support: Convincing the Pennsylvania General Assembly to establish a permanent commission focused on promoting father-family involvement and dismantling systemic barriers.

Building a Network of Advocates

As part of PAGFFIC, THE COMMISSION brought together advocates for fathers, children, and families across Pennsylvania. This effort led to the formation of the Pennsylvania Fathers, Families, and Service Providers Network (PFFSPN), a loosely connected network dedicated to educating communities on the invaluable role fathers play in their children’s lives.

Our Inclusive Vision for Pennsylvania

THE COMMISSION believes in an inclusive future for all Pennsylvanians, regardless of family heritage, race, ethnicity, income, education, health, or geographic location. We have worked in a bipartisan spirit, embracing collaboration with all political affiliations to make Pennsylvania America’s most father-friendly state.

Commitment to Systemic Change

We are committed to eliminating systemic barriers that hinder fathers from contributing more to their children’s well-being. This includes identifying policies and programs that work against father-family involvement and advocating for their reform. Our success relies on government officials, citizens, and diverse stakeholders—philanthropic, corporate, and community—to champion this cause.

The Path Forward

To realize this vision, THE COMMISSION proposes:

• Establishing a statewide fatherhood oversight policy team to ensure fathers’ contributions are recognized as a protective factor in child and family well-being.
• Engaging national organizations like the National Association of Social Workers to embrace fatherhood as a key area of professional development.

Together, we can secure Pennsylvania’s future by fostering a supportive environment for fathers, ensuring the well-being of children and families across the Commonwealth.