FAQ
What does DADs hope to achieve as an organization?
Two primary things: Stronger, deeper, more effective relationships
between daughters and fathers and making the world safe and fair
for our daughters.
Why is DADs necessary?
Because fathers have a profound impact on their daughters, and we
want to make that impact as positive as it possibly can be. Also,
because men can very effectively help advocate for girls-especially
when we see the connection between our concerns for our daughters
and the cultural forces that undermine girls.
What can I do to help?
Join us! Participate in our advocacy, sign up for our
email updates
and make a tax-deductible contribution
Talk to other fathers about joining DADs and work to stand up for their daughters!
Why girls and not boys? What about mothers and sons?
The range of parenting issues is wide and deep; we know we can't cover
it all. So, as men with daughters, we've decided to focus on father-daughter
issues. It's a very important relationship (ask any daughter!), just as
every other parent-child relationship is. The way we see it, working on
behalf of our children is not a zero-sum game. When we expand opportunities
for girls and fathers, we expand them for boys and mothers, too.
Do you sponsor or organize chapters? Can I get in touch with members in my area?
We don't have formal chapters at this time. We do offer members the
option of meeting informally with other members who live nearby.
Where does DADs get its money?
From individual donations by members and supporters. We also seek additional
funding from foundation grants. As a nonprofit, our life blood is
tax-deductible contributions from individuals.
Can I get a copy of your financial information?
Dads & Daughters is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit, and files an annual
Form 990 (the nonprofit equivalent of a tax return) with the IRS, and our
990 is a public document—which we can make available to anyone interested
in contacting us. You may also obtain this information thru
www.guidestar.org or by
contacting us
Do you offer legal counsel or referrals for fathers in custody or
child-support issues?
No.
Can women be members of DADs?
Yes! That's why it's called Dads & Daughters. Any woman is welcome to join
DADs. We welcome allies—women, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, neighbors,
cousins - anyone who wants to make the world safe and fair for daughters.
Your site is great for dads who are actually around for their daughters.
What can you suggest for daughters whose fathers are not in the picture? Or
is your organization for strengthening the bond between fathers and
daughters that do have some contact?
You're right in sensing that we help fathers who are intentional about strengthening
their relationship with their children. Underlying all of our material is a firm
message that a stepfather or father’s most important responsibility, obligation,
opportunity and joy is to deepen his relationship with his children no matter where
they are or where he is. We believe there is no excuse for emotionally bailing out.
Please read our Tips for Live-Away Dads.
Why do you and highlight so many negative things?
Because, sadly, there are so many destructive forces out there. Too often, cultural
and media messages bombard our daughters with the notion that how they look is more
important than who they are. As parents, we've let this go on far too long. Not
only does it undermine our daughters (as evidenced by problems like substance abuse,
depression, premature sexual activity, eating disorders, and tobacco use-to name a
few things). It's also a disservice to our sons, who get bombarded with the idea
that a female's appearance is her most valuable asset—a foundation for failure in
any long-term male-female relationship. The amazing thing is that marketers listen
to us, and we've had success!
How do I build my relationship with my daughter when I'm a divorced dad and I don't see her?
By communicating. Our most important fathering obligation is to strengthen our
relationship with our children no matter where they are. Whenever we can, it's
best to set aside any other conflict, resentment or hard feelings so that we can
keep nurturing our connection with our kids. Please read our
Tips for Live-Away Dads.
Does DADs work to affect public policy or legislation?
DADs lends its voice to calls for greater public policy attention to girls' health
and wellness issues (like access to sports, tobacco use, eating disorders, etc.).
What are your political and religious affiliations?
DADs is an independent, non-partisan, non-sectarian organization. People from
various religious backgrounds, belief systems, and goals have found common ground
in DADs--united in their desire to strengthen father-daughter relationships and make
the world better for girls. We believe the diversity of opinion and beliefs
strengthens our organization. The thing that unites us all is care for our
daughters, a value we hold most dear.
Because of the diversity, we don’t expect that every member will agree with every
thing that DADs does. This also stands for the different actions our organization
takes -- you may agree with some and not others. You have the right to choose
what you put your support behind. We believe DADs has something valuable to
offer every father and daughter.