Dads, You Showed Up.
In Spring 2026, five cities proved what we already knew: when Dads build real community, everything gets better — for our kids, our neighborhoods, and ourselves.
We Launched. Here's What Happened.
In March 2026, Dads Stand Up officially went national. We selected five pilot chapters — chosen for their geographic diversity, community readiness, and the vision of their local leadership teams:
- Benicia, CA
- Denver, CO
- Twin Cities, MN
- Cleveland, OH
- Pittsburgh, PA
Each chapter was led by a local Dad (or Dad duo) who believed fathers are an under-mobilized force for connection and community impact. They were right.
This Is What Big Dad Energy Looks Like
"Big Dad Energy is showing up — fully, unapologetically — as the dad you are and the man you want to be... the quiet pride of being someone your kid can count on, multiplied by a whole crew of guys who feel the same way."
— Mark, Benicia CA
"Being present. Put the phone down. Be the horsey that runs around the kitchen island or the tree that the monkey climbs."
— Ethan, Denver CO
"Compassionate, strong, and connected."
— Chris, Twin Cities MN
"Big Dad Energy means being proud of our role as caregivers. It means supporting our partners as equals. It means building community where vulnerability, growth, and service are strengths — not weaknesses. Oh, and Dad Jokes."
— Jon & Nick, Cleveland OH
"Being there and stepping up for the people who need you — from your family, to your community, to your country."
— Josh & Hersh, Pittsburgh PA
Chapters In Action
What Chapter Leads Received
Each pilot chapter lead received:
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
Already in One of Our Cities? Come Join Your Local Chapter.
Dads Stand Up chapters are active and welcoming new members in Benicia, Denver, the Twin Cities, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh. No organizing experience needed — just show up.
We're Growing This Summer. Is Your City Next?
We're selecting new chapter cities for Summer 2026. If you're a Dad who's ready to bring this to your community, we want to hear from you.
Reach out directly to Mohan and Justin to start the conversation.
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
How We Know This Works
Proof from Coast-to-Coast
- 25 events with more than 300 Dads
- 91%+ of Dads felt more affirmed as fathers
- 90% felt more connected to other Dads
- 79% were more motivated to improve their local communities
- Local impact: Environment, housing + affordability, education, child care, family leave, and more
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 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.
