Fatherhood Media & Outreach Resources
Free campaign materials, messaging guides, and outreach resources for fatherhood programs. Reach more fathers and communicate your program's impact effectively.
Federal Campaign Materials
The NRFC and ACF provide free, professionally produced campaign materials that any fatherhood program can use and adapt.
NRFC Media Campaign Assets
FederalSocial + PrintFree downloadable social media graphics, print-ready flyers, posters, and digital banners from the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse. Available in English and Spanish.
Fatherhood.gov PSA Library
FederalPSA / VideoPublic service announcements video, radio, and print produced by the NRFC. Free for use by programs, media outlets, and community organizations.
ACF Healthy Marriage & Fatherhood Outreach Kit
ACF GranteesGrantee KitOutreach materials and messaging guidance for ACF-funded HMRF grantees. Includes brand guidelines, approved messaging, and co-branding requirements.
Head Start Father Engagement Outreach
Head StartOutreachOutreach materials and engagement strategies specifically for Head Start programs. Includes flyers, event planning guides, and father-friendly messaging.
What Works: Messaging Guidance
Research on fatherhood messaging shows that how you talk about fathers matters as much as what you say. These principles are drawn from tested campaigns.
Lead with strength, not deficit
Messaging that focuses on what fathers are doing wrong absent, irresponsible, uninvolved reinforces negative stereotypes and repels the fathers you most want to reach. Lead with the positive: fathers who are present, engaged, and trying. Show the aspiration, not the failure.
Instead of: "Too many children grow up without their fathers." Try: "When dads show up, kids thrive. Be there."
Make it specific and actionable
Vague calls to "be a better dad" don't change behavior. Specific, concrete actions do. Tell fathers exactly what they can do today read with their child for 10 minutes, call and say goodnight, show up to the school event.
Instead of: "Be involved in your child's life." Try: "Read with your child for 10 minutes tonight. It's the most important thing you'll do today."
Reflect the diversity of fathers
Fatherhood programs serve fathers of all races, ages, family structures, and backgrounds. Your materials should reflect that diversity. Fathers who don't see themselves in your imagery are less likely to engage.
Use images of fathers of different races, ages, and family configurations. Include non-residential fathers, stepfathers, and grandfathers.
Address barriers directly
Fathers who are hesitant to engage often have specific fears: that the program is court-connected, that they'll be judged, that it's not for "guys like them." Address these fears directly in your outreach rather than hoping they'll figure it out.
"This program is free, voluntary, and confidential. No court involvement. Just dads helping dads."
Social Media for Fatherhood Programs
Social media is one of the most cost-effective ways to reach fathers and build community around your program. These resources help you do it well.
Facebook Groups are highly effective for fatherhood programs. Create a private group for program participants it extends the community beyond sessions and improves retention. Post weekly prompts, share resources, and celebrate milestones.
#FatherhoodMatters #DadsOfFacebook
Visual storytelling works well for fatherhood content. Share real photos (with permission) of program activities, father-child moments, and graduation ceremonies. Authentic images outperform stock photos significantly.
#FatherhoodIsLit #DadLife #ResponsibleFatherhood
Text / SMS
For hard-to-reach fathers, SMS outreach often outperforms social media. A brief weekly text a tip, a reminder, a check-in keeps fathers connected between sessions. Tools like Remind or SimpleTexting work well for programs.
No hashtags needed direct and personal works best
Community Outreach Strategies
The most effective fatherhood program outreach happens in person, in places fathers already trust.
Barbershops
Barbershops are trusted community spaces where men gather and talk. Leave flyers, build relationships with barbers, and consider hosting brief program information sessions. Some programs have run entire sessions in barbershops.
Faith Communities
Churches, mosques, and other faith communities are often the most trusted institutions in the communities fatherhood programs serve. A pastor's endorsement from the pulpit is worth more than any flyer.
Child Support Offices
Fathers who interact with child support enforcement are often the most in need of fatherhood program services. Partner with your local child support agency to offer warm referrals and co-locate services when possible.
Head Start & Schools
Schools and Head Start programs have direct access to fathers through their children. Father engagement events, school pickup outreach, and teacher referrals are all effective pathways.
Courts & Probation
Courts and probation departments can refer fathers to programs as a condition of supervision or as a voluntary resource. Build relationships with judges, public defenders, and probation officers.
Hospitals & Clinics
The birth of a child is a powerful moment of motivation for fathers. Maternity wards, pediatric clinics, and WIC offices are high-value outreach points for reaching new and expectant fathers.