The Million Fathers March is a national father-engagement campaign that encourages fathers and father figures to walk children into school and make a continuing commitment to their education.

The national date is Friday, September 18, 2026, the third Friday of September. Local schools and organizations may hold an event on another date when school calendars or community circumstances require it.

Fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, foster fathers, uncles, mentors, coaches, clergy, adult brothers, family friends, and other significant male caregivers are welcome.

No. The March welcomes caring and responsible father figures. No child should be excluded because their biological father is unavailable.

Yes. Women have always been essential partners in father engagement, education, family strengthening, and community leadership. Local hosts may include mothers, educators, staff members, volunteers, and community partners while keeping the event centered on the visible engagement of fathers and father figures.

National registration is strongly encouraged. Registration allows Fathers Incorporated to document the campaign’s reach, provide planning resources, place confirmed events on the national map, recognize partners, and report national impact.

Registration indicates your intention to participate. Confirmation means Fathers Incorporated has reviewed your event information and verified your participation.

There is no national registration fee for standard participation. Local hosts are responsible for their event costs unless sponsorship or other support has been arranged.

There is no single required format. Events may include walking children into school, greeting students, breakfast, reading, assemblies, panels, volunteer recruitment, mentoring, resource fairs, or other father-engagement activities.

The 2026 national theme is Civic Dads in Action: Engaged. Educated. Empowering Communities.

Hosts will receive a short post-event impact form to report actual participation, activities, stories, media, and continuing father-engagement plans.

Yes. Districts, networks, Head Start agencies, and other multi-site organizations should indicate how many locations they represent and complete the participating-site roster.

Yes. Businesses may provide financial support, volunteers, books, food, printing, technology, transportation, professional services, or other resources.