| Founding Fathers
"I am a "founding father" because I want to make a difference for the next generation by creating a legacy of non-violence that will - eventually - change the world."
Ted Waitt, June 1, 2004
Chairman, Founding Fathers
On Father's Day 2003, 350 men from all walks of life joined in a historic public statement to call for an end to violence against women and children. This statement, which appeared as a full-page ad in the New York Times came to be known as the new Founding Fathers Declaration:
We call ourselves Founding Fathers because we intend for this crucial beginning to give way to a new kind of society - where decency and respect require no special day on the calendar, where boys are taught that violence does not equal strength and where men stand with courage, lead with conviction and speak with one voice to say, "No more."
The historic Father's Day Declaration highlighted the names of courageous men who in addition to lending their names, each made a significant financial contribution to support the violence prevention efforts as part of the Family Violence Prevention Fund's Campaign for the Next Generation.
For the vast majority of the men, the issuance of the Founding Fathers Declaration marked the beginning of a new annual effort that would recognize and celebrate men who are changing the world by the actively seeking an end to violence against women and children. In 2004, the Founding Fathers campaign expanded to the workplace and to communities across the country, resulting in an expansion of the list of Founding Fathers.
In 2005 as the brotherhood of men who share this commitment grows, we invite you to join us and become a Founding Father. By signing the Declaration and participating in the "Stars for the Next Generation", you will become part of creating a world where violence against women and children is a thing of the past, and decency and respect for all, are the hallmarks of the future. Click here to Sign the Declaration
Why the name "Founding Fathers"?
The name Founding Fathers was chosen because we are group of men who are working in partnership with women, to create a new kind of society - one where violence is no longer part of the human condition. We believe strongly that in working together we can build a society that explicitly denounces violence against women and children and promote a culture where decency and respect for women requires no special day on the calendar. The name Founding Fathers also invokes "fatherhood", a reminder to men themselves, of the unique role they play in the rearing young people, particularly young men, and their successful entry into a productive and healthy society.
Founding Fathers are men of all ages, of all races and across all geographies. It is the commitment to ending violence against women and children and being a beacon for other men that drives us together.
Become a Founding Father
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