Governor Stein Proclaims Fatherhood Awareness Month

Fatherhood Awareness Month

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, fathers are vital in the upbringing of their children; and 

Whereas, North Carolina is leading a kin-first culture with local and state agencies and communities to produce better outcomes for children; and 

Whereas, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 1 in 4 children live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home; and 

Whereas, research shows that a father’s presence makes a positive difference in the lives of children and mothers; and 

Whereas, fathers are pillars in the overall development of their children’s emotional, physical, and social well-being; and 

Whereas, research has proven the influence of a father’s involvement can lead to positive educational outcomes for children; and 

Whereas, with fathers actively engaged, children are less vulnerable to risk such as mental illness, juvenile delinquency, youth sexual activity, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, childhood poverty and failure to complete high school; and 

Whereas, the State of North Carolina encourages service, civic, and religious organizations, as well as child welfare agencies, courts, schools, businesses, and individuals, to join in commemorating Fatherhood Awareness Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities that recognize the importance of supporting fathers of children and youth in our communities;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 2026 as “Fatherhood Awareness Month” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-sixth day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.