Our Power, Our Voice

Our Power, Our Voice (OPOV) is Marillac Saint Vincent’s community conversation series focused on the real issues impacting Chicago families, neighborhoods, and communities. These gatherings bring together community members, advocates, leaders, and individuals with lived experience for honest dialogue that elevates voices, strengthens connection, and inspires action.

This June, the conversation turns to fatherhood and the essential role fathers and father figures play in shaping strong families and healthy communities.

Fathers matter. Their presence, guidance, encouragement, protection, and consistency can profoundly shape a child’s confidence, stability, and future. Beyond the home, engaged fathers and father figures can help strengthen communities through mentorship, leadership, example, and meaningful presence.

In a time when healthy fatherhood is too often overlooked, reduced to stereotypes, or missing from larger conversations, creating space for honest dialogue matters.

This conversation will explore the realities of modern fatherhood, from parenting and work pressures to mentorship, community engagement, and the challenges and opportunities that come with showing up for the next generation.

We also recognize that for many families, the role of protector, provider, mentor, and steady presence is not always filled in traditional ways. Single mothers, grandparents, relatives, mentors, and caregivers often step into that responsibility every day. This conversation honors them as well, while recognizing the distinct and important role strong fathers and father figures can play in helping children, families, and communities thrive.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Marillac St. Vincent