The Intentional Fathers Showing Up Walk is more than a community event. It is a public declaration that fathers, mentors, uncles, grandfathers, coaches, and male role models matter in the lives of children. Every step taken during this walk represents a commitment to being present, intentional, and engaged in the lives of the next generation.

What's Next intentional chose to host this event at the Milwaukee County Zoo's Tembo Trail. This experience carries a deeper meaning nothing could be left up to chance. Did you know “Tembo” means elephant in Swahili?  Elephants are known for the strength of their community and the way they protect and guide their young. But you may not know that young male elephants need more than protection. They need mature male elephants to teach them how to behave, lead, and how to live within the herd. Without those examples, young males often become aggressive, disconnected, and destructive. The presence of strong male leadership changes the direction of the entire herd.

The same is true in our communities.

Boys and young men, need consistent examples of healthy manhood. They need men who will show them discipline, character, accountability, emotional strength, and love. They need someone who will stand beside them long enough to help them develop a clear sense of self, build meaningful goals, and understand their value.

That is why the Intentional Fathers Showing Up Walk exists.

This walk raises support for the Ready to Live mentoring program by What’s Next. Through Ready to Live, boys and young men participate in character-building experiences, mentorship opportunities, leadership development, and community-centered learning that supports their academic, personal, and family relationships. The program is designed to help boys and young men grow into confident, responsible, emotionally grounded leaders who understand the power of their decisions and the importance of community.

This event is also an opportunity for children to experience something powerful in real time: a man showing up on purpose.

Fathers and father figures are encouraged to walk alongside their children, regardless of age. Whether you are a biological father, stepfather, grandfather, mentor, coach, uncle, or trusted role model, your presence matters. Children remember who walked with them. They remember who stayed. They remember who made them feel seen, supported, and safe.

At the same time, this walk is not only for fathers. Community members, families, educators, organizations, and individuals who believe in the importance of positive male leadership in the lives of children are encouraged to participate as well. This is an opportunity for the entire community to stand behind fathers and support the development of boys and young men together.

Every 10 participants help provide mentoring support for one boy or young man through the Ready to Live program. What we build together through this walk creates opportunities for boys and young men to receive guidance, connection, encouragement, and community.

Registration includes participation in the walk, event goodies, family-friendly activities, full access to the Milwaukee County Zoo, and parking for the day. For a father with four children, this experience carries a value of well over $150. Through the Intentional Fathers Showing Up Walk, a family can experience all of this for under $100 while also contributing to a larger mission that supports mentorship, leadership development, and intentional community building for boys and young men.

Registration covers participation in the event, but the larger mission is built through what we raise together.

A $25 contribution can support a father and child bonding experience.
A $100 contribution can provide personal growth resources for mentees.
A $250 contribution can help sustain father-focused community gatherings.
A $500 contribution can support mentorship workshops for boys and young men.

At a time when many narratives focus on absent fathers, this walk tells a different story. It shines a light on the men who are present, engaged, learning, growing, and choosing to lead with intention. It creates space for boys and young men to see healthy manhood modeled in front of them.

This is not simply about walking together.

This is about building a visible culture of presence.
This is about mentorship.
This is about connection.
This is about legacy.

Most importantly, this is about showing children what it looks like when fathers show up.