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'Million Father March' Urges Dads To Get Involved At School

Group Urges Dads To Volunteer At School

CHICAGO (CBS) -- If you live or work in Chicago, you might have seen the signs for the "Million Father March," an effort to get dads to take their kids to school on the first day of class, and stay involved in their child's education throughout the year.

WBBM Newsradio's Mike Krauser reports the idea is the brainchild of The Black Star Project, based at 35th Street and King Drive.

The group has more than 600 cities taking part in the effort to increase fathers' involvement in their children's education.

It's the 10th year of the "Million Father March," which Black Star Project founder Phillip Jackson said started in a church basement, with only six cities taking part.

Now, there are more than a million dads taking part nationwide, according to Jackson.

"Broward County Florida, they have this habit of counting. Last year, they had 40,000 fathers," he said. "It tells me that there's been a pent-up demand. The fathers want to get involved."

Jackson said his group is asking fathers for a commitment to volunteer at their kids' schools.

"When fathers are involved, there are fewer disciplinary actions, fewer suspensions, fewer drop-outs," he said.

Jackson said schools can't properly educate kids on their own; parents must also get involved.

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