#27 One Dad's Mission: Uniting Fathers for Down Syndrome Advocacy and Support
In a world where community and collaboration often play second fiddle to individuality, Jacob Esser is spearheading a movement that celebrates the power of collective support among fathers. As the founder of 'Dads of Down Syndrome' (DODs), Esser is creating a space for dads to share the highs and lows of parenting children with Down syndrome and actively reshaping the narrative surrounding male advocacy in circles involving parenting a child with a disability.
Discovering DODs: A Mission of Empowerment
Jacob Esser's humble beginnings with DODs are deeply rooted in a personal journey marked by revelation and transformation. When he and his wife, Kara, learned that their son Levi had Down syndrome, they quickly discovered the need for a robust support network. This realization was the seed that grew into DODs, a community that empowers dads through shared experiences and unified voices.
DODs' mission is clear: to empower fathers and inspire advocacy. Drawing from personal anecdotes and professional encounters, Jacob has managed to turn casual meet-ups into structured events that foster camaraderie and education. It's a movement born out of a simple idea but one that has grown into a nonprofit that chapters across various communities could potentially replicate.
From Bartops to Brotherhood: The Birth of a Movement
It all began with a simple request for connection—a search for a group of dads navigating similar paths. The initial gathering at a local watering hole exceeded Jacob's expectations, with discussions so lively that facilitation became unnecessary. This informal meet-up quickly evolved into a formalized network that now touches the lives of over 60 dads in Minneapolis.
Haley, Jen and Tram delve into the critical need for such inclusive communities. They explore how DODs, despite its focus on a non-rare condition like Down syndrome, offers a rare camaraderie among fathers, providing a source of strength and understanding.
Creating a Platform for Advocacy and Growth
DODs has established a dynamic environment that supports advocacy through collaboration. By partnering with existing organizations and leveraging Esser’s inspiring leadership, the group aims to drive positively impactful initiatives. These range from intimate meet-ups to extravagant events like fashion shows, ensuring that fathers stay engaged and informed.
The annual events are not just for social bonding but serve as platforms for education and proactive engagement. Jacob foresees these gatherings becoming regular, large-scale affairs designed to foster public awareness and educational opportunities about Down syndrome.
A Father’s Perspective: The Unseen Journey
At the core of DODs' ethos is the breaking of stereotypes about fathers' roles in caregiving and advocacy. Esser and his compatriots offer an invaluable perspective on the unique challenges and profound joys encountered by fathers, emphasizing the importance of male perspectives in predominantly female-centered discussions around children with disabilities.
Through personal stories and candid conversations, the podcast sheds light on the journey of these fathers, a journey filled not with isolation but with brotherhood and hope. Jacob's narrative is one of realizing that no father is alone in his struggles; rather, he is part of a broader network of shared experiences and mutual support.
Looking Ahead: The Future of DODs
As the conversation on Rarely Familiar draws to a close, Esser shares his future plans for DODs—a vision filled with ideas on expanding reach through strategic partnerships and dedicated outreach. His ambition is to implement a chapter-based system that brings DODs to more communities, enabling fathers across the nation (and potentially the globe) to forge their own paths in advocacy and support.
DODs is a movement catalyzing change, offering fathers a stage from which to share their voices, and driving home the belief that together, they can create a meaningful future among rare and shared experiences alike.
By sharing his story and amplifying the voices of fathers across the community, Jacob Esser is proving that the path to advocacy is paved with unity, resilience, and a relentless belief in the potential of empowered fatherhood.
RESOURCES
Jack’s Basket: Celebrating Babies with Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota
The Hilltop—where Jacob bartends a couple days a week
Tips for how to find your people:
Reach out to your child’s care providers for communities or organizations they are connected with that you can research and join
Seek out events related to your child’s condition to be with those on your same journey
Advocate locally