Gavin Newsom, Governor of California | Official website
Governor Gavin Newsom has launched the California Men’s Service Challenge, an initiative aimed at encouraging men across the state to take on roles as mentors, coaches, and tutors. The program seeks to recruit 10,000 men to support young people and partner with organizations dedicated to building a sense of belonging and purpose among youth.
This effort follows a statewide Executive Order targeting issues of disconnection among young men and boys in California. Governor Newsom’s initiative addresses rising suicide rates, increasing feelings of isolation, and declining career prospects faced by this demographic. The goal is to address mental health challenges while creating pathways for leadership and community engagement.
“Too many young men and boys are suffering in silence — disconnected from community, opportunity and even their own families. This action is about turning that around. It’s about showing every young man that he matters, he has purpose, and he has a community,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom emphasized the importance of shared responsibility: “Our boys are growing up in a time when too many feel disconnected and unseen. Women and men may face different challenges, but we share a responsibility to lift up the next generation, and that work will take all of us. The California Volunteers Men’s Service Challenge calls on 10,000 young men to step forward as mentors and coaches, offering the care and connection that can combat isolation and build belonging. In doing this work, we embody the very best of California, lifting up the next generation and reshaping our culture for the better.”
The initiative is being carried out in partnership with organizations such as Improve Your Tomorrow, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mentor California, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, Giants Community Fund, and the American Institute for Boys and Men. Josh Fryday, Director of GO-Serve (Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement), explained how these partnerships will help connect young men with education opportunities, careers, and supportive communities.
“Young men across California are struggling with disconnection, loneliness and a lack of direction. Through service, we can give them a sense of purpose and the opportunity to build careers while making a difference in their communities,” said Fryday. “We need 10,000 men to step up and lead in their communities. We’re also calling on organizations to join us as partners. This initiative is about investing in the next generation of men as leaders, teachers and mentors.”
The challenge expands upon the existing California Service Corps program—the largest state-run service force nationwide—which works alongside local partners to help residents tackle significant challenges while developing new skills.
Recent studies show that nearly one in four men under 30 report having no close friends—a sharp increase since 1990—with Black young men experiencing higher rates of disconnection. Research suggests social isolation raises risks for poor health outcomes including mental illness or premature death. Additionally, labor force participation among non-college-educated men is at historic lows; one in nine males aged 25-54 are neither working nor seeking employment.
Stakeholders from various partner organizations have voiced support for this statewide call:
“Mentorship is how young men transform isolation into connection and purpose. At Improve Your Tomorrow we’ve seen that service and brotherhood are powerful antidotes to the loneliness so many boys face today. That’s why we strongly support the Governor’s California Men’s Service Challenge. When young men are given the chance to be seen, be supported and serve their communities, they not only change their own lives — they help shape the future of our society,” said Michael Lynch (Improve Your Tomorrow).
“As bell hooks reminds us, ‘Love is an action, never simply a feeling.’ Our boys are in crisis — starved for belonging… True connection… can be their lifeline... MENTOR California is proud to join Governor Newsom…” said Marcus L. Strother (MENTOR California).
“At a time when so many young men face disconnection… Big Brothers Big Sisters is ready to answer the call... We need more men to step forward as mentors...” said Sloane Keane (Big Brothers Big Sisters).
“Now more than ever… there is a need for boys…to feel a sense of purpose... The LA Y is proud to partner with [the] Challenge…” said Victor Dominguez (YMCA).
“In a healthy society… everybody knows that the community needs them... Too many men today do not feel that...” said Richard Reeves (American Institute for Boys & Men).
“We’ve seen firsthand how young men… gain confidence… These opportunities change not only [players’] lives but also those who choose to serve…” said Cassandra Hofman (Giants Community Fund).
Since taking office in 2019 Governor Newsom has focused on making government accessible by supporting underserved populations throughout California—aiming both at expanding access to basic services so individuals can pursue advancement opportunities as well as reducing disparities across demographic groups.
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