SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom and Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday announced California is calling on young men and boys to step up and serve their communities through the California Service Corps and volunteer and service opportunities with partner organizations. This initiative builds on Governor Gavin Newsom’s commitment, outlined in a recent executive order responding to rising suicide rates, disconnection and declining college attendance among young men and boys, to address the mental health crisis while creating new pathways to purpose, leadership and belonging.
“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.
Through this effort, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor is partnering with leaders already doing the work, including Improve Your Tomorrow, Big Brothers Big Sisters, MENTOR California, the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, the Giants Community Fund and the American Institute for Boys and Men.
California Men’s Service Challenge participants will engage young men directly, helping them build connections to education, careers and community. The effort advances Governor Newsom’s broader commitment to create more pathways for youth success. By combining service with mentorship and skill development, the initiative provides a sustainable model to ensure young men feel valued, supported and equipped to thrive.
“Across California, young men face disconnection and uncertainty, yet they hold immense talent and leadership,” said GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. “Through service, we can help them find purpose, build careers and make a real difference. We’re calling on 10,000 men to lead and on organizations to join us, an investment in the next generation of mentors and coaches.”
The California Men’s Service Challenge builds on the California Service Corps, the largest service force in the nation, which empowers Californians to tackle the state’s toughest challenges while building skills for the future. Together with local partners, schools and community organizations, this new effort will ensure more young men see themselves as leaders with the power to create lasting change.
Join the California Men’s Service Challenge.
