California Men’s Service Challenge Calls on 10,000 Men to Serve and Lead in Communities Throughout California

RELATED FOOTAGE:

Press Conference: Governor Newsom launches new statewide effort to support the well-being of young men
B-roll: California Men’s Service Challenge

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH: GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. Christina Cano, Christina.Cano@cv.ca.gov, (279) 224-2907

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WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom:
“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.”

Michael Lynch, CEO and Co-Founder, Improve Your Tomorrow:
“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.”

Marcus L. Strother, Executive Director, MENTOR California:
“As bell hooks reminds us, ‘Love is an action, never simply a feeling.’ Our boys are in crisis — starved for belonging, aching for someone to see them and stand with them. True connection, that active love, can be their lifeline. MENTOR California is proud to join Governor Newsom, GO-Serve and partners statewide in shining a spotlight on belonging, unlocking opportunity and igniting hope.”

Sloane Keane, CA Association Chair, Big Brothers Big Sisters, California Volunteers Commissioner:
“At a time when so many young men face disconnection, dwindling opportunity and unmet needs, Big Brothers Big Sisters is ready to answer the call — together with our community. We need more men to step forward as mentors, so every young man has the consistent support he deserves. As mentors, as role models and as a community, we can harness the power of mentoring and social connection to drive real, lasting change.”

Victor Dominguez, President and CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles:
“Now more than ever, there is a need for boys and young men to feel a sense of purpose and connection. As the Center for Community Well-Being across the LA region, the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles knows the power of service in shaping healthier, more connected communities and has long been a source of great mentorship and volunteerism. The LA Y is proud to partner with the California Men’s Service Challenge to call on our male Californians to join in, inspire service, and to foster roles that inspire leadership, resilience and build brighter futures for all.”

Richard Reeves, President, American Institute for Boys and Men:
“In a healthy society, everybody knows that the community needs them. Too many men today do not feel that. As a result, they can become detached, even despairing. But we need men in our families and in our communities, bringing their energy and talents to the table. Right now, many organizations say they don’t have enough men stepping forward to serve; meanwhile, many men say they are unsure of their purpose and role in our communities. This is a timely call to men: We need you.”

Cassandra Hofman, Program Director, Giants Community Fund:
“We’ve seen firsthand how young men, whether stepping onto a field as a coach or serving as a Junior Giants Ambassador, gain confidence and a stronger sense of purpose. These opportunities change not only the lives of the players but also the young men who choose to serve — and that’s why this work is so important.”