After Charlie Kirk's killing, Newsom launches service challenge for your men

"The statewide initiative, announced on Tuesday, is the latest in an executive order directing agencies to address mental health in boys and young men. We have an epidemic of loneliness, and so much of that is manifesting and metastasizing online in very profound and consequential ways, and last week only underscored that further, said Newsom on Tuesday, referencing the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah university campus."

"In California, boys and men age 15 to 44 die by suicide at three to four times the rate of women, often by firearms. Almost half of female homicide victims are also killed by a current or former intimate male partner. Over the course of a year, the state will partner with youth organizations, including Improve Your Tomorrow, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Mentor California, and the American Institute for Boys and Men, to recruit and train them as mentors for young boys."

"The goal is to create consistent, positive relationships where men model integrity, empathy and community engagement while helping young men develop confidence and purpose, Josh Fryday, the state's chief service officer, told EdSource. Fryday said the initiative will include ongoing one-on-one and group mentoring, tutoring or reading programs, service projects, coaching youth sports and guiding young men through college and career exploration."

The California Men's Service Challenge will recruit 10,000 men as mentors, coaches and tutors for boys and young men. The initiative responds to elevated male suicide rates and intimate-partner homicide statistics, and addresses rising loneliness and online radicalization. The state will partner with youth organizations including Improve Your Tomorrow, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mentor California and the American Institute for Boys and Men to recruit and train mentors. Programs will include one-on-one and group mentoring, tutoring and reading programs, service projects, youth sports coaching and college and career guidance. The initiative will be supported by California Volunteers' community service and civic engagement resources.

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