California is calling on 10,000 men to mentor, coach, serve and lead their communities.
California is stepping up to empower men through service, leadership and connection.
With a bold new statewide initiative, we’re calling on men to lead the charge as mentors, tutors, coaches, and volunteers. By stepping up for their communities, they’ll gain real-world experience, forge powerful bonds, and discover a deeper sense of purpose. This is more than a call to serve—it’s a call to lead.
The California Men’s Service builds on Governor Gavin Newsom’s commitment, outlined in a recent executive order responding to rising suicide rates, disconnection and declining college attendance among men and boys, to address the mental health crisis while creating new pathways to purpose, leadership and belonging.
Take Action Now
Got an hour? A weekend? A year? No matter how much time you’ve got, California communities need your skills, your drive and your leadership. Step up, make an impact and be the difference. Hit the links below and answer the call.
Sign-up to Volunteer
A Sense of Home: Create safe, furnished homes for former foster youth and others affected by disaster; assemble furniture, organize donations, and pack essentials to transform spaces.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of California: We connect caring adults with young people who benefit from a positive role model. Find your local agency, learn about mentoring, and take the first step today.
Court Appointed Special Advocates: A CASA volunteer, works one-on-one with a foster youth to advocate for their best interests and ensure their voice is heard in court and beyond.
Habitat for Humanity California: Join volunteers and neighbors working together to build, renovate, and repair homes with families in need of a hand up. Find an affiliate near you and sign up.
Mentor California: Mentoring strengthens communities one relationship at a time. Tell us about yourself, explore opportunities that feel like a good fit, and connect with programs near you.
Positive Coaching Alliance: Become a youth sports coach in a local underserved community and make a lasting impact in kids’ lives. No prior coaching experience is required to get started.
Team Rubicon: When disaster strikes, volunteers are needed and ready to respond. Become a Greyshirt, complete training, and stay informed so you can help communities recover quickly.
YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles: If you have a heart to serve, you can volunteer. Everyone can make a difference through community service and help support programs that uplift local families.
Apply to Serve
Brothers in Service (Improve Your Tomorrow): Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) supports underrepresented young men on their journey to and through college via its signature College Academy program. AmeriCorps Mentors deliver core services at school sites to help students build trusted relationships and a sense of brotherhood. This is a year-long service commitment where members serve an average of 20–40 hours per week.
California Justice Leaders (Impact Justice): This project provides a successful re-entry pathway for youth and young adults who are currently in or have been released from California’s juvenile justice facilities. AmeriCorps Navigators, who are young adults with previous contact with the justice system themselves, guide participants through record-cleaning processes and community re-entry. Members serve an 11-month service year (900-hour term).
Junior Giants (Giants Community Fund): This free, non-competitive baseball program for youth ages 5–18 focuses on character development, health, education, and bullying prevention. AmeriCorps Ambassadors serve directly with league commissioners to implement the program and support day-to-day operations, both on the field and virtually, while also engaging in volunteer recruitment and community outreach. Members can choose between a 300-hour or 450-hour service term throughout the summer.
Mentor2Mentor (Project Optimism): Mentor2Mentor is an experiential leadership program designed for transitional-aged youth (18–26) to grow as “real models” and empowered leaders. Members provide culturally responsive mentorship and social-emotional learning support to students in grades 4–8, facilitating small group sessions and enrichment activities at partner school sites. This program offers 50-hour service terms.
Partner With Us
Let’s team up to strengthen leadership and service across our communities.
If your organization has opportunities for men to lead, serve, or grow—or if you can help us reach them through your networks, platforms, or resources—we want to work with you. Together, we can build stronger communities and brighter futures.
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.” — Richard Reeves, President of the American Institute for Boys and Men
Purpose in Action
Meet the men who are rewriting the narrative.
From classrooms to community centers, their stories show what’s possible when purpose meets action.
Caleb Tam
Mentoring with Improve Your Tomorrow opened Caleb’s eyes. He saw firsthand how showing up could change lives.
Ricky Nevarez
Ricky wasn’t sure what he wanted from life, but he knew he wanted more. That drive led him to California Justice Leaders.
Max Kiehlmeier
Taking control of his career gave Max purpose and mentors who had his back every step of the way.
