10,000 California men answered the call to serve. Now, the Challenge continues — with more ways to serve, lead, grow and make a difference.
California is stepping up to empower men through service, leadership and connection.
Launched in 2025, the California Men’s Service Challenge called on 10,000 men to mentor, coach, serve and lead in their communities.
We reached that goal. But the Challenge doesn’t end there.
Every man has something to offer. The Challenge connects men with opportunities to serve, lead, build skills and pursue careers in public service. Whether you have an hour, a year or are ready for a career, there’s a way to put your skills to work and make a difference.
The Challenge builds on Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order to support men and boys and create pathways to purpose, leadership and belonging.
Build a Career
Turn service into skills. Turn skills into a career.
Public service isn’t just a way to give back, it can be a pathway to a career with purpose. Whether you’re looking for your first job, a new direction or a career where you can make a difference, there’s a place for you in public service.
California Natural Resource Agency (CNRA):
California State Parks has opportunities that include seasonal Park Aides, Maintenance Aides and Lifeguards, as well as careers as Park Maintenance Workers and State Park Peace Officers. State Park Rangers and Lifeguards are trained peace officers who protect visitors and California’s natural and cultural resources. Seasonal positions can also provide an entry point into a longer-term State Parks career.
CAL FIRE is for Californians interested in protecting communities and caring for the state’s forests can explore positions including Fire Fighter I, Forestry Aide, Forestry Technician and Heavy Fire Equipment Operator. CAL FIRE also hires temporary Defensible Space Inspectors who work directly with residents to help reduce wildfire risk around homes and communities.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife offers field-based career opportunities including Fish and Wildlife Technician, Fish and Wildlife Officer, Fish and Wildlife Seasonal Aid and Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid. Seasonal employees can gain hands-on experience collecting field data, working with wildlife and supporting habitat and fisheries work without first taking a civil service examination. CDFW also offers volunteer opportunities that connect Californians with conservation, education and public lands.
California Conservation Corps is for young adults looking to build experience before taking the next step in their careers, the CCC provides paid, hands-on training in areas including forestry, wildland firefighting, trail work, habitat restoration and resource conservation. Corpsmembers work alongside agencies such as CAL FIRE, State Parks and CDFW, gaining skills and experience that can help prepare them for careers in natural resources. Programs also include the Backcountry Trails Program and Watershed Stewards Program.
California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA):
Caltrans positions include engineers and transportation planners, environmental scientists, highway and landscape maintenance workers, equipment operators, mechanics, electricians, surveyors, information technology professionals and analysts.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) also offers a wide range of careers, including officers, public safety dispatchers, motor carrier specialists, automotive technicians and administrative and professional positions. Together, these roles help plan, build, maintain and operate California’s transportation system while keeping roads and communities safe.
California National Guard:
California National Guard is a unique part-time military force with a powerful dual mission — protecting communities at home and supporting the nation when called upon. Members of the Guard, serve under the state’s governor to respond to natural disasters, emergencies and times of crisis.
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 can use you help! 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.
