California counts on its massive population of residents to support one another by participating in volunteer work, helping small businesses grow and maintain, and helping fund the state economy. The California Service Corps wants those same volunteers for the California Men’s Service Challenge.
“Service doesn’t just change communities. It changes the people who serve. And at a time where so much divides us, service has a really powerful way of bringing people together.” Josh Fryday, GO-Serve Director and California Chief Service Officer, said about the importance of residents helping one another. “When Californians step up to serve their communities, we see something very powerful happen. We see strangers become teammates. We see neighbors become leaders. And challenges that once felt overwhelming and too hard to solve suddenly seem solvable.”
The initiative was started to help connect the bridge between young men and the community, as nearly one in four men under 30 years old report that they have no close friends, a five-time increase since 1990, with higher rates of disconnection for young Black men.
“We’re calling on Californians to join up, lend a hand, and step out into the community. We see and feel the difference when California Service Corps members are on the ground and engaging with their communities—making a lasting impact on our state.” Gov. Gavin Newsom said about the program. “More than ever, California is committed to investing in the next generation of emerging leaders and ensuring their path towards success.”
California Service Corps members gain hands-on experience while serving their communities, earning money, and building valuable career skills. Members support communities by taking environmental action, tutoring and mentoring students, responding to disasters, tackling food insecurity, and connecting vulnerable Californians to critical resources and services.
“They’re doing really important work for our communities. We’re confronting the challenges of climate change, food insecurities that so many families are facing, and the learning loss that students are still recovering from due to the pandemic.” Fryday said. “At the same time, many young people throughout our society are searching for purpose. They’re searching for opportunity. They’re searching for a way to make a difference in their communities because their communities need their help. And young people are desperate for the chance to contribute in a meaningful way.”
Michael Atkins, a second-year College Corps fellow and ambassador at UCLA, helps K-12 students with their homework. “My decision to become a College Corp fellow was fueled by my experiences throughout my educational journey, and my interest in helping future students navigate and overcome the same barriers that I once faced,” Atkins said. “As a student from a single-parent household and a low socioeconomic background, I learned early that access to information, mentorship, and consistent guidance often determines whether college is a realistic option or an abstract aspiration.”
Atkins shared that his experience with the students has been mutually impactful, as they were able to relate while writing college statements. “One student shared that he felt completely lost in life and struggled to see how his experiences as a foster youth were meaningful and was unsure of how to tell his story in a way that reflected his true resilience and strength,” Atkins said. “As we worked on the essay, the process reminded me of the importance of meeting students where they are, whether that’s academically, emotionally, or personally. We ultimately crafted a personal statement that he was proud of, and I later learned that it played a role in his acceptance to his dream university.”
To learn more about California Service Corp and to sign up for the initiative, visit www.Californiavolunteers.ca.gov.