Reviving American Purpose: How Volunteering Can Empower Young Men

What unites individuals from different generations, political ideologies, and backgrounds? A common concern for the future of America and the young men growing up within it. This shared experience highlights the decreasing opportunities for connection as traditional social structures fade away.

During our formative years, both of us dedicated time to volunteering, which instilled a profound sense of pride, duty, and identity. For Neil, a summer spent working with a nonprofit in a small fishing village in Labrador, Canada, was pivotal. In contrast, Alex’s experience as a Boy Scout taught him the importance of collective action and a shared commitment to community service. These volunteering experiences are invaluable in shaping individual identities, yet we see a troubling decline in such opportunities today, especially for young men.

The Mental Health Crisis Among Young Men

Recent studies reveal the alarming consequences of this isolation. Young men aged 18 to 35 increasingly face emotional disconnection from their communities, leading to profound issues such as loneliness and mental health challenges. Statistical data underscores this situation. Research indicates that young men are markedly more likely to experience feelings of isolation than their female counterparts. In fact, a shocking 15% of young men today report having no close friends, a stark contrast to only 3% in the 1990s.

Moreover, the concerning trend extends to extreme measures. Suicide rates among men are now four times higher than those of women, with many men expressing feelings of worthlessness before taking such drastic actions. This crisis necessitates urgent attention and action from our communities.

California’s Initiative to Combat Isolation

Recognizing this growing emergency, California has initiated a statewide program that emphasizes an often-overlooked remedy: volunteering. Engaging in volunteer work provides men with a structured framework to build relationships and connect to causes greater than themselves.

Research consistently demonstrates that young individuals who volunteer enjoy significantly better mental well-being. Youth involved in volunteering display 25% lower anxiety levels, have a 35% reduced likelihood of behavioral problems, and are 66% more likely to report flourishing compared to their non-volunteering peers.

Barriers to Volunteering

Despite the known benefits, volunteering rates among youth remain troublingly low. In 2023, only 34.1% of young people aged 16 to 17 engaged in volunteer work within the past year. A recent NBC poll highlighted that Gen Z men consider making their families or communities proud, as well as using their talents to assist others, to be primary indicators of success. Volunteering represents one of the most accessible methods for young men to embody these values and foster connections.

Addressing the barriers that prevent young men from engaging in volunteerism is crucial. A significant portion of potential volunteers express uncertainty about where and how to find opportunities. A study by Points of Light revealed that 44% of interested individuals feel lost regarding potential volunteering avenues, which undeniably hampers participation.

Rebuilding Civic Infrastructure for Volunteering

To combat this issue effectively, we need a collective national response to uplift the value of volunteering. By reducing barriers and seeking to meet young individuals where they are, we can dramatically increase the number of active volunteers. Points of Light has set an ambitious target to double volunteer numbers by 2035.

This organization, dedicated to expanding volunteerism globally, already manages to involve 4 million volunteers annually. However, enhancing our volunteer infrastructure through both private and public investment is paramount to achieving this goal.

Creating Opportunities for Meaningful Engagement

Access to volunteer opportunities fostering a sense of purpose, pride, and belonging should be available to every young man. Corporations can play a pivotal role by allocating resources and time to provide paid volunteer hours, enabling employees to mentor and engage with young men. Educational institutions, from primary schools to universities, must strengthen community service programs that make volunteering easily accessible, integrating service-learning into curricula, and offering after-school and weekend opportunities.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we must contemplate the kind of nation we wish to pass down to future generations. How can we build a society that ensures no young person is left behind? A united effort from governments, institutions, and community leaders is essential to prioritize service in American life.

Building a Connected and Purposeful Generation

To solve the crisis facing young men, we must recognize that these issues will not disappear overnight. The decisions we make today will shape the future landscape we provide for all young people. We face a crucial choice: continue to observe our young men drift into isolation or extend a life raft of opportunity for connection through service.

Together, we can empower the next generation of young men to discover purpose and belonging through their acts of service. Embracing this approach can change lives and strengthen communities, one service project at a time.

Neil Bush serves as chair of the Points of Light board of directors, promoting his father’s vision of volunteerism aimed at uplifting individuals and communities. He also chairs several philanthropic initiatives focusing on literacy and international relations.