What connects two men from different generations, backgrounds, and political views? A shared concern for America’s youth and their future.
The experiences that once seemed commonplace are now becoming rarer, which is alarming. Both of us volunteered when we were younger, and it shaped our identities. For Neil, it was a summer spent with a nonprofit in a low-income fishing village in Labrador, Canada. For Alex, it was about being a Boy Scout, learning the importance of community and collective effort.
However, with declining volunteering rates and increasing isolation, many young American men don’t prioritize connecting through service anymore.
Studies, like one from Harvard, show that young people experience significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety. Men aged 18 to 35 often describe feelings of loneliness—15% report feeling isolated, which is concerning given that only 3% felt the same in the ’90s. Alarmingly, the suicide rate for men in 2021 was four times higher than for women, with many expressing feelings of worthlessness.
Awareness is growing, but we need to take decisive action. California has begun a statewide initiative to spotlight this urgent issue and explore unexpected solutions focused on volunteering.
Volunteering creates structured opportunities for men to connect and feel part of something larger. Research indicates that young volunteers report much higher levels of happiness, with a 25% reduction in anxiety and a 66% greater likelihood of thriving than those who refrain from volunteering.
However, only about 34.1% of 16- to 17-year-olds volunteered in the past year. A recent NBC poll highlighted that Gen Z men prioritize family pride and community service as key success indicators. Volunteering could help fulfill these values while fostering purpose and connection.
To help reconnect young people with their communities through service, we must rebuild our civic infrastructure. Young people need clearer pathways to participate in volunteering, and leaders should showcase its benefits for both the community and the individuals involved.
According to Points of Light, about 44% of those interested in volunteering are unsure how to get started or find opportunities near them.
Therefore, Points of Light is advocating for a national movement to enhance the value of volunteering and double the number of volunteers by 2035.
This organization engages four million volunteers each year, but significant investment is crucial for expanding the volunteer infrastructure.
All young people deserve access to opportunities that provide purpose and belonging. This might involve companies offering paid time off for volunteering or schools developing programs that encourage service learning.
As America nears its 250th anniversary, we must consider what kind of nation we want future generations to inherit. How can we ensure no one is left behind?
It’s essential for governments and organizations to center service in American life, creating a culture where younger generations feel connected, valued, and embedded in their communities.
We’re faced with a choice: continue to watch young people slip into isolation, or extend a helping hand. It’s an opportunity we know is effective.
By working together, we can help the next generation find their sense of purpose and belonging, one act of service at a time.
