Curtis, Kelly Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Support Young Men’s Community Involvement, Mentorship

WASHINGTON —U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Building Community in America Act , bipartisan legislation to expand pathways for Americans to serve as mentors, volunteers, and community leaders. The bill expands service participation among underrepresented populations, with a focus on men, in mentoring, coaching, youth development, and community-building activities. “At a time when too many young men feel lonely and isolated, we should be creating more opportunities to mentor, volunteer, and connect to a great purpose,” said Senator Curtis . “By helping connect more young men to meaningful service and mentorship programs, our legislation will make our communities healthier, more resilient, and more connected.” “Every kid deserves positive role models, and every community is stronger when more people step up to serve,” said Senator Kelly . “My years in the Navy taught me that service gives you purpose, responsibility and a stronger connection to your community. Right now, too many schools need teachers and too many mentoring programs need volunteers. We need more men to become teachers, mentors, and volunteers. When more people serve, our kids and our communities are better off.” Background: America’s communities are facing shortages of teachers, mentors, and volunteers at a time when many young people report feeling increasingly isolated and disconnected. Research shows volunteering strengthens social connections, improves mental and physical health, and increases civic engagement, yet men represent just 28 percent of AmeriCorps volunteers. Boys also face longer waitlists for mentors, and one in four boys and young men lacks an adult male mentor they can rely on. The legislation addresses declining community engagement and increasing concerns about loneliness and disconnection among young people. Men today make up just 23 percent of public-school teachers and 28 percent of AmeriCorps volunteers, despite the important role teachers, mentors, and volunteers play in young people’s development. The Building Community in America Act would:
The legislation is supported by the American Institute for Boys and Men, the National Education Association, the National Rural Education Association, the National Center for Teacher Residencies, and MENTOR. Full list of supporting organizations and statements is available here . The full text of the bill is available here .