On July 30, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Executive Order N-31-25, a landmark directive aimed at addressing the growing crisis of disconnection, mental health challenges, and opportunity gaps facing men and boys across California. This action marks a pivotal moment for advocates of fatherhood and male well-being—and strongly reinforces the mission of the California Fatherhood Council.
Governor Newsom’s order acknowledges a sobering reality: men account for nearly 80% of all suicides, young men are three times more likely to die by suicide than young women, and one in four men under 30 report having no close friends—a fivefold increase since 1990. These statistics are not just numbers; they reflect a deepening crisis of isolation, disconnection, and lack of purpose among boys and men in our communities.
The executive order directs state agencies to assess and improve how existing programs serve men and boys, with a focus on mental health, education, employment, and social connection. It calls for a coordinated, data-informed approach to ensure that men and boys—especially those from historically underserved communities—can access the support they need to thrive.
At the California Fatherhood Council, we see this as a powerful affirmation of our core mission: to empower fathers and male caregivers, strengthen families, and promote the well-being of children by supporting the men in their lives. Governor Newsom’s order recognizes that supporting men and boys is not a zero-sum game—it complements and strengthens the broader equity work being done for women, girls, and marginalized communities.
The Council applauds the Governor’s emphasis on mentorship, education, and workforce development. These are pillars of our own work, and we are especially encouraged by the order’s call to expand access to male role models in schools, improve behavioral health services, and create more pathways to meaningful work and civic engagement.
We also appreciate the Governor’s acknowledgment of the unique challenges faced by different demographic groups. For example, while suicide rates are highest among white men, Black and Native American boys face disproportionate rates of school suspension and disconnection from education and employment. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work—and this order wisely avoids that trap.
As California moves forward with implementing this executive order, the California Fatherhood Council stands ready to collaborate with state agencies, community organizations, and local leaders. We believe this is a moment of opportunity—one that can catalyze real, lasting change for fathers, sons, brothers, and families across the state.
We invite our partners and supporters to read the full executive order here and to join us in advancing this vital work.
Together, we can ensure that every man and boy in California knows he matters—and has the support to live a life of purpose, dignity, and connection.