ABOUT US

Our research leads to the advocacy necessary to create change. Our support structure benefits groups that improve the lives of boys and men by working with organizations that show valid outcomes in education, careers, Parenting and Parental Rights, Physical and Emotional Health, and improving the Male Narrative in the Public Discourse

1. Education of Boys and Men: Today’s educational system struggles to meet the needs of our sons. Over the past several decades, we’ve seen boys fall further behind in K-12 education. Data from the National Center for Educational Statistics and departments of education across the country reveal a Boy Gender-Gap in literacy skills, college attendance, college graduation rates, and college funding. A boy is far more likely to be medicated and suspended in the K-12 system, pointing to a system challenge with our current educational system when it comes to boys. Boy friendly schools are possible if policies changes are implemented.

2. Jobs/Careers: While our work force has changed over the past several decades for many of our women, few predominantly female dominated fields exist for men. As our global economy changes, we need to see more men in non-traditional professions and encourage them to pursue careers they enjoy; including but not limited to nursing, education, mental health, communications, human resources and other fields that provide men with more opportunities. With fewer males going to college, a robust trade system that focuses on needed skills in our changing economy is essential. The U.S. Department of Labor has The Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO). There is no MANTO (Men in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations) in the U.S. Department of Labor.

3. Fatherhood, Family, and Relationships: Boys and girls who grew up with a father are more likely to be involved parents themselves. Children with fathers are less likely to engage in drugs, illegal activity, and less likely to engage in other high risk activities. Mothers of sons also need support trying to raise healthy sons.

4. Criminal Justice System and Court Systems: The criminal justice systems and other court systems (family and others) have discriminately worked against the equal protections fo boys and men. Sentencing disparities and violations of due process are growing concerns. The family court system often pits one parent against another, leading to long and contentious battles over custody and finances that often take money away from custodial care of children. Custodial Rights, Parental Alienation, and Paternity Fraud must be recognized in all courts to protect the rights of children, fathers, and mothers.

5. Physical Health and Emotional Health: Men die five years sooner than women. As life expectancy has increased overall with improved technology, the life expectancy gap between men and women has increased. During the pandemic, 60-70% of COVID-19 deaths were male, males accounted for 80% of suicide deaths, 70% of drug overdose deaths, and 70% of alcohol overdose deaths. While the federal government has rightly seen the importance of creating an Office of Women’s Health and a Gender Policy Council that is only for women and girls, there has been no attempt to create the same offices for boys and men. The current programs were implemented during pandemics and epidemics that disproportionately impacted males. Federal policy routinely violates equal protections.

6. The Male Narrative in the Public Discourse: A healthy male narrative is grossly under-represented in the public discourse; particularly in media, academia, the nonprofit sector, and government. We must change the narrative surrounding boys and men if we hope to help boys and men find strength, purpose, and success in family, career, and life. Public discourse must promote a positive male narrative and address male outcomes more frequently and earnestly. (See InHisWords.us).

While our focus is in the United States, our research, advocacy, and public awareness has global implications.

Many of these 6 pillars are inter-related and unraveling one of them can lead to a life time of change. A boy who receives a strong education is more likely to become a man who finds a career, becomes a dedicated father, and experiences a stronger physically and emotionally healthy life.