In the past two years, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CCSWG) has received 12 million in state funding; expanding its reach and addressing challenges, opportunities, and outcomes for California's girls and women. California currently has 26 state, county, and city commissions and councils dedicated to the status of women and girls located throughout the state of California. We, and those with whom we've met, believe the time has come to address the need for a California Commission on the Status of Boys & Men (CCSBM).

One thing is clear: The status of boys and men is practically absent from California policy and the California narrative. And part of this has to do with, honestly, the state's lack of awareness. As one District Director for a state representative put it after seeing the GIBM presentation, "I had no idea it was this bad."

Not having a California Commission on the Status of Boys and Men forgoes the states responsibility to address equity and inclusion in the number of commissions and councils tasked with providing the legislature with essential information that drives policy toward addressing the challenges, opportunities, and outcomes for our state's boys and men.

Many hands make light work:

• For those in California: GIBM is looking for 10 people throughout the state of California to join us in this effort that requires just 2 hours of your time. If you are interested in joining this policy effort and live in California, please complete this simple GoogleForm and we will contact you regarding this statewide effort.

• If you are in Another State, please complete this OutsideCaliforniaGoogleForm and we will reach out to you and set-up a meeting with you.

Thank you for all your caring.

Warm Regards,

Sean Kullman

President, Global Initiative for Boys & Men