Men Who Show Up: Become a Male Mentor

Mentor. Coach. Volunteer. Lead.

A region-wide call for men to support San Diego boys through mentorship and youth-serving organizations.

Why This Matters

Boys today are facing rising disconnection, isolation, and mental health challenges.

One consistent adult relationship can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

San Diego has an opportunity to show up differently.

3 in 4

say they wish they had more opportunities to connect with mentors who understood their background

41%

are less likely to have suicidal thoughts

1/3

less likely to engage in violence-related delinquent behaviors

91%

feel an increased sense of belonging

FIND YOUR WAY TO SHOW UP

Explore organizations across San Diego where you can mentor, coach, teach, and lead.

Big Brothers Big Sisters develops positive one-to-one mentoring relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.

The Blue Heart Foundation utilizes its Blue Heart 2.0 model and core academies to help young men build emotional resilience, leadership skills, and confidence, and is actively seeking positive male mentors to guide the next generation.

We See You San Diego is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction through a relationship-first approach, using weekly dinner parties and strategic outreach to provide fully funded pathways to recovery.

Boys and Girls Clubs provides safe, nurturing environments where children and teens from all backgrounds can grow, learn, and succeed.

Scouting America prepares young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

The Lucky Duck Foundation partners with local organizations to transform the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness by pairing them with dedicated community volunteers who offer long-term friendship, build trust, and connect them to vital resources for a more stable life.

Young Life San Diego Metro is a faith-based youth organization that connects adolescents with caring adult leaders through mentorship, community, and shared experiences, highlighting the impact trusted male role models can have in helping boys and young men develop confidence, character, and a sense of belonging.

Reality Changers prepares youth to become first-generation college graduates and community change agents, offering tutoring and career mentorship while emphasizing a critical need for male role models to support boys from under-resourced communities.

Boys to Men is designed to create safe spaces for both boys and mentors to develop positive and healthy relationships built on honesty, consistency, and accountability.

San Diego Youth Services provides safe places to live and long-term solutions through shelter, foster homes, community centers and housing.

Positive Coaching Alliance‘s mission is to change the culture of youth sports so that every child, regardless of social or economic circumstance, has access to a positive youth sports experience.

Izcalli is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering Chicana/o and Indigenous communities through cultural consciousness, education, and the arts. By preserving heritage and fostering leadership, Izcalli creates opportunities for individuals and families to strengthen identity, celebrate culture, and build thriving communities.