This is a guest-written post by Cassandra Sage, education advocate and Kirkland mother of four sons.
It is critical that politicians and policymakers understand the needs and perspectives of young adults in order to shape a future that is inclusive, thriving, and rich with opportunity.
I fully support the Washington State Women’s Commission and its vision “for every woman and girl to be healthy, safe, prosperous, and empowered to achieve their full potential”. I want this for my granddaughter and all girls as they grow into women.
I also want young men to make healthy choices, live in a safe environment, have access to opportunity, experience economic stability, and achieve personal success.
The challenges facing young men—from social isolation and economic insecurity to mental health concerns—are significant and deserve attention. For example, the CDC reports that men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, which highlights the importance of addressing their mental health needs. Additionally, in Washington State, young men are graduating from high school at lower rates than their female peers: in 2022, 80% of boys graduated, compared to 85.5% of girls. Nationally, people without high school diplomas are twice as likely to experience poverty than those who graduate.
Government-sponsored listening sessions
How well are young men’s issues understood by policymakers? Are members of state and local government aware of the unique perspectives and challenges faced by young men? How interested is government in guys?
The Washington State Women’s Commission in autumn 2022 conducted a series of listening sessions offering young women and girls ages 16 to 30 the opportunity to share their opinions on issues that matter to them. The commission held “What Young Women Want” listening sessions in Tacoma, Vancouver, Seattle, and Spokane. The commission produced a report summarizing their findings, which they made available to legislators and the governor. The input they received was used to identify opportunities and develop priorities in advance of the Washington state legislative session.
A state commission focused on boys and men, if one were to be created, could provide a platform for young men to have their voices heard, addressing issues like social disconnection, mental health, education, and economic insecurity. By actively engaging this demographic, policymakers could create more targeted solutions and help bridge gaps in support and services.
It’s important to note that increasing attention to the needs of young men does not mean diminishing support for young women. Both groups face unique challenges and deserve tailored resources and interventions.
Let’s build an inclusive future, rich in opportunity for all young people to thrive.