Young Men Find Purpose Through Volunteering, Study Shows

When 15% of young men say they have no close friends, compared to just 3% in the 1990s, something needs to change fast.

California just launched a statewide initiative tackling a crisis many didn't see coming: young men are increasingly isolated, anxious, and struggling to find purpose. But the solution might be simpler than anyone expected.

Research from Points of Light shows that young people who volunteer experience 25% lower anxiety and are 35% less likely to have behavioral problems. Most remarkably, they're 66% more likely to be "flourishing" in life compared to those who don't volunteer.

The crisis is real. Men ages 18 to 35 report significantly higher loneliness than women their age. In 2021, suicide rates among men were four times higher than women, with many describing themselves as "worthless" and "useless" before taking their lives.

Neil Bush, chair of Points of Light, and Alex Barrasso are working to change this through structured volunteer opportunities. Both credit their own volunteer experiences with shaping their sense of identity and community connection.

The challenge isn't desire. A recent NBC poll found Gen Z men rank making their family or community proud and using their talents to help others among their top five markers of success.

The problem is access. Points of Light found that 44% of people who want to volunteer don't know how to get involved or can't find opportunities near them.

The Ripple Effect

The impact goes beyond individual mental health. When young men engage in service, entire communities benefit from their energy, talents and commitment.

Points of Light currently engages 4 million volunteers annually and aims to double total volunteer numbers by 2035. They're pushing for corporations to offer paid volunteer hours and for schools to integrate service learning from primary through college.

In 2023, only 34% of young people ages 16 to 17 volunteered. That leaves millions missing out on one of the most accessible paths to purpose and connection.

The infrastructure is expanding. Community centers, youth organizations and businesses are creating structured pathways that make volunteering as easy as showing up.

The message is spreading: volunteering isn't just good for communities. It's profoundly good for the volunteers themselves, offering something money can't buy—a sense of belonging and worth.