Mission
Virginia Coalition for Boys and Men is a nonpartisan, statewide network of organizations and leaders working to ensure a future where men and boys’ unique qualities are valued and their unique struggles are addressed for the benefit of all.
Problem: Virginia’s boys and men are struggling:
In the Commonwealth, men’s and boys’ outcomes deserve concern and resources:
Education
VA SOL writing pass rate: Boys 11 percentage points lower than girls
Reading: Boys 6 percentage points lower
Math: Boys 5 percentage points lower
K-12 classroom instructors: 17% men
Early childhood teachers: 2% men
College enrollment: 43% men
Trade school enrollment: 25% men
Health
Suicides: 77% men
Life expectancy: 75 men vs 81 women
Homeless: 63% men
Alcohol related deaths: 69% males
Men are 2X more likely than women to experience substance abuse
Crime
Juvenile detention: 93% male
92% prisoners are men
Opportunity:
Issues facing males are beginning to get attention nationwide. A Virginia coalition is an opportunity to get ahead of what will be a massive nationwide bipartisan movement to change laws, devote resources and create a Virginia where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive.
Virginia Coalition for Boys and Men Actions:
Be a powerful public-facing force to raise awareness of men and boy issues
Advise lawmakers with data-based recommendations
Collaborate on research, media messaging and effective advocacy
Internally share ideas and network
Join the movement: emma@vaboysandmen.org