Virginia made history, and we’re just getting started.
Last week’s first meeting of the Virginia Advisory Commission for Boys and Men was a huge success. First, the media paid attention:
Virginia Commission for Boys and Men in the news
CBS 6 WTVR “Virginia commission begins work to address widening gaps facing boys and men”
Richmond Times Dispatch “Virginia boys’ schooling gaps wider than the nation’s, study shows”
NBC Channel 12 “The Virginia Boys and Men Advisory Commission meets for first time”
CBS WIRC, WAVY 10 “State commission meets as boys, men fall behind in Virginia”
DC News Now “State commission meets as boys, men fall behind in Virginia”
WTOP News Radio “Boys in Virginia trail girls in reading, a commission hopes to close the gap”
Scholar James Nuzzo’s newsletter
NPR/PBS “Del. Josh Thomas wants to put Virginia’s boys and men on a better path”
ABC 7 News “Virginia boys are trailing far behind girls in school; how leaders aim to close the gap”
Legislative boys/men action around the country
This is just the start. This week I’ve been contacted from leaders and advocates in Georgia, California and Alabama hoping to replicate our work in their states.
Richard Reeves and the American Institute for Boys and Men are documenting the swift momentum of this progress around the country:
Did you sign up for the Sept. 18 Summit?
Virginia’s first working summit dedicated to elevating the people and programs already improving the lives of boys and men is now open for registration!
The Virginia Blueprint: A Summit Advancing Men and Boys
Real Solutions from People Doing the Work
September 18
General Assembly Building, Richmond
Confirmed speakers include:
Richard Reeves, American Institute for Boys and Men
Virginia House Speaker Don Scott
Del. Josh Thomas, chief patron of legislation that led to the creation of the Virginia Advisory Commission for Men and Boys
Debra Higdon, author, The Dad Difference: How and Why to Invite Fathers Into Your School. A veteran Maryland K12 educator, Higdon for decades has phoned fathers first when engaging families.
September 18 is about learning from the success of Virginia lawmakers and gleaning wisdom and tactics from those successfully serving men and boys, on the ground, in Virginia and around the country.
This day is for those working nationwide to serve males in disciplines including:
Education
Workforce and economic development
Mental health
Health care
Fatherhood and family
Public safety
Policy reform
The Virginia Blueprint is focused on community-building and amplifying best practices. It is not just for Virginia folks. This is a national, even global convenening!
Summit Agenda
Check out the summit agenda. Highlights include:
Social Impact Shark Tank: Pitch your boys/men program and a panel will choose a $10,000 winner!
Apply: Shark TankNew Boy/Men Laws: How everyday people can pass men/boy policy
Rapid-Fire Proof of Practice: 7-minute presentations from program leaders highlighting what works, lessons learned, and scalable strategies.
Apply: Proof of PracticeReverse Panels: Practitioners ask questions of experts
Advocates seek advice from policy-makers
Public health leaders question researchers
Nonprofit leaders question funders
Intentional Networking: Breakfast, lunch and happy hours that facilitate meaningful connections and community beyond the summit. Skip the small talk en lieu of life-changing conversations.
Speaker Applications
Speaking opportunities prioritize those who can demonstrate programs and initiatives that successfully served boys and men, and inspire others with your success.
Apply: Shark Tank
Apply: Proof of Practice
STIPENDS AVAILABLE FOR SPEAKERS TRAVELING 100+ MILES.
AMAZING media coverage for what the commission is doing! That ABC 7 News piece is stellar.