Public commenter urges more male volunteers for youth mentoring

A public commenter told the meeting that recruiting more male volunteers is vital for youth programs, arguing such volunteers create a "male to male connection" that helps young people feel comfortable asking male-specific questions. The speaker said this view is grounded in supervisory experience: "I've seen it in my work as a supervisor, and I've seen the the relationships that happen."

The commenter described the qualities needed in volunteers — patience, understanding and the ability to teach "positive male masculinity" — and said age gaps are not a barrier to effective mentorship: "I I think that kids can learn from anyone that's older than them, and they want role models to look up to." The remarks ended with a direct appeal: "We need more male volunteers," and a call for advocates who will "dive into the relationship with the youth, from a male to male perspective." The transcript shows these comments as public testimony; no formal motion or vote on the subject appears in the record.