NEWS AND EVENTS
Featured
This fall, students at CSU East Bay launched the first-ever college-based Ever Forward Club, bringing the #MillionMaskMovement to campus. Led by two former EFC interns, the club is building powerful partnerships, hosting mask-making events, and creating space for real connection and belonging.
Ever Forward Club joined Northeastern University Oakland’s “Taste of Oakland” to welcome 750+ first-year students. Through the #MillionMaskMovement, we sparked reflection, connection, and community, planting seeds for vulnerability and belonging from day one.
Ever Forward Club joined 30 global orgs at the Rare Impact Fund Capacity Building Workshop in NYC. We explored strategy, collaboration, and growth while representing youth mental health leadership. This milestone strengthens our global vision and commitment to empowering young men—one mask at a time.
Award-winning educator Ashanti Branch releases his debut book, Diary of a Confused Educator (Part 1), on May 28, 2025. Blending humor, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom, Branch takes readers from his early days as an overwhelmed math teacher in Oakland to his journey as founder of the Ever Forward Club and the #MillionMaskMovement. Told in diary form, this powerful collection reflects on moments of struggle, connection, and renewal—offering a mirror and a roadmap for every teacher, mentor, and parent navigating today’s educational challenges.
At our May Advocates for Young Men gathering, young leaders AJ and Jorge shared powerful truths about trust, judgment, and what teens really need from adults. We celebrated 21 years of Ever Forward Club and explored how empathy—not lectures—builds connection. When we listen deeply, we create space for young men to thrive.
"What happens when young people are given space to be real? At Ever Forward Club, we’re finding out—one mask at a time. This May, we held Mental Health Action Day at 3 SF schools, helping students explore emotions behind their masks. Read on to see the impact—and what’s coming next.
The Ever Forward Club joyfully celebrated its 21st anniversary with a vibrant Community Dance-A-Thon. Nearly 100 participants joined the festivities, enjoying dancing, creative art activities, and community connections. All proceeds from this heartwarming event will support the upcoming Young Men's Conference, empowering local youth through workshops and mentoring.
At the 2025 Rare Beauty Mental Health Summit, Ashanti Branch of the Ever Forward Club led a powerful conversation and mask-making activity that invited attendees to explore vulnerability, identity, and emotional wellness. Through the #MillionMaskMovement, participants reflected on what they show the world—and what they often keep hidden.
The Ever Forward Club brought its powerful #MillionMaskMovement to Seton Hall University during the Men’s Mental Health Gala on April 24, 2025. Led by keynote speaker Ashanti Branch, the event created a transformative space for college men to explore vulnerability, emotional wellness, and authentic connection. Through interactive mask-making, campus tabling, and student dialogue, this partnership illuminated the urgent need to prioritize men’s mental health on college campuses.
Ever Forward Club brought mask-making workshops to Ross, Madrone, and Island High—engaging students, staff, and families. With assemblies, PD sessions, and emotional breakthroughs, these schools are embracing connection, courage, and whole-school transformation.