ASF’s Vox Libera Salon series: Dinner & discussion – The predicament facing boys and young men in today’s world

Saturday 16th May, International Boys’ Day

6pm Pot Luck Dinner and socialising, 7-8.30pm Discussion

Location: One of our supporter’s homes in Sydney’s Inner West; exact location will be sent to registrants

Across Australia, boys and young men are navigating one of the most complex transitions in modern history. Educational outcomes for boys are declining, male participation in university is falling, trades and technical pathways are undervalued, housing is increasingly out of reach for young families, and male wellbeing (from mental health to suicide rates) demands urgent attention.

Yet beneath the noise and polarisation, there is a quieter truth: most young men want to contribute, build families, learn skills, and serve their communities. Research increasingly shows that their views are complex (such as the high-quality YouGov survey from October 2025 on masculinity and young men) and often much more balanced than public narratives suggest.

This Vox Libera salon and dinner is an opportunity for thoughtful Australians to gather, share a meal, and engage in a candid, constructive conversation about the future of boys and young men in our country.

Topics will include:
• Education pathways for boys and young men
• Trades, technology and meaningful work
• Relationships, family formation, and faith
• Housing affordability and economic independence
• Mentorship, fatherhood and male wellbeing

The evening will be facilitated by:

Jason Strecker — Head of Mathematics, educator and contributor to The Spectator and Brownstone Institute. Jason brings deep experience in education reform, wellbeing metrics, and the cultural forces shaping young people.

David Maywald — Board director, former portfolio manager, and author of The Relentless War on Masculinity. David advocates for balanced policies that support boys and men while strengthening families and society.

Update: We also have a special guest attending — Sonia Shaljean. Sonia is a Churchill Fellow visiting Australia, and she is the Founder and Managing Director of Lads Need Dads (an award-winning non-profit in England)

Tickets for this event are limited to ASF members only. To become an ASF member, please click here.

This will be an intimate salon-style dinner at a private home. You can expect thoughtful conversation, practical insights, and good company. The dinner will be pot luck style: all registrants are asked to bring a plate to share.

 If you care about the future of Australia’s boys and young men, please join us.