Knights of Columbus pitch their role at Symposium on Young American Men

Joseph McInerney, the chief strategy adviser and senior vice president for leader development for the Knights of Columbus, spoke about the importance of fraternal community for men at the Second Symposium on Young American Men in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 25. McInerney suggested that such communities can help combat loneliness and isolation among men.

The symposium, which was partially sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, addressed challenges facing young American men in 2026. While much of the event focused on public policy solutions from both political parties, McInerney discussed how fraternal groups help strengthen men by allowing them to connect with peers.

McInerney noted that men under 35 are the fastest-growing membership segment for the Knights of Columbus. He stated that the organization has seen growth among college students and those entering the workforce, noting there are now more than 300 active college councils, with nearly half located in the United States.