January is National Mentoring Month

What is Mentoring?

Encouragement Goes A Long Way!

The definition is an experienced and trusted advisor.  It is someone who advises you and helps you make a difference in your life.  It is not to be confused with a coach since a mentor does not tell you how to do things.  A mentor takes a long range view of your development and helps you to see your destination.  A mentor also offers encouragement when needed and helps build self esteem and confidence.

5 Reasons Mentoring Helps

Mentoring has a proven success rate.  Research has proven that a young person with a mentor in their life is more likely to avoid participation in negative behaviors, develop better communication skills and become a more productive member in the community.

1.  Teaches young people how to communicate and relate to others.
2.  Helps young people set goals and reach them.
3.  Gives young people an example to follow or role model, a friend and an advocate.
4.  Gives young people someone they can turn to when they have problems.
5.  A Mentor is someone who lets the young person know they matter which builds their self esteem and confidence.

Who can be a Mentor and how?

Anyone.  You can volunteer to assist in programs already mentoring young ones or you can learn how to mentor those around you almost like 'paying it forward'.  We have included some links to programs that you can join.  We can also help young ones around us.  Most of us can recall someone we looked up to when we were young.  You may have been influenced by an extraordinary teacher or older friend who you admired because they had a successful career, successful family or had accomplished a huge successful goal.


Links

Mentoring Proclamation
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/12/31/presidential-proclamation-national-mentoring-month

Programs
http://p4k.org/programs/

Local Mentoring Programs
http://ccberkshire.org/2013/08/northern-berkshire-youth-mentoring-program/

10 Ways To Celebrate...
http://p4k.org/10-ways-to-celebrate-national-mentoring-month/


Areas for Mentoring:  Spiritual, Practical, Academic Mentoring


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