Be A Mentor
1 in 3 young people will grow up without having a mentor – either through a formal mentoring or informally through a family friend or community member – leaving them disconnected from a critical resource to help with these very things.
Mentoring relationships are a shared opportunity for learning and growth. Many mentors say that the rewards they gain are as substantial as those for their mentees.
BE A LIFE COACH TO SOMEONE
Before becoming a mentor, here are a few things to understand about the role of mentoring. Most of us have had a teacher, supervisor or coach who has been a mentor to us and made a positive difference in our lives. Those people wore many hats, acting as delegators, role models, policy enforcers, advocates, and friends.
Mentors assume these different roles during the course of a relationship, and share some basic qualities:
- A sincere desire to be involved with a young person
- Respect for young people
- Active listening skills
- Empathy
- Ability to see solutions and opportunities
- Flexibility
