CONYERS, GA— January is National Mentoring Month. Please consider becoming a mentor and doing more for members of your community. It is a way of self-improvement and bettering the community.
For most, finding someone to mentor may come from a neighbor, church, or a friend’s child. But most will say, I don’t have time, I can’t talk to young people, I have already raised my kids, or what do I have to offer? But we need people to quit finding excuses and not providing guidance and support to someone in need! Also, it does not have to be a young child; it can be high school, college, or even a young adult entering the professional world.
Mentor National in Boston says, “mentoring amplifies change, one relationship at a time.” Can you imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood? Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive in all endeavors over a lifetime.
To start, one doesn’t have to approach an individual and ask, “Can I be your mentor?”. Instead, start with opportunities to volunteer with groups, let friends know you are thinking about it, and become more approachable. For example, organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club nationwide are looking for individuals who can offer more than time; they are seeking those who can provide guidance based on lived experience to create a base for the youth.
These suggestions come from firsthand experience. My experience mentoring me began when I volunteered for my fraternity, Kappa Sigma. The effort provided an opportunity based on lived experience to
create a base for the youth.
These suggestions come from firsthand experience. My experience mentoring me began when I volunteered for my fraternity, Kappa Sigma. The effort provided an opportunity to offer guidance or someone the undergraduates could talk to genuinely. Almost 25 years later, thanks to Facebook, I can see the fruits of my labor in their success as parents, in their communities, and professionally. Now my mentoring has moved beyond those in the fraternity. For example, I am currently working with a young entrepreneur who wants to talk through plans and avenues to solidify his base and expand his market.
Remember, mentoring can raise awareness for how one conversation, one experience, and one mentor can change a young person’s life. And it does not have to be “earth-shattering” guidance; most need someone to listen to them.
In addition to creating positive change for another, personal experience has demonstrated to me that it will create a need for the mentor to work on making themselves a better person. An example is the continuous pursuit of books that may help someone. Upon finding and devouring a book, I will buy it for someone I am working with and write notes of encouragement in the front. Recently I learned from one that those notes were inspiring. You never know how you can affect another’s life and the potential for the cycle to continue.
If you would like to know more about mentoring, how to get started, or guidance on a process, go to internet sites such as the one for Mentoring National at: https://www.mentoring.org/campaigns/national-mentoring-month/.
Marchman Consulting helps communities make an impact with data analysis, grant development, implementation, and evaluation for sustainability efforts for a variety of programs. An example is the alcohol risk management (ARM) measures, such as Marchman’s award-winning RASS training program. Validation of his success, Marchman was the recipient of the Office of Victims of Crime 2022 Victims’ Rights Award presented by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on the Washington Mall. More information of his services is available at www.marchmanconsulting.com.
