The holidays are over, and a new year is here. In January, we have the annual opportunity to start fresh. We are given a clean slate to become the best version of ourselves, to make and hopefully achieve new goals.
For many, resolutions take the form of new gym memberships, losing weight, saving more money, or learning a new skill or hobby. All admirable objectives. However, this year, I urge you to look deeper inside and consider committing yourself to mentoring.
Mentoring is an invaluable tool, be it in the workplace, schools, youth development programs, religious institutions, or otherwise. Mentors have the unique opportunity to support youth and adults alike by facilitating personal and/or professional growth, leadership, communication skills, networking, confidence, and education.
“A mentor empowers a person to see a possible future, and believe it can be obtained.” – Shawn Hitchcock
Our communities are in need of mentors willing to contribute their time and experience. I say, who better qualified than mothers? Yes, our time is precious. But we are equipped with the skills to mentor today’s youth, young adults, and up and coming workers, all of whom will be tomorrow’s leaders, parents, and our future. As women and mothers, we all have diverse talents. It is our responsibility to impart what we can to those around us, to lift others up, and help make our neighborhoods a better place.
By sharing your knowledge, investing time in a mentee, and fostering a relationship with them, you will make a world of difference in that person’s life. And, more likely than not, also in your own.
“Mentors change lives, but students change mentors’ lives more.” – Richie Norton
While mentoring should be a dedicated and fulfilling relationship for both parties, you don’t have to make it complicated. Where do your interests lie? What are you good at? Where do you spend a lot of time? Do you do better in groups or one-on-one? Start there and narrow your search for an organization or individual(s) that you connect with personally. It may be as easy as reaching out to someone at work or joining (or forming!) a mentorship committee. If you are active in a religious community, ask your leadership or the outreach committee how you can become involved. There is almost always a wide range of opportunities available and already set up for participation.
There are myriad options for mentoring youth in the State of Michigan if that peaks your interest. Ask your teachers, principals, PTO/PTA, or school board about mentoring and outreach programs. Beyond your local schools, here is a list of just a few youth programs that are ready and waiting for your assistance:
Youth Mentor Programs
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, multiple locations across Southeast Michigan, http://www.bgcsm.org/
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit, 7700 Second Ave., Suite 602, Detroit, https://www.bbbsdetroit.org/
- Alternatives for Girls, 903 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, https://alternativesforgirls.org/
- Detroit Parent Network, 726 Lothrop Road, Detroit, http://www.detroitparentnetwork.org/
- Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan, 1333 Brewery Park Blvd, Suite 500, Detroit, https://www.gssem.org/
- The Youth Connection, Inc., 4777 E. Outer Drive, Suite 1340, Detroit, http://www.theyouthconnection.org/
- Urban Neighborhood Initiatives, 8300 Longworth St., Detroit, https://www.unidetroit.org/
- Pontiac Youth Assistance, 60 Parkhurst St, Pontiac, http://www.pontiacyouthassistance.org/mentors-plus/
- Oakland County Sheriff PAL Program, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 38 East, Pontiac, http://www.sheriffpal.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1672603
- Care House of Oakland County, 44765 Woodward Avenue, Pontiac, https://www.carehouse.org/volunteer/
So as 2019 begins, reflect on the mentors you’ve had and the essential role they’ve played in your life. Then, pay it forward, and invest in (a) mentee(s) who you connect with and can positively impact. I know my mentors, who span decades and across all aspects of my life, have helped me become the woman I am today. It’s time to give back, ladies, and share the best of you with someone else who needs it.
