About Mentoring
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| Mentoring at work |
What is mentoring?
Mentoring is a positive relationship between an adult and a young person. It is designed to help the young person navigate the difficulties of life to reach their full potential. A mentor shares time, valuable life experience and lots of fun with a young person.There are both formal and informal mentoring relationships. An example of an informal mentoring relationship is what might occur when you spend time with a young relative or a youth in your neighborhood. A formal mentoring relationship occurs when you volunteer your time through an organization designed for that purpose.
Mentors are not expected to act as parents, teachers, therapists or probation officers. Mentors are older, more experienced friends who provide support and encouragement.
To be a mentor you must possess:
- a genuine desire and ability to form a positive relationship with a young person
- an open and flexible personality as youth may come from a variety of different backgrounds
- the ability to have fun while getting to know a young person
It's fun, it's easy and it makes a difference!
Mentoring Works
It's amazing how pairing a mentor with a youth can have such a positive impact on so many aspects of their life.Research has shown that youth who are mentored are:
- less likely to begin using illegal drugs
- less likely to begin using alcohol
- less likely to skip school
- less likely to use violence in a confrontation
Mentors provide support to youth who are learning new activities, making new friends and navigating through all the exciting and difficult things life has to offer. That support let's young people know they don't have to do it alone.
Imagine an Anchorage where ALL youth feel supported to reach their potential and achieve their dreams. Together we can make it a reality!
Types of Programs
There are a variety of programs available to meet the needs and strengths of all mentors. Mentors can be paired with a youth of most any age. Many programs offer different settings as well.Site-based
In a site-based program a mentor would meet with a youth at a specific site (school, youth facility, etc.). They typically only meet at that site and do a variety of activities available. Activities might include; sports, academics, arts & crafts, reading, games, etc.
Community-based
In a community-based program a mentor would meet with a youth in the community doing activities they agree upon. The options are limitless. Activities might include; riding bikes, doing homework, hiking, trips to the library, skiing, taking walks, arts & crafts and seeing movies.
Please refer to specific organizations for the types of programs available.