" A mentor is an trusted adult friend with a long-term, consistent committment to provide guidance and support to youth. Formal mentoring programs focus on supporting the relationship between mentor and youth (mentee) and developing the character and capabilities of the young person. (From www.youthmentoring.org.)
Mentors may be adults or older teens. They may volunteer in schools, as coaches in sports, at recreation centers, churches, 4-H, Girl and Boy Scouts, after out of school school programs and other venues. Although long term relationships are optimal, sometimes a short time relationship with a significant adult can provide youth with a powerful role model that may last a lifetime.
Resiliency literature has indicated that many times the relationship with an important adult has made all the difference in terms of a young person's chosing to live a healthier life style and making better decisions. "Caring" is very important but other factors are equally important such as modeling clear thinking, positive beliefs and values, appreciating the importance of discipline and support.
The North Country Youth Mentoring Project Collaboration will be providing information and training on many of these important factors in addition to risk management of volunteers, normal youth development, engaging youth in decision making, supporting youth leadership development and other skills building elements. Stay tuned.
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