Frequently Asked Questions
What is mentoring?
The word "mentor" comes from the Greek for "steadfast" and "enduring." Mentoring is the one-to-one or group relationship that adults develop with young people to help them develop and succeed.
Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee.
Who needs a mentor?
All children have the potential to succeed in life and contribute to society. However, not all children get the support they need to thrive. Using the national formula, it is estimated that 10% of school-age children do not have access to responsible and caring adult mentors through family and friendship networks. In Virginia, when that estimate is applied to the 2002 school census it suggests that 143,623 young people could benefit from being matched with a mentor.
Does mentoring make a difference?
National studies prove that the need and demand for mentors is high. Some of the benefits of a mentorig relationship include:
• Improving self-esteem;
• Keeping young people in school;
• Helping improve academic skills;
• Leading young people to resources they might not find on their own;
• Providing support for new behaviors, attitudes and ambitions;
• Increasing young people's ability to seek and keep jobs;
• Enhancing parenting skills.
(Source: www.mentoring.org/runaprogram)
A public/ private ventures study found that students who regularly met with mentors for about a year were:
• 46% less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs;
• 27% less likely to start drinking;
• 52% less likely to skip a day of school;
• more trusting of their parents or guardians;
• less likely to lie to their parents or guardians; and
• more supported and less criticized by their peers and friends
(Public/Private Ventures Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters).
How do I become a mentor?
Contact your State Partnership:
Please contact Virginia Mentoring Partnership at (804) 828-1536 to be referred to a mentoring opportunity in the Commonwealth.
Contact local Volunteer Centers:
Your local Volunteer Center may know which organizations provide mentoring opportunities in your area.
Youth service organizationso Boy Scouts, Girl Scoutso Campfire Boys and Girls Club o Communities In Schools o Foster Grandparents o Junior Achievement o YMCA/YWCA o 4-H | Other organizations that serve childreno School systemso Community recreation centers o Juvenile justice offices o Community shelters o Communities of faith o Rotary Club o Lions Club |
Contact at least three organizations. Investigate your options and choose the program that meets your needs.
You can make a difference in the life of a child. Become a mentor today!
