CONNECTION IN A TIME OF SOCIAL DISTANCING
As a movement committed to relationships and proximity, we are thinking deeply about what the COVID-19 pandemic means for youth mentoring relationships and ensuring they are sustained in ways that are intentional and safe. While we continue to monitor information from health experts, we also want to use our platform to be responsive and to share tips from a relationship lens that you as programs, mentors, and caring adults can bear in mind as you show up – however that looks – for the young people in your lives and the wide range of program models and considerations that exist in this diverse and dynamic field. We know there is an abundance of information out there so below we have provided a few resources that we hope are helpful.
As our physical routines are broken and movements are restricted, it can lead to us becoming trapped in an information overload and disconnected from relationships that provide so much we need in times like these. It is important to balance being informed with recognizing and acting on our need to reach outward to the people in our communities so we are there for each other.
In confusing times, when we are enduring something for the first time, being there for each other (even if not in physical proximity), listening to individual and unique concerns, owning what we do and don’t know, and showing up in whatever way makes sense is as powerful as ever. You know that and make that a reality every day a million times over in America.
The relationships you have created especially pay dividends in times like these when we need folks to lean on. We just want to make sure we’re here for you and that we are elevating concerns and solutions, advocating, and doing all we can to serve those who strengthen our fabric every day.
Most of all, we want to hear from you about the real challenges you and your program are facing in addressing COVID-19. Are there best practices you have adopted that we can share? Is there information you need help finding on any issues emerging as a result of this global health crisis? You can reach us via email and on social media. We’re here for you.
Sincerely,
David Shapiro
President & CEO
MENTOR