If you’ve resolved to make a difference or dedicate your time to worthy causes in the new year, I encourage you to consider mentoring.
You may have thought about it in the past but weren’t sure if you’d have the time or qualifications. But chances are – you do!
January is National Mentoring Month – a time for individuals and organizations across the country to bring awareness to the need for caring adults to serve as role models for youth.
I’ve been inspired to mentor for the past 16 years. While I have no biological children, I am dedicated to positively impacting the young people in my family and in my community.
According to MENTOR, the national mentoring partnership, 1 out of 3 children will grow up without a mentor.
There are many benefits for children and teens matched with mentors. These young people are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and activities such as truancy, drugs and gangs. They also are more likely to graduate high school and attend college.
Consider this.
It only takes a few hours a month of face time and a phone call a week to help increase a child’s self-esteem. In addition to the mentee’s development, the mentor benefits in many ways. My mentees have helped me aspire higher in my career and in life. And knowing that they’re looking up to me, keeps me living in integrity.
Still not sure about mentoring?
Visit www.rashedakamaria.com to download your copy of my FREE mentoring guide.
Rasheda Kamaria Williams is an award-winning mentor, author and chief empowering officer for Empowered Flower Girl LLC. Check out her TEDx talk to learn how mentoring makes a difference.
Empowered Flower Girl 