Mentoring in Alexandria - Reasons To Become A Mentor



Reasons To Become A Mentor Being a part of a mentoring program can make an important difference in a child's life. Research indicates mentored children are more likely to succeed and less likely to engage in risky behavior. YOUNG PEOPLE INVOLVED IN MENTORING PROGRAMS ARE: MORE LIKELY TO… Stay in school Improve their grades Enroll in college A 1988 Proctor and Gamble study of mentoring programs in Cincinnati showed while about 25% of the student population went on to college over 85% of mentored students did. That’s nearly a 60% improvement. The study also found that mentored students were more likely to stay in school and improved their grades. Graduate from high school Be active in their communities Be hopeful about their futures From 1989 to 1991, the Quantum Opportunities Program evaluated the results of mentoring disadvantaged teens. Those students who were mentored were significantly more likely to graduate from high school, and to become involved in their communities. In addition, the mentored teens had a much more optimistic view of their futures compared to those who were not involved in a mentoring program. LESS LIKELY TO… Begin using illegal drugs Begin using alcohol Skip school Hit someone A 1995 study involving Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) found that youth who participated in the program were 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 27% less likely to start drinking, 52% less likely to skip school and 33% less likely to hit someone. Get arrested Receive food stamps or welfare From 1989 to 1991, the Quantum Opportunities Program evaluating the results of mentoring disadvantage teens. The study also found that those students who had participated in a mentoring program were less likely than their peers to get arrested, or receive food stamps/welfare. Ever carry weapons Have sex with more than one partner Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine (April 2000) studied adolescents receiving medical care by physicians in a suburban community-based teaching hospital. The young people, who had adult mentors, were less likely than their peers to ever carry weapons, use illegal drugs in the past 30 days, smoke more than five cigarettes a day, or have sex with more than one partner in the past six months. BEING A MENTOR CAN POSITIVELY IMPACT THE MENTOR'S LIFE, TOO! Community Mentoring is a great way to reach out and truly get involved in your community. Through spending time with a child, you will make an investment not only in his or her growth and development, but also in that of the surrounding community. Each empowered, educated child has the potential to give to others like them the same support and care they have received. What’s in it for their community? Exponential change and betterment. Touch Lives Through mentoring you will guide the bright, young minds that are the leaders of the future and therefore, contribute to the prevention of gangs, crime, drug abuse and teen pregnancy. The child you mentor will look to you for the guidance and wisdom that, supplied during their most impressionable years, will undoubtedly shape the adult he or she will become. Gratification This is your chance to be Superman, Wonder Woman, or the Incredible Hulk without the inconvenience of tights, leotards or green skin. As a mentor you will shine in your child’s eyes and know that the time you’ve spent together has not only added value and motivation to your life, but to his or hers as well. No form of flattery is greater or more meaningful than the adoration of a child. You’ll feel better about yourself in the process. Lead and Learn In many aspects mentors show their children the way. Mentors lead activities, games, and outings, but also guide their children to make good decisions and to look toward positive influences. In turn for your guidance, you will gain an astounding amount of wisdom simply from interacting with your child. Both of you will be for the better. Bond As a mentor, you will have the privilege of a child’s inquisitive mind and fresh honesty, although a few bad moods or broody days will likely be thrown in the mix. You will assuredly forge a relationship that will supply plenty of smiles and laughter, but be genuine enough to endure tears, disappointments, and all the usual bumps along the path of adolescence. Meet like minded adults Whatever your motivation, becoming a mentor is a great way to expand your social network. At information sessions, trainings and support/fun events you will have the opportunity to meet adults who share your passion and commitment to helping others.