The month of January is National Mentoring Month. Founded in 2002, the 30-day campaign serves to educate both young people and community adults about the positive impact of mentoring. The campaign was created through a joint effort between MENTOR, the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Harvard School of Public Health.
Throughout January, several planned events will honor both mentors and mentees for their ongoing contributions. I Am A Mentor Day, held January 12, gives volunteers a full day to recognize the ways their mentees have grown and enhanced the world around them. On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, participants reflect on the positive messaging of the fallen civil rights hero to encourage a greater spirit of volunteerism and service. International Mentoring Day and #ThankYouMentor Day are other planned celebrations taking place during January.
Mentoring is a necessary action that can only positively impact our communities and our youth. According to mentoring.org, students with mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college. They’re more likely to volunteer on a regular basis, and they’re likely to mentor someone else later in life. Mentored youth are 130% more likely to hold leadership positions in their careers. Mentoring isn’t just a fun buzzword or an annual event to check off the calendar. It’s an investment in the future of our workforce and country.
To get involved with National Mentoring Month and to gain access to official collateral, visit mentoring.org today.