Mentoring a child can make the difference of a lifetime

I grew up in a healthy, wholesome, two-parent household. My parents were the consummate role models. They provided for all my needs.

Too many children, especially black ones, are growing up today without the love and nurturing of a single parent, much less two. The closest thing to a role model they have are the athletes and entertainers they see on television and music videos.

Without guidance and support, they are fighting a losing battle against drug abuse, teen violence and unwed pregnancy.

It doesn't have to be that way. Each of us can do something to make these children's lives better. We need more black people, especially black men, to take the time to mentor black youths. In many cases, it only takes an hour a week.

read full article at:
http://www.pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080617/NEWS01/806170331/1006/NEWS01

Learn more about mentoring at http://www.mentoring.org

Become a mentor

Few bonds in life are more influential than those between a young person and an adult. As you begin your journey toward becoming a mentor, you will need to thoroughly understand the basics of mentoring before entering into a relationship with a young person.


Look at a role you are probably already familiar with. Most of us have had a supervisor, a boss or coach. Those people wore many hats. They acted as, delegators, role models, cheerleaders, policy enforcers, advocates, and friends. As a mentor you will wear these same hats.

Mentors understand the need to assume a number of different roles during the course of a mentoring relationship, but successful mentors also share the same basic qualities:

* A sincere desire to be involved with a young person.
* Respect young people.
* Listen actively.
* Empathize.
* See solutions and opportunities.
* Be flexible and open.

learn more at: http://www.mentoring.org/mentors/become_a_mentor/

be a mentor this summer.

Arlen Specter hits one out of the park for Phillies

It wasn't exactly advertised as a double-header, but those attending Saturday night's Phillies loss to the Los Angeles Angels at Citizens Bank Park also had the opportunity to cheer on U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter.

The Phillies honored Specter for his work to help mentor children, including nearly $6 million in federal funds he's secured for mentoring programs.

Specter's work on mentoring goes back to his days as Philadelphia district attorney.

Read full article at: http://blog.pennlive.com/pennsyltucky/2008/06/arlen_specter_hits_one_out_of.html

Learn more about mentoring at http://www.mentoring.org

Find mentoring opportunities near you: http://www.mentoring.org/mentors/find_an_opportunity/

Good: Counsel children whose parents are in jail.

By JENNA PORTNOY
The Intelligencer

The Rev. Dr. W. Wilson Goode Sr. visited Bucks County Thursday to advise corrections officials and social service providers about the importance of counseling children of incarcerated parents.

The former Philadelphia major spoke not only as the director of Amachi, a faith-based mentoring program copied across the county, but also from personal experience. His father was sent to jail when was Goode was a teenager.

for the full article visit:
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/113-06202008-1552121.html

or http://www.mentoring.org/find_resources/caregiverschoice/

Seventeen in Leadership McDuffie Class of 2008

By Lynn Davidson
Staff Writer

After six months, they thought they were through. And then they graduated.

The 2008 Leadership McDuffie graduation ceremony was held recently in the Thomson Depot, with 17 members receiving their plaques.

"This plaque does not mean you have reached the end of the road," said Lagaile Jones, the 2008 co-chair of Leadership McDuffie. "It is just the beginning, because now you will be leadership alumni. And we will be calling on you to help in the future."

http://mirror.augusta.com/stories/061908/com_462770.shtml

Columnist David Brooks Speaks to Telemachan Council

Last week, New York Times columnist and News Hour analyst David Brooks addressed MENTOR’s 2008 Telemachan Council Newsmaker Dinner at the Asia Society in New York City. Mr.Brooks’ opening remarks specifically addressed mentoring by focusing on recent government efforts versus personal responsibility. According to Mr. Brooks, the government has spent more than 750 billion dollars over twenty-five years to get more kids through college with limited and often disappointing results.

read full article at http://www.mentoring.org/news/40/

Michigan’s First Gentleman Mulhern Encourages Mentoring

June 17, 2008: First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern said in his Father’s Day radio address that father figures play an important role in the lives of children, and Father's Day represents the ideal time for thousands of Michigan men to consider becoming mentors. Mulhern made his remarks in delivering a weekly radio address on behalf of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.

Read full article and more mentoring news at:
http://www.mentoring.org/news/38/