National Mentoring Month is a worldwide campaign dedicated to recognising mentoring and the impact it can have on people’s lives. Whether it is developing employees, supporting young people or inspiring students, mentoring enables people to unleash their full potential by learning from others.
Established in 2002, National Mentoring Month is a time to celebrate the power of mentoring and encourage others to explore how mentoring programmes can enable us to create more productive, engaged and satisfied people and students!
What are the goals of National Mentoring Month?
- To raise awareness of the different types of mentoring
- To inspire more people to become mentors (particularly younger people)
- To advance the growth of mentoring by encouraging organisations to run mentoring programmes for their people
Why we love national mentoring month!
Mentoring creates unity
Mentoring allows people to grow and improve themselves. It brings people from all walks of life together. Goals are so much more attainable when there is a mentor who helps you accomplish your vision. National Mentoring Month brings together people with the same passions, interests and excitement to support one another.
Seeking a mentor builds courage
National Mentoring Month is a great way to introduce yourself to others and build courage – whether mentor or mentee. It can be daunting to ask someone to mentor you, but it all starts with what you want to succeed in.
Mentor others to help your community
There are lots of opportunities for young people to join mentoring communities. Even if you are changing professions or are looking for a new start, mentoring programmes allow for people of all ages to meet others and guide them with achieving their goals.
National Mentoring Month activities
There are loads of fantastic ways that you can celebrate National Mentoring Month! Here are some examples:
Become a mentor for someone
Join a mentoring programme available to you – whether it is in you workplace, school or local community. The best part about being a mentor is that there is no age limit. Excel in one skill and it can be taught to others – you never know who’s life you could change! Action 4 Youth are a fantastic charity providing early intervention, mentoring and support for young people aged 12-15 who may be at risk of falling into anti-social behaviour.
Find a mentor to guide you
A new year is a great time to think about what goals you want to achieve. If the goals are professional improvements, search for a mentor in your workplace. Finding a mentor will be much easier once you know what goals to achieve.
Treat the mentors in your life!
Think about who the mentors in your life are – whether professional or personal. Thank your mentor with a nice gift this month, or take them out for lunch. Mentors tend to be very patient and deserve all the appreciation given to them. If money is an issue, the simple gesture of thanking them for their time and work in you makes all the difference.
Spread awareness on social media
One of the best ways to celebrate National Mentoring Month is to spread awareness on social media. Thank your mentors and share their impact on your life with your family and friends. If you’re a mentor yourself, share stories from your mentoring experiences and what you have learned from your mentees online. Encourage your network to thank their own mentors and consider becoming mentors themselves!
Thinking of becoming a mentor?
Mentoring amplifies change, one relationship at a time. Are you ready to join the mentoring movement? MENTOR advocates for mentorship and raises awareness for how one conversation, one experience and one mentor can change a young person’s life. MENTOR can help you take your first steps into the world of mentoring – find out more on their website!