What better way to make a difference in the life of a child - and your own - than mentoring a child. Now more than ever, children need caring adults in their lives to let them know they are important. Literally half of mentoring is just showing up. Each time you spend with a child makes a difference because you are saying "You are important to me." The other half involves listening to the child you are mentoring and discovering things you both like and appreciating different things about each other. Mentors don't need to have all the right answers nor is it their job to "fix" a child's situation. Your time and friendship is what counts and even one hour a week can make a difference. That is what attracted me to Everybody Wins' Power Lunch program. I read to Jamal for three years and we are still in touch today, and I'm proud to know he is on track to graduate high school next year. Power Lunch is a convenient volunteer experience that makes a real difference in the lives of the children, adults and companies involved. Please contact one of our affiliates or partners to find a program near you.
When you think about it, each of us was mentored in some way, be it a friend, family member, coach, teacher or colleague. I encourage you to visit the Who Mentored You website to learn more about some of the mentoring efforts at the national level and how you can get involved.
Rich
