International Mentoring Day
The world today seems to be more isolated than ever before and in many cases generations are deeply separated from one another. But there’s so much to learn from someone who is just slightly ahead on the road of life!
This event brings to the fore the important concept of young people engaging in a mentoring relationship with a person who is a bit older and wiser than they are.
International Mentoring Day is here to encourage more people to get involved in the joyful and life-giving benefits of having – or being – a mentor!
How to Celebrate International Mentoring Day
With the tagline ‘Mentoring for a Better World’, the opportunities for observing International Mentoring Day are many! Make the world a better place on this day and all throughout the year by participating with some of these activities:
Become a Mentor
A number of different non-profit organizations throughout the United States are dedicated to helping young people gain access to adult mentors who can walk through the formative years of being a teen and young adult.
While 76% of people think a mentor is important, only 37% of people actually have one! In honor of International Mentoring Day, consider signing up through a school, local community center, youth group or a charitable group such as MENTOR.
Learn About (and Share!) Mentoring Benefits
Some adults may think they don’t have anything to offer or they may not be aware of the impact they can make – not only on the life of an individual but also future generations – by becoming a mentor to a younger person.
Check out a few of these statistics that reveal some of the motivation behind International Mentoring Day:
- Young people with a mentor are 78% more likely to volunteer in their community
- Those with mentors are more than two times as likely to report holding a position of leadership for an athletic team or other club
- Students with mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college
- 87% of both mentors and mentees feel empowered by and benefit from their mentoring relationships
Many other events celebrated throughout the year are related to the principles of International Mentoring Day, including National Set a Good Example Day on February 26, National Youth Confidence Day on October 20, and National Mentoring Day, which is celebrated on October 27 and mostly in the UK.
History of International Mentoring Day
International Mentoring Day is an event that grew out of a larger initiative through MENTOR, a leading non-profit organization that seeks to empower youth through mentoring relationships.
With a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and leadership, MENTOR chose to establish this day as a nod to Muhammed Ali, who was born on January 17, 1942.
As a mentor to many himself, Ali’s six principles to success continue to offer a foundation for mentoring: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect and spirituality.
International Mentoring Day acts as a perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on the one in three young people in the United States who grow up without the critical support of a mentor.
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