Each one reaching one

Today I'm celebrating National Mentoring Month

January has been designated as National Mentoring Month, as proclaimed by the President of the United States of America. Millions of Americas lend their time, talents, and energy as mentors with children in the community, with students in colleges and universities, and with other employees in corporations.





What does a mentor do? A mentor...
listens
offers friendship
guides
encourages
provides support
shares knowledge
shares experiences
shows others the ropes
helps others
helps teach skills needed to succeed
helps build confidence
serves as an example



Thursday is designated as Thank Your Mentor Day. Why don't you make a telephone call and arrange a breakfast or lunch with your mentor on Thursday? You can express your appreciation by treating your mentor to lunch. If that's not possible, be sure to send your mentor a Thank You note or e-card. Or, give your mentor a quick call to say thanks. Here's a short video promotion about the observance:

As posted on YouTube by mentoringorg

One of the best ways to show your appreciation for the guidance of a mentor is to pass it on by becoming a mentor to someone else. The local United Way or Chamber of Commerce organizations often have information about local mentoring programs. There are also lots of sites on the Web to find information about volunteering as a mentor. Here are some links that may be helpful:
MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership
Points of Light Foundation
USA Freedom Corps
Many others

One of my favorite organizations is MentorNet. MentorNet is an award-winning nonprofit e-mentoring network to positively impact the retention and success of those in engineering, science, and mathematics, particularly but not exclusively women and others underrepresented in these fields. It pairs community college, undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and untenured faculty with experienced professionals in their fields for email-based mentoring relationships. I've participated in the MentorNet program for five years. I've had the opportunity to meet great students pursuing education for careers in scientific fields. If you're pursuing a degree in a scientific field and would like to participate in an e-mentoring program, visit the MentorNet site. If you're a professional in a scientific or technical field and would like to volunteer some time to work with great college students in an e-mentoring program, go to the MentorNet site and sign up as a mentor! One of my current proteges in the MentorNet program is currently working with other students at her university to build a mentoring program for undergraduate female students in science and technology programs at her university.

Today I encourage you to help make a positive difference and participate in a mentoring program. Also, take the time to contact your mentors this week and tell them how much you appreciate their guidance and willingness to help others succeed.