Wanted: More mentors for youth in Thurston County. Can you help?
January is National Mentoring Month, and this year’s theme is “imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged and understood.” In Thurston County, 1 in 4 residents is age 60 or older. This means we have over 69,000 seniors with a wealth of skills and lived experience in our own backyard.
Thurston Thrives, a local community health improvement partnership, did some work last year to look at areas of health and well-being that need additional focus. One thing they found was that we need to work more on resilience. One way we can do this is to increase inter-generational mentoring opportunities in all of our local communities. Inter-generational mentoring involves connecting two generations, youth and older adults.
A mentor volunteers their time and skills, but they are more than just a volunteer. A mentor is someone who intentionally sets out to build a relationship with someone else. Mentors often work with that person to help them solve their own problems, rather than give direction. They support them by listening and helping them develop their potential. This can be done in everyday settings, such as neighborhoods, schools or community-based programs.
One feature specific to inter-generational mentoring, compared to other forms of learning and support, is that it is designed to benefit all participants – the mentor and mentee. Science shows that inter-generational mentoring can create a range of beneficial outcomes for the youth participating, including: reducing isolation, increasing social emotional skills, increasing academic achievement and improving health. For the seniors who participate, it has been found to increase the mentor’s feeling of self-worth, accomplishment, and well-being.
One of our staff members told me a story about a retired volunteer (Bob), and one of the youth bowling leagues here in Thurston County. I learned that Bob volunteers his time every weekend to coach kids in the league. The kids love Bob. Even the teenagers crack a smile for him. This might in part be because every time one of them gets three strikes in a row, he calls it “a turkey” and uses a special noise-maker to draw attention to this significant achievement.
But beyond the noise-makers, the kids love Bob because he helps these local bowlers improve their skills. He also shares his wisdom and experience about setting goals, dealing with disappointment, and treating others well. This is really important for kids of all ages. Bob is a mentor. And we need more of them across Thurston County.
In 2020, consider how you might help local kids by becoming a mentor. Thurston County has some great opportunities you can check out:
Become a Reading Buddy. United Way of Thurston County has a program already in place that serves many of our schools. https://www.unitedway-thurston.org/united-way-reading-buddy-program
Become part of Thurston County 4-H. Often those who volunteer their talents create some amazing bonds with local youth. https://extension.wsu.edu/thurston/youth/
Don’t underestimate your ability to create your own mentoring opportunities.
Every child, whether age 7 or 17, needs someone who lights up when they see them. Meaningful relationships with youth can engage our older generations’ sense of belonging and purpose. Inter-generational relationships can truly help transform our future and make Thurston County one of the healthiest places to live — for everyone.
Learn more about Mentoring at The National Mentoring Partnership: https://www.mentoring.org/