​January marks National Mentoring Month across the United States! The annual campaign is aimed at expanding quality mentoring opportunities to connect more of our community’s young people with caring adults. Mentors make an impact providing young people with the tools to make responsible choices, attend and engage in school, and reduce or avoid risky behavior like drug use.

Who do you turn to?

If you are youth looking for someone to help with decisions and life in general, find a mentor today!

Do you have what it takes to be a mentor?  

Most of us have had a teacher, supervisor or coach who has been a mentor to us and made a positive difference in our lives. Those people wore many hats, acting as delegators, role models, cheerleaders, policy enforcers, advocates, and friends. Mentors assume these different roles and share some basic qualities:

• A sincere desire to be involved with a young person;
• Respect for young people;
• Active listening skills;
• Empathy;
• Ability to see solutions and opportunities; and
  
• Flexibility.

Explore being a mentor or advocate for mentoring by visiting the Mentor Illinois website.

Spread the word for mentoring!

Look through the national Campaign Toolkit for ways to promote mentoring. View the National Mentoring Month Kick-off Video and share on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS IN JANUARY.

Click to see the official Illinois Mentoring Month Proclamation.