Iowa MENTOR

This season, it’s important to focus on the role of regular and meaningful attendance in student success. It’s not just about showing up, but rather showing up consistently and staying engaged through the learning process. 🧠 Mentors can have a huge impact on student commitment by helping them set goals and stay on track. 🎯 Learn more about how you can help youth around you stay motivated in school at https://bit.ly/4dAqKRg Attendance Works

Celebrating provides a wonderful opportunity to not only honor the traditions and contributions of Latin American communities, but to also highlight the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity in mentoring relationships. 🌍❤ By interchanging diverse experiences and perspectives, mentors can partake in conversations that continually encourage learning and inclusivity. Join us in embracing this month as a chance to connect, educate, and celebrate! Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/mrym54wd

Today we remember the lives lost on 9/11 and honor all those who rose up to show their support in the aftermath and rebuilding. Channel the spirit of unity and consider contributing positively to your community through mentoring. Learn more about how you can do so at bit.ly/3uQi5Jf

With loneliness and isolation on the rise, it’s crucial to continue expanding support to young people through mentoring opportunities. This World , we’re highlighting how mentoring plays an important role in supporting mental health, particularly in helping young people navigate challenging times. 🤝❤ Check in on your community today and offer support if you are able. For helpful resources, visit https://tinyurl.com/urvve2cd

Literacy undoubtedly opens doors to new worlds and opportunities, and mentors play an important role in advancing this skill. 📖🧐 Whether through helping a young person discover their new favorite book, or guiding someone through reading challenges, this support can foster a lifelong passion for learning. Explore how you can continue making a difference with our resources: https://tinyurl.com/ywev5uu4

During National Awareness Month, we unite to raise awareness. 💪 We recognize that a strong network of support, including mentors, plays a crucial role in mental health. 🧠❤ The mentoring movement can provide safe spaces for those who are struggling. Let’s continue to show care and compassion and continue to check in with those around us. Explore resources to help at https://tinyurl.com/urvve2cd

It’s an exciting time as students across the country head back to the classroom for a new academic year – but it isn’t just about hitting the books. 📚 It’s crucial to ensure that young people are learning in more ways than one and is a fantastic time for mentors to lend their support! 🎯 student success by helping youth meet their social and emotional needs. For more on the mentoring mindset this season, head to https://tinyurl.com/ywev5uu4.

The Essentials for Mentoring Black & Brown Girls is a training for mentors who are interested in supporting Black & Brown Girls. The curriculum will be introduced in a three-day training to be held on September 9, 10, and 11, at Ankeny Kirkendall Library, from 4:00-8:00pm each day. Scholars of the Black & Brown Girl Movement, sponsored by MENTOR National, will be conducting the trainings. There is an optional fourth day of training for program partners interested in becoming facilitators of the Black & Brown Girls Movement in Iowa. The additional day of training is Thursday, September 12, from 9:00am-3:00pm at the Ankeny Kirkendall Library.

Register today! https://forms.office.com/g/E5rvkhxCVh

This , we’re celebrating how mentoring relationships can help empower young girls and women to create change and build equity. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/4e5889c3

Black and Brown Girl Mentoring Movement - MENTOR Raise your voice, share your knowledge, and affect positive change through engagement with Congress and other elected officials in your communities.

🥳 Young people are fantastic leaders & visionaries, already shaping their collective futures together. When connected with supportive adults, their potential only soars. Join us in uplifting youth this at https://tinyurl.com/2fysysdx

Iowa MENTOR is hosting Dwell: The Worth Within Us, Black and Brown Girls in Mentoring Movement. This is a day designed to include fun, art, journaling, music, dance, wellness, and an exploration of how mentoring can support, uplift, and celebrate Black & Brown Girls.

September 7th 8:30am – 5:00pm
Reiman Gardens
1407 University Blvd.
Ames, IA

RSVP to [email protected]

Join us in remembering NBA champion, civil rights activist & MENTOR founding Board Member . We honor his legacy by continuing to expand mentoring opportunities for young people. Learn more: bit.ly/3xcWFrc Boston Celtics NBA Cares

Thrilled to celebrate 34 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)! ✨ , we have a civil rights law ensuring that all people with disabilities have the same rights & opportunities as everyone else. Learn more at 🔗 adaanniversary.org

Join us in celebrating all the non-binary mentors & mentees in our movement this ! We’re proud that the mentoring movement can serve as a welcoming & inclusive space for all to be exactly who they are 💗 Learn more at 🔗 tinyurl.com/ynpjjtu7

This , you can help stand against ableism and support youth with disabilities by adapting your mentoring programs to be more inclusive. 🤝 Learn more with our resources at 🔗 tinyurl.com/2bfzp6va

As we celebrate this , we recall that many of the 1776 changemakers were young people. Youth have always aspired for greatness & sought to bring positive change. We owe it to the next generation to support their efforts. 🎇

Join us in celebrating this July by committing to continuous learning about disability issues & inclusivity practices. 🤝 Supportive mentoring relationships can help foster this. Learn more at 🔗 tinyurl.com/2bfzp6va

72% of LGBTQ+ participants in our ‘Who Mentored You?’ study recalled needing a
mentor growing up, but didn’t have one. Drop a “🏳‍ 🌈💕” in the comments if you
believe all youth deserve a mentor. Let’s make a change NOW

We all deserve to feel safe in being who we are, but sadly this isn’t true for many. 49%
of LGBTQ+ youth experienced bullying this past year according to the Trevor Project’s
2024 Nat’l Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 👉 bit.ly/3JXeFZi. Let’s change this!

Want to learn how your mentoring program can effectively meet the needs of LGBTQ+
youth? 🏳️‍🌈 Check out the LGBTQ Supplement to the Elements of Effective Practice for
Mentoring at tinyurl.com/2s6bpz69

🌈 Here’s to celebrating all members of the LGBTQ+ community & the mentors that
help nurture inclusive spaces that promote free expression. Learn more about how you
can support at tinyurl.com/ynpjjtu7

🏃‍♀️ This month, we’re focused on how mentors can use sport and play to connect with young people while also promoting health and wellness. Not sure where to start? Head to 👉 tinyurl.com/y5tf59p7

Join us as we remember and honor those who served and sacrificed.

This , join us in celebrating the richness of histories & contributions. can play a key role in helping youth preserve their cultures and foster identity pride. For more, visit 👉 tinyurl.com/34am8ktt

Honoring by shining a light on how positive relationships with trusted adults can empower and guide . For great resources 📚 about engaging youth in , check out 👉 tinyurl.com/22hnvpte

Today is Day & this is your reminder to not only check in with the young people in your life, but to also take a moment for yourself. 💭You cannot pour from an empty cup. Check out 🔗 tinyurl.com/urvve2cd for more info.

Substance misuse prevention begins with each of us, and efforts to keep youth healthy & safe. ✋🛑 Get involved this with ’s resources 👉 www.samhsa.gov/preventionweek

Sending a huge THANK YOU to the teachers that invest in the future of our nation’s young people this ! 🤗 Learn how you can support teachers in creating relationship-centered schools at 🔗 tinyurl.com/2zfuu33h

Did you know 58% of young people say that their mentor supports their . 🧠💕 This , explore how mentors can support youth well-being through open conversation and compassion. Visit tinyurl.com/urvve2cd for more

Indira Velazquez serves as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa's Community Based Mentoring program. Her commitment to the mentoring program is unwavering. She is the ideal mentor and makes it her mission to share her passion for mentoring youth with the Big Brothers Big Sisters community. Indira has been a consistent source of support for her mentee, America, having encouraged her to explore her strengths and see her true potential. Throughout her mentor relationship, Indira has also fostered a supportive connection with America’s mother, Rebecca, who is extremely grateful for their relationship and the positive impact that Indira has had on America. Indira offers advice to other mentors, explaining how important it is to “treat mentees as equals and remember they are just little people.” Learn more about Indira's mentoring experience at https://volunteer.iowa.gov/our-mission/what-we-do/excellence-mentoring-awards.
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Photo credit (right side photo): Ana Kirkpatrick