City of Greensboro and United Way Seek to Engage Volunteers During National Mentoring Month

Greensboro, NC (December 27, 2018) – January is National Mentoring Month. Continuing the tradition, the City of Greensboro and United Way of Greater Greensboro are celebrating the mentoring movement and expanding quality mentoring opportunities.

Throughout the month, United Way and the City are encouraging members of the community to make a difference by becoming a mentor.

United Way manages a registry of almost 30 mentoring programs that might have the perfect fit for you. One program is United Way’s African-American Male Initiative that provides mentors for our African-American, Hispanic and other male students. Mentoring starts in grades 2nd – 5th at Wiley Elementary, 6th – 8th at Jackson Middle and 9th grade at Smith High School.

Mentoring is a critical part of developing life changing relationships – mentoring is proven to have a positive effect on academic, social, and economic outcomes for our young people,” said Mayor Nancy Vaughan.

“Too many young people right here in Greensboro lack sufficient support to succeed in school and in life,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “Each of us has the power to truly impact the future for our youth by simply being a caring adult in their life as a friend and mentor.”

Research shows mentors can play a powerful role in providing youngsters with the tools to make responsible choices, attend and excel in school, and reduce or avoid risky behavior like gang activity or drug use.

In turn, young people who are mentored:

  • 55% more likely to be enrolled in college
  • 81% more likely to report participating regularly in sports or extracurricular activities
  • 78% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities
  • 130% more likely to hold leadership positions

Yet, the same research shows that 1 in 3 young people in our country will grow up without a mentor. National Mentoring Month each January allows for unique engagement from community members interested in becoming a mentor. This year, with the support of the mentoring community, we are encouraging the public to go beyond just digital engagement – and become involved in making a real life impact.

Mentoring relationships are at their best when connections are made between a caring adult and a young person who knows that someone is there to help guide them through real life decisions. Pledge to be a mentor today, by contacting the United Way of Greater Greensboro.

Other important dates for National Mentoring Month include:

January 4, 2019: “I Am a Mentor Day”
A day for volunteer mentors to celebrate their role and reflect on the ways mentees have enhanced their world and share their stories about being a mentor on social media using #MentorIRL, #MentoringMonth and #MentorGSO

January 17, 2019: International Mentoring Day
A day of international conversations on social media where photos, video and messages to share powerful mentoring stories.

January 21, 2019: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
A day to share in the inspirational words of MLK, Jr., and elevate the spirit of service through volunteerism. Join GSO mentors and mentees at the Day of Service at Four Seasons Town Centre brought to you by The Volunteer Center of Greensboro. Visit https://www.unitedwaygso.org/event/martin-luther-king-jr-day-of-service/ or click here for more information.

January 31, 2019: “Thank Your Mentor Day”
This day concludes the #ThankYourMentorcampaign! Check out United Way’s social media for local thank yous including the hashtags #MentorIRL, #MentoringMonth and #MentorGSO.

To learn more about the role mentoring plays in our community and to find volunteer opportunities, please visit www.unitedwaygso.org/mentoring-matters or contact Traci McLemore at traci.mclemore@unitedwaygso.org.

About National Mentoring Month
National Mentoring Month is led by MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, with support from the Highland Street Foundation. Each year since its launch in 2002, National Mentoring Month has enjoyed the strong support of the President and the United States Congress.

Other prominent individuals who have participated in the campaign include: Maya Angelou, former President Bill Clinton, Clint Eastwood, Quincy Jones, Cal Ripken Jr., Bill Russell and Usher.


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