Mentors are not superheroes or angels.  In reality, mentors are ordinary people willing to share their life experiences, hobbies, and talents with a child.  “Weekly we showcase a child waiting for a mentor, and often their dreams are to find a mentor who can teach them how to ride a bike or take them to the park for the first time.  What you and I take for granted, such as flying a kite, are the skills, experiences and knowledge a child desires,” comments Joellen Gonder-Spacek, executive director, Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota.  

Andy was ten years old when he was matched with Miles through Kinship of Greater Minneapolis in 1994.  When Andy was 13, Miles lent Andy one of his guitars.  Andy taught himself how to play not only the guitar, but the piano and bass guitar as well.  Nearly 10 years later, Andy and Miles are adulthood friends who cherish their memories of hiking, visiting guitar shops, bowling, and trips to Pizza Hut.   

Mark is an over the road truck driver who wanted to mentor, but wasn’t sure if he fit the mold.  He wasn’t even sure where to go to sign up.  Five years ago, Mark was matched with Danny through Kids ‘n Kinship.  Mark has introduced Daniel to ideas and activities that Danny’s mother, Diane never dreamed off.  He has spent every Saturday since with Daniel, doing everything from going to Home Depot, to Monster Trucks, to “historical stuff”, snowmobiling and more. 

“Oftentimes, individuals are initially apprehensive and have questions.  Through basic mentor training, those questions are addressed and the person leaves understanding their role in the relationship,” Gonder-Spacek remarks.

The Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota will be celebrating the month with a number of activities.

• Guiding Lights: A Mentoring Social –January 18

A celebration of mentoring with a keynote and book signing by Eric Liu, author Guiding Lights.

• Thank Your Mentor Day –January 25

Millions of Americans will reach out to thank or honor those individuals who encouraged and guided them, and who had a lasting impact on their lives. 

• “Getting to Know More about Mentoring” informational sessions –January 27 and 29

An opportunity for the public to learn more about mentoring. 

In more than 38 states and cities, partnerships of mentoring programs, are brought together under the umbrella of MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership, to provide mentoring assistance to programs and a local volunteer referral system for prospective mentors to connect with throughout the year.  National Mentoring Month is locally organized by the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota and sponsored by 3M, Ceridian, and GE Commercial Finance Fleet Services with a media partnership with Next Media.