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Boys & Girls Clubs Mark National Mentoring Month
Reflect back on the story of your life. Throughout the many stages of life, you likely had various mentors who you looked to for support and guidance. This “mentor” may have been a teacher, coach, family member, or even a Boys & Girls Club professional. Each January, America celebrates National Mentoring Month. In connection with mentoring and youth-serving agencies across the country, National Native American Mentoring Program sites honored those who serve as mentors. Proclamations declaring January as National Mentoring Month were signed by Dr. Joe Shirley, Jr., President of the Navajo Nation, and Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Tribe. Read on to learn how Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country celebrated the month.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Dinè Nation in Arizona and New Mexico combined efforts to host a nationwide National Mentoring Day event. A luncheon highlighted the mentoring program; guest speakers from across the nation discussed their personal mentors and the value of mentoring. Youth from each agency expressed their thoughts on the mentoring program and the Clubs coordinated a Gallery Walk, consisting of photos of mentees and mentors engaging in positive activities. More than 100 people were in attendance at this event, which was also broadcast live intermittently on the local radio station.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley in Arizona combined their celebrations of the Club’s 10th Anniversary and National Mentoring Month. The day-long event began with mentoring participants riding or walking alongside the Club’s float during the community’s annual Mul-Cha-Tha parade. After the parade, all matches and community members were invited to the Club where a luncheon was held. National partners, Dr. Susan Weinberger and Michael Guilfoyle were on hand to speak about the National Native American Mentoring Program. Program participants also provided testimony as to how the mentoring program has positively influenced their lives.
The Boys & Girls Club of Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico held several activities. Youth made lunch for mentors. Afterwards they enjoyed playing games, mentees vs. mentors. Mentees also gave back to their mentors by teaching skills the mentors were unfamiliar with, such as computer skills. A variety of other activities were offered to mentees, mentors, and family members. A highlight of the month occurred when, in front of an audience of caregivers and mentors, mentees performed traditional dances which they learned from their mentors.
The IWASIL Boys & Girls Club in Washington hosted a barbeque and kick-off for a new two-year project. The project is being conducted in collaboration with the Center for Wooden Boats and United Indians of All Tribes Foundation. Youth and mentors are building a 13-foot war canoe with a master carver. All matches participated in building activities during National Mentoring Month and are excited about this project which they can call their own. Program participants also cheered on a local mentee who participated in the Club’s Youth of the Year event. The mentor was on hand at the competition to support the youth.
Other Clubs held open houses and dinners in an effort to raise awareness, increase participation in mentoring, and recognize program participants. To learn more about the National Native American Mentoring Program, click here. Pass It On. Become a Mentor.
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