Become a Mentor! Mentoring has the power to change lives. By being there for someone, listening to dreams, and validating them, you can make a significant difference. Studies show that mentoring impacts children and youth by helping them...

Become interested in learning Prevent or delay alcohol and drug use Improve classroom attendance Avoid problems with violence Increase scholastic ability and performance Decrease adolescent violence Choose healthy lifestyles Build better relationships with parents Prevent teen parenthood Hope for the future Learn appropriate social skills

What Makes a Good Mentor? At the heart of positive mentoring effects is the development of a strong relationship between mentor and youth (Grossman and Johnson, 1999). Mentors are teens and adults who are good listeners are tolerant and non-judgmental are reliable and consistent possess good communication skills (or are willing to learn) comply with program policies and procedures have a good sense of humor like children and youth   How do I become a Mentor?   Think about the time commitment you are ready to make and research programs in your area using our county pages below. Contact program staff for more information, including answers to these questions:   What are the issues or circumstances facing the young people in the program? What is the time commitment and where and when does the mentoring take place? What kind of training and support is offered? How does the program operate? How are volunteers matched and how long is the application process? How is the program evaluated?   If you live outside of the Bay Area, visit mentoring.org to search the MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership's database of organizations throughout the country.