Think back to your youth.
Back when you were wearing Jams or jelly shoes or slap bracelets, did you have an adult role model? Not one of your parents, but another adult who served as an unbiased influencer who helped you grow and otherwise learn traits and skills suited for success?
Go ahead. Close your eyes and think about. I’ll give you a minute.
My primary role model was my Girl Scout troop leader. A stay-at-home mom with an occasional gig with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Meredith was cultured, eternally upbeat and instilled in each of us the confidence we needed to bridge the years between first and ninth grade.
Some children are able to find these built in role models through scouting and extra curricular activities, but other youth aren’t as lucky. Tough budget choices have forced many local school districts to cut or reduce after school programming. Other students come from families that can’t afford to participate in opportunities that foster growth and success in school and life.
That’s where you come in.
When you volunteer to mentor a youth, you are making a commitment to encourage that student to strive for success in the classroom, provide emotional support, and seek other opportunities that build life skills.
By giving just one hour a week, you can act as a role model and encourage your mentee to go to college, steer clear of dangerous activities like drug use and aspire for success.
United Way of Greater Cincinnati is hosting a mentoring fair for its annual Day of Action on Tuesday, June 21. It’s no coincidence this event is scheduled on the longest day of the
year. The hope is we can recruit more mentors, celebrate current mentors and mentees, and otherwise make an impact on the day with the most daylight.
Think back to your youth.
Now, think about the kind of person you are because of that great role model.
Join us and help another young person achieve more than they ever dreamed they could.
Katy Crossen works for the United Way of Greater Cincinnati. Her passion for helping others and making a difference in the world is contagious. This is such a great cause, how could we not help her spread the word!
