A Mentor's Role

What a mentor is: a guide a friend a listener a coach a responsive adult What a mentor isn't: a savior a foster parent a therapist a parole officer a cool peer

A mentor is an adult who, along with parents provides young people with support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement, and constructive example. Mentors are good listeners, people who care, people who want to help young people bring out strengths that are already there.

As a mentor you can help connect with children with the other four America's Promise Fundamental Resources:

• Safe places and structured activities during non-school hours
• A healthy start
• A marketable skill through effective education
• An opportunity to give back through community service

Things that may seem easy or straightforward to you are often mysterious to young people. That's why it can be easier than you think to make a difference in a young person's life.