Enjoy photos from just a few of the many celebrations of National Mentoring Month that took place in Iowa during the month of January. The IMP and several programs did several TV and radio interviews and received coverage in online and print news sources.
Businesses in Independence promoted mentoring for two local programs. Charles City Mayor Jim Erb signs M.A.Y. Mentoring, Shenandoah,
NMM proclamation with BBBS NE IA mentor appreciation coffee
Governor Branstad signs the proclamation for National Mentoring Month in Iowa.
February 28 IMP/Volunteer Iowa Day at the Capitol Register here
UPCOMING
April 26Excellence in Mentoring Awards
Monthly Advocacy Tip: Attend a legislative or other event featuring local public leaders and speak up about mentoring. For example, attend the IMP Day at the Capitol on February 28th and advocate for mentoring. Register for the event HERE and find more resources on preparing for the day HERE.
Monthly Marketing Tip: February is Community Empowerment Month. Use this month to do encourage mentors and mentees in service projects and emphasize the community impact of mentoring on all your media outlets.
Some sample Facebook or Twitter posts include:
When integrated into national initiatives, mentoring strengthens efforts to reduce poverty, truancy, drug abuse, and violence. Help your community overcome these issues by investing in a young person and become a #mentorIRL
A mentor encourages youth in healthy decision-making, positive behaviors, and helps them hope and plan for a strong future. Empower a young person to live a healthier life for themselves and for their community; be a #mentorIRL
Mentoring is connected to core outcomes for our country’s youth, including educational attainment, poverty alleviation, and youth violence prevention. Be a positive change maker for your community’s future and become a #mentorIRL
OJJDP YOUTH MENTORING GRANTS
Funding through the Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative is availablehere. Applications are due March 13th.
The OJJDP webinar on this funding is available here.
Training documents, including the webinar PowerPoint, the grant solicitation, and the attached question and answer will soon be posted on the OJJDP Online University (OU) page for this event:
Check out this free nonprofit training! Here, you can find over 200 online courses about various topics aimed to help nonprofits. The course categories are similar to the Core Functional Areas. Register now!
Big Sisters
Mentor of the Month Anna Wolvers loves getting to be a big sister to Maria and see her experience new things. “Maria worries a lot,” Anna tells me. “She worries about her parent’s health” (Maria’s mom has a memory disability and some physical health concerns) “and things kids shouldn’t have to think about.” When the two hang out, Anna gets to calm some of Maria’s worries and fears. “She doesn’t need to think about those things. Those are adult worries. I tell her to focus on being a kid." Read more here.
NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH
