Pass It Forward

[#1]

We all have the ability to help others. Whether you mentor, volunteer at a nursing home or soup kitchen. When I volunteer, not only do I feel good about the work I am doing, I also feel good about myself. These days, there aren't too many free things that make you feel good about yourself.

If your mentor program is anything like mine, I'm sure they are in need of mentors, especially men. I think it's fair to say that each one of us has at least one man in our life who would make a good mentor. Whether it's your father, brother, uncle, next door neighbor, local police officer, teacher at school, etc. My challenge to you is to talk to those men about mentoring. Ask them to mentor. Most people like to be asked to help. They like to know they are needed. Tell them our children need them! And if you know of a child who could use a positive role model, maybe a youngster in your neighborhood or at church, then step up and mentor them. It doesn't always need to occur through a formal mentoring program (although through programs you get support and training).

The agency I currently work for is a national agency. We have locations across the country. Look us up and see if we are in your neighborhood. www.childhelp.org. Some other search engines for volunteering are volunteermatch.org, idealist.org, and of course, mentoring.org.

With National Mentoring Month (January) fast approaching, I challenge you to act now. If you've considered mentoring or know someone who'd make a great mentor, ask them. There is really no better time to volunteer than right now. Due to the tough economy, some people are in need of help more than others. Years ago, I started volunteering for a program and it led to a full-time position. So, you never know what doors might open once you open your heart.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me. I have these memories to share because someone 20 years ago reached out and mentored me. I appreciate your comments and words of encouragement. Keep mentoring. Keep setting good examples for our children. They really are the future of this country.


To the world we might be just one person, but to a child, we might be their whole world.

[#2]

Very powerfull and you hit the nail on the head. I got involved because someone told me they didn't have enough men doing any mentoring. I made a phone call and that week I was mentoring. I have "converted" a few men over to be mentors. All you have to do is ask. Our program matches a volunteer mentor with a child that has requested a mentor at the grade school. So there is always a ready supply needing mentors. I don't know how they do the "matching - up" but when we go to the annual banquet it's just amazing all the mentors and mentees that are together. Some of us take them all the way through high school and college.
I think the program is so well respected is one reason the kids want to have a mentor. Plus I know we have a positive influence on the kids. They tell us by their actions; showing up on time, sharing tidbits about their daily lives, family and even school.
Yeah, I'm glad someone asked me !!

[#3]

The Pass It Forward Movement is the world's largest mentoring (acts of kindness) movement. Our slogan "help others get what they want". This movement gives every person the opportunity to have a mentor and to be a mentor. To see how it works, take try the 30 Minute Pass It Forward Chat Challenge. For more information go to www.passforward.org

[#4]

Now a person can Pass the L.O.V.E. Forward once they go through the 30 Minute PIF Mentor Chat Challenge with their own personal volunteer PIF Mentor. 

In just 30 minutes you will L.O.V.E. - Learn your purpose, Organize your passion, Volunteer your gift, and Engage your heart.  After just 30 minutes you are also trained to do the same for others so that you can then Pass the L.O.V.E. Forward too!  If you would like to get started in this wonderful volunteer opportunity that a person can do from the comfort of their own home, on their own computer, on their own time, please go to www.pifmentor.org and enter the chat room.  It's all FREE!