January is National Mentoring Month

Mentor teaching a young mentee management principles.

Think back on your life. There’s certainly been a time (or multiple) that you’ve benefited from mentoring – whether it was through school, on the job, or during a tough time. 

January is National Mentoring Month, which recognizes and celebrates the impact of mentoring. And what better way to give back than becoming a mentor yourself?

Established in 2002, National Mentoring Month encourages people and organizations to become mentors, advance the mentoring field’s legislative goals, and create a positive impact via mentoring. Everyone can benefit from a mentor, younger or older. 

Amanda Stevens, TwinStar Community Foundation & Education Development Director, has long benefited from having mentors and says that they have helped her during various stages of her career.

"I belong to a group with a couple wise professionals who provide me guidance with career decisions," Stevens said. "Because of them, I not only have advanced in my professional life, but have received invaluable and unbiased advice on a variety of topics."

In January, there are several national events scheduled that aim to raise awareness about the need for more mentors:

  • Jan. 9: I am a Mentor Day
  • Jan. 15: Dr. Martin Luther King Day of Service
  • Jan. 17: International Day of Mentoring
  • Jan. 24: Capital Hill Day
  • Jan. 24-26: National Mentoring Summit
  • Jan. 25: Thank Your Mentor Day

Looking for ways to get involved during National Mentoring Month? Here’s a few ideas:

  • Read a book, listen to a podcast, or check out other resources dedicated to mentoring
  • Attend an event hosted by local mentoring organization
  • Post on your social channels using hashtags such as  #MentoringMonth and #MentoringAmplifies 
  • Recognize and celebrate corporate partners who emphasize mentoring
  • Schedule meetings with local elected leaders to help get them more engaged with mentoring efforts

Celebrate National Mentoring Month with us. Seek out mentorship opportunities or take a few minutes to thank mentors that have made a difference in your life.