Why Be a Mentor?

Children Uniting Nations seeks responsible and enthusiastic volunteers who have a desire to make a difference in the life of a child and the community at large. Studies show that mentoring has a positive and significant effect on the likelihood that a young person will avoid negative behaviors and participate successfully in school and community life.

"Because of my mentor's interest in my education and their unselfish desire to show me the world, it motivated me to achieve and become the honor student I am today."

Our Target Population Trends

• Poor attendance rates
• Less likely to perform at grade level
• Less likely to attend college
• More likely to have behavior and discipline problems
• More likely to be assigned to special education classes
• In need of positive role models

Facts

• Sub-standard academic performance perpetuates already low self-esteem and can contribute to violent behavior
• Increased violence at home and in school causes a disruption in development for all youth
• Lack of role model support leads to poor decision making, no set goals and submission to peer pressure

Benefits of Mentoring

For Mentees:

• 59% of mentored teens get better grades
• 81% of teens feel that talking with adults helps reduce teen pregnancy
• 53% of students credit mentors with improving their ability to avoid drugs
• 27% of mentored youth are less likely to begin using alcohol, and 52% are less likely to skip school
• Overall, youth participation in mentoring relationships experience positive academic returns
• Better school attendance
• Increased chance of going on to higher education
• Better attitudes towards school
• Mentoring enhances many aspects of young people's social and emotional development
• Participating in mentoring promoted positive social attitudes and relationships
• Mentors can open a new world to foster children that they otherwise may not have and help them realize their potential and dreams

For Mentors:

• Learn about yourself
• Learn about someone else
• Enhance your skills and resume
• Develop a sense of accomplishment by positively impacting someone’s life
• Network with similarly-minded people
• Re-connect with your inner child
• Create a legacy of learning
• Develop 21st century skills: managing, motivating, understanding people, developing empathy, creative thinking
• Become a better friend, parent, person!