Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, inspired, encouraged, and understood; where they believe in their abilities to thrive no matter the circumstance. That world is a reality for many young people throughout the nation and is made possible through mentoring. Each January, MENTOR hosts National Mentoring Month as a chance for communities to recognize the various ways in which mentoring can positively impact lives.
This National Mentoring Month, MENTOR launched their new initiative, Mentoring Amplifies, which aims to encourage positive mentoring storylines, identify barriers in mentoring, and acknowledge the power of relationships. From one connection to the next, mentoring gives communities the opportunity to grow together through the act of supporting one another.
During National Mentoring Month, there are several nationally recognized events that individuals can participate in including, I Am A Mentor Day, International Mentoring Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, #ThankYourMentor Day, and the National Mentoring Summit. Up2Us Sports is thrilled to participate in this campaign and reflect on how our coach-mentors have a positive impact in all that they do, and we hope that you will join us too!
We asked some of our AmeriCorps coaches, "In what ways have the youth you coached enhanced your life?" Here’s what a few of them had to say:
Jewel Christian - Up2Us Sports AmeriCorps Coach - DC Scores - Washington DC
“I get the opportunity to connect with the kids around me and also build relationships with them. As a coach, I am able to teach them about sports and how that can relate to life. Growing up I always played sports and it has shaped me into the person I am today. Being an Up2Us Coach, I am able to have that same impact on the kids around me."
Cody Jones - Up2Us Sports AmeriCorps Coach - Greater Philadelphia YMCA - Philadelphia
“Being that person they look up to makes me want to be not only a better coach but a better person. I’m glad they look up to me as a role model and someone they feel safe with. Showing them how to improve these skills and abilities is one thing but actually including it in my life as well, I feel most coaches don’t accomplish and that’s what keeps me going.”
Sawan Douge - - Up2Us Sports AmeriCorps Coach - Kids in the Game’s Harlem Hebrew and Upper West Side Remote Learning Centers - New York City
“The youth in my life have helped drive me to learn more about the craft of coaching. In both the sports and the everyday life aspect.”
Unique Jones - Up2Us Sports AmeriCorps Coach - Youth Mentoring Partnership - Philadelphia
"My role as a coach extends beyond the field; I am a mentor, a role model, an advocate of exemplar behavior, but most importantly a support system. One thing I've learned as a former athlete and now as a coach is the importance of building positive relationships. My team is not just a team, we are family, and developing these personal connections in which they feel comfortable enough to talk to me about anything solidifies their trust in me. Alumni would always come to the field during practice sessions and talk about their life after the program and even offer to help with practice. Seeing my girls embrace me as their coach even after graduating out of the program renews my faith in myself and pushes me to keep having a positive impact on the girls in my program."
