What is National Mentoring Month?

National Mentoring Month, observed throughout January in the United States, is a campaign dedicated to promoting the importance of mentoring and recognizing the positive impact that mentors have on young people. The month-long celebration encourages individuals to become mentors and highlights how mentorship can help youth succeed in school, careers, and life by providing guidance, encouragement, and support. It also acknowledges the efforts of current mentors and mentoring organizations that work to empower the next generation.

National Mentoring Month focuses on the value of forming strong, meaningful relationships between mentors and mentees, with the goal of helping young people build confidence, develop skills, and realize their potential.

History and Origin

National Mentoring Month was first launched in 2002 by the Harvard School of Public Health, MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, and the Corporation for National and Community Service. The campaign was established to bring national attention to the importance of mentoring, especially for at-risk youth, and to encourage more adults to become mentors. January was chosen as the start of the year to align with new beginnings and the idea of setting positive goals, both for mentors and mentees.

Since its inception, National Mentoring Month has grown significantly, with organizations across the country using this time to promote mentorship programs, raise awareness about the benefits of mentoring, and recruit volunteers to become mentors.

Who Celebrates National Mentoring Month?

• Mentoring Organizations: Groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters and MENTOR celebrate by hosting events, recruiting new mentors, and sharing success stories of how mentorship has changed lives.
• Mentors and Mentees: Mentors and their mentees observe the month by reflecting on their relationship, celebrating their progress, and participating in mentoring-focused activities or events.
• Schools and Universities: Educational institutions often celebrate by encouraging mentorship programs, whether through peer mentoring, career guidance, or academic support.
• Corporations and Businesses: Many companies promote mentoring within the workplace, encouraging employees to participate in mentoring programs that support professional development, both within the company and in the community.
• Community Leaders and Influencers: Public figures and leaders use the month to highlight the importance of mentorship and encourage individuals to give back by becoming mentors.

Slogans and Themes

National Mentoring Month emphasizes themes of guidance, support, and empowerment. Slogans like “Be Someone Who Matters to Someone Who Matters” and “Mentoring Amplifies Potential” reflect the powerful impact a mentor can have on a young person’s life. The month promotes the idea that mentoring can build confidence, provide career and academic support, and foster positive personal development.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

• Colors:
  • Blue, symbolizing trust, stability, and support, reflecting the dependable relationship between mentors and mentees.
  • Green, representing growth, learning, and development, emphasizing the journey of personal and academic progress.
  • Gold, symbolizing achievement and success, which mentors help mentees reach through their guidance.
• Symbols:
  • Open book, representing the learning and knowledge shared through mentoring relationships.
  • Handshake, symbolizing partnership, trust, and mutual respect between mentors and mentees.
  • Ladder, representing progress and the steps toward personal, academic, and career development that mentoring provides.
• Patterns:
  • Steps or upward lines, symbolizing growth, achievement, and the upward trajectory of those involved in mentoring programs.
  • Connected circles, representing the bond and continuous support that is built between a mentor and mentee.
  • Bridge designs, symbolizing the connection and support provided by mentors to help mentees reach their goals.

Most Used Hashtags

• #NationalMentoringMonth
• #MentoringMatters
• #BeAMentor
• #MentorIRL
• #MentorMonday
• #ThankYourMentor
• #MentorInspire
• #MentoringWorks
• #AmplifyMentoring
• #MentorImpact

How to Celebrate National Mentoring Month

• Become a Mentor: Sign up to volunteer with a local or national mentoring organization. Whether it’s through a formal program or informal guidance, becoming a mentor can make a lasting impact on a young person’s life.
• Thank a Mentor: If you’ve benefited from a mentor in your life, use National Mentoring Month as an opportunity to thank them for their guidance, whether through a card, social media post, or phone call.
• Share Mentorship Stories: Use social media to share how mentorship has influenced your life or someone you know. Encourage others to consider becoming a mentor by using the month’s hashtags to raise awareness.
• Support Mentoring Programs: Donate to mentoring organizations or volunteer to support mentoring events and programs that provide youth with valuable opportunities for growth.
• Host a Mentoring Event: Organize a mentoring event at your school, workplace, or community center where people can learn more about mentoring opportunities and how to get involved.
• Participate in Thank Your Mentor Day: Celebrated on January 25th, this day is part of National Mentoring Month and encourages people to publicly or privately thank the mentors who have made a difference in their lives.
• Promote Workplace Mentoring: If you’re in a leadership role, consider starting a mentoring program within your organization to help employees develop their skills and achieve their career goals.

Why is National Mentoring Month Important?

National Mentoring Month is important because it highlights the powerful role mentors play in shaping the lives of young people, helping them achieve their goals and realize their full potential. Mentors provide guidance, support, and positive reinforcement, which can be especially critical for youth who face social, academic, or economic challenges. By encouraging more people to become mentors, the campaign helps foster stronger communities, improved educational outcomes, and better career prospects for future generations.

Mentoring helps bridge gaps, offering young people access to resources, advice, and experiences they may not otherwise have. National Mentoring Month emphasizes that mentorship is not only about academic or professional growth but also about building confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose.