MENTOR

08/31/2026

As Make-A-Will Month comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the many ways we can plan for the people and causes that matter to us.

For those creating or updating their estate plans, including MENTOR is one way to help strengthen mentoring opportunities for future generations.

Learn more about including MENTOR in your estate plans: https://ow.ly/6TCw50ZvPEt

Explore other ways to give: https://ow.ly/pQut50ZvPEu

08/28/2026

How many partnerships never begin because we think we need the perfect plan first?

One participant in MENTOR's Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series (CMWS) challenged the idea that we need to have everything figured out before we begin:

"I actually wrote to a new partner while still in the webinar, because I realized that I didn't have to approach them with a concrete plan, just ask who I could meet with to talk...just to get the ball rolling!"

That’s the power of learning together. Sometimes what moves an idea forward is simply the confidence to take the first step.

Ready to get the ball rolling on your next partnership? Watch the series: https://mentoring.org/resource/cmws-april-2026-it-takes-a-village-identifying-forming-and-maintaining-community-partnerships-pt-1/

08/27/2026

Some people leave a legacy not only through what they accomplish, but through what they make possible for others.

Dolly Parton was one of those people.

Her artistry reached generations, but so did her generosity, encouragement, and belief in the potential of others. Through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, she helped put books into the hands of millions of children. Throughout her career, she also opened doors, shared what she learned, and inspired countless people to believe a little bigger in what was possible.

In the days since Dolly Parton’s passing, we’ve been reflecting on a lesson at the heart of mentoring: what we give to others travels far beyond us.

08/26/2026

Today’s Meta settlement raises a $17.1 billion question: What happens next?

We have an obligation to make sure these dollars are invested back into young people and the communities that support them.

As a proud partner in the Fund IRL coalition, MENTOR is advocating for settlement funds to support the real-life experiences and opportunities young people need and are asking for, including mentors, youth programs, sports, arts, community spaces, mental health supports, and places to connect and belong.

In a new piece for The 74, Children’s Funding Project CEO Elizabeth Gaines makes the case for why this moment could become a once-in-a-generation investment in young people and their communities.

Accountability matters. So does what we build in its place.

Read more: https://www.the74million.org/article/if-social-media-companies-owe-billions-lets-fund-what-kids-need/

Gaines: The conversation about social media and young people has been largely about what to take away. It’s time to talk about what to give kids.

08/26/2026

Think of a woman who helped you see what was possible.

On , we're celebrating the women who open doors, offer encouragement, share what they know, and help young people find their way forward.

Who comes to mind for you? Tag her below.

08/17/2026

National Nonprofit Day is a reminder of what’s possible when people and communities come together.

Every day, young people across the country build confidence, discover new opportunities, and form meaningful relationships through mentoring.

We’re grateful for the nonprofits, Affiliates, mentors, partners, and supporters who help make those connections possible—and who work every day to ensure young people have the relationships they need to thrive.

08/14/2026

Don't have time to read every new study? We get it.

That's why we launched the Mentoring Research Roundup — to bring the latest mentoring research together in one place. Each issue will include a feature article highlighting emerging research, an interview with a leading scholar, and summaries of hot-off-the-press studies.

Check out the first edition: https://mentoring.org/mentoring-research-roundup/

08/13/2026

Strong mentoring programs don't happen by accident. They happen by design.

With a new program year right around the corner, now is a great time to reflect on the practices that help mentoring relationships thrive. Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring™️ provides research-informed guidance to help strengthen your program and build a solid foundation for the year ahead.

🔗 https://eepm.mentoring.org

08/12/2026

Young people aren't just the future. They're leaders, creators, problem-solvers, and changemakers today.

This International Youth Day, we're celebrating the voices, ideas, and experiences of young people everywhere.

What's one thing a young person has taught you?

08/11/2026

As mentoring programs prepare for a new school year, it's easy to focus on recruiting volunteers, planning activities, and launching new initiatives.

But one lesson echoed throughout MENTOR's Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series (CMWS): start with relationships.

One participant shared:

"These webinars reinforced the importance of building trusted relationships before launching programs. I plan to apply these ideas by strengthening partnerships between community organizations, service clubs, schools, behavioral health advocates, and mentoring programs. The discussion reminded me that lasting change begins with listening, collaboration, and shared purpose."

Strong mentoring programs don't begin on the first day of programming. They begin with trusted relationships that bring communities together around young people.

Watch the series: https://mentoring.org/resource/cmws-april-2026-it-takes-a-village-identifying-forming-and-maintaining-community-partnerships-pt-1/