Giving Compass' Take:

•  Lindsay Marcal at Independent Sector interviewed Erin Souza-Rezendes, Director of Communications of MENTOR, about the impact of mentorships and the challenges that arise in this field. 

• How can donors promote mentorships? How do mentorships help young people build social capital?

• Here are three ways that mentorships benefit students. 

IS members represent nonprofits, foundations, and corporations engaged in every kind of charitable endeavor, with missions that reflect the nearly infinite ways of working for the common good.

New member, MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership (MENTOR), located in Boston, fuels the quality and quantity of mentoring relationships for America’s young people. Research by the organization shows that one in three young people will reach adulthood without a mentor outside their family.

We talked with Erin Souza-Rezendes, Director of Communications, about their efforts to support young people with the supportive relationships they need to succeed and to close the mentoring gap.

Q: Describe some of the programs or services your organization runs. 

ES: We are a national nonprofit, leading and growing the mentoring movement nationwide. We and our local affiliates across the country provide training and technical assistance and help recruit more quality mentors for the movement. We run a national database for mentoring services, that brings more people into the fold, and connects potential mentors with opportunities in their community (we have over 2,000 programs in the Mentoring Connector).

Q: What are some of the challenges you face in your organization and how have you responded to them?

ES: A challenge is taking the long view, being strategic, but also nimble enough to take advantage of opportunities. There are so many opportunities to take advantage of, it’s important to stay grounded, but be willing to swing at things as they come.

Read the full article about mentorships by Lindsay Marcal at Independent Sector.