Rhett H.’s Post

Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa (BBBSO) is a community-based organization dedicated to supporting children and youth aged 6 to 24 in Ottawa and Renfrew. Through a variety of impactful mentoring programs, the organization pairs young people with caring adult mentors who provide guidance, support, and encouragement. These mentorships aim to enhance the social, emotional, and educational development of participants, fostering positive outcomes such as improved self-confidence, better academic performance, and stronger life skills. The organization offers personalized programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each young person, helping them overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Mentorship is a developmental relationship in which a more experienced or knowledgeable person (the mentor) guides and supports a less experienced individual (the mentee). This relationship can take various forms, including one-on-one meetings, informal conversations, and structured programs. Mentorship often involves sharing advice, knowledge, and experiences to help the mentee grow personally and professionally. Key aspects of mentorship include: 1. Guidance: Mentors provide advice and insights based on their own experiences. 2. Support: They offer encouragement and help mentees navigate challenges. 3. Skill Development: Mentors can help mentees build specific skills relevant to their goals. 4. Networking: Mentors often introduce mentees to valuable contacts and opportunities. 5. Personal Growth: The relationship can foster self-confidence and a sense of purpose in the mentee. Overall, mentorship is a mutually beneficial relationship that can lead to significant personal and professional growth for both parties. Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa (BBBSO) is committed to creating intentional matches between at risk youth and safe, caring adults. To learn more visit our website at https://www.bbbso.ca/, where you can learn about volunteer and mentorship opportunities, upcoming events, and more ways to stay involved. #MentorshipMatters #IgnitePotential #MakeADifference #BiggerTogether #CommunityImpact #EmpoweringYouth

Mentorship provides more than guidance for young people: It opens up opportunities for economic progress, builds confidence, and prepares them for education and career success. #MentoringMonth Read this opinion piece about how the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami program is helping youth shape their future.

📢 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: This September, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada is calling for volunteers to become “Big” mentors. The ‘Mentorship Equals 2.0’ campaign launches for Big Brothers Big Sisters Month in September to engage adults over 18 to learn more about mentoring and their potential role in the equation. Building on the original campaign launched last September, this moment shines the spotlight on adults whose lives were shaped by mentoring relationships they experienced as children. Mentorship is a relationship that nurtures potential and fosters growth. Over time, it grows to a powerful connection. For mentors, the rewards add up to fulfillment, and for mentees, the benefits are exponential. “Hearing these now adult former mentees reflect on their journey is inspiring,” says Jill Zelmanovits, President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. “Their stories show how mentorship absolutely helps a child make positive choices and channel their resilience, directly improving their life outcomes well into adulthood.” This year’s Mentorship Equals campaign features Marc Lafleur, a Canadian entrepreneur, race car driver, and former “Little” (mentee), whose life choices were supported by the mentor he met over 20 years ago. Marc has recently collaborated with Mercedes-Benz Canada and BBBS on “Driving Your Future” events where he shares his story with the next generation of mentees and mentors (“Bigs”), hoping to serve as inspiration that anyone, from any background, can find success. Big Brothers Big Sisters Month is recognized across Canada to shine the light on the meaningful work that is carried out in the BBBS network in communities. Life experience is exactly what children need to learn from their mentors. Mentors give a few hours of their time a month and receive training and support from professional staff on how to build a safe and consistent adult relationship. “Quite honestly…me as a Little and getting a Big…probably saved my life,” says Mike Stackhouse reflecting back on the time he became a Little (mentee) in Atlantic Canada to now successfully operating a printing business in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. To find out more about Marc, Mike and mentoring opportunities, visit mentorshipequals.ca or mentorategale.ca P.S. A BIG shout out to Mike Stackhouse Jose J. Marc Lafleur for sharing their personal stories about mentorship. There's a place for other caring humans to join the more than 17,000 mentors who are uplifting youth in communities like yours.

We kicked off 2025 with our first #amPowered Mentor Engagement, bringing our mentors together to reconnect, reflect on the key moments of 2024, and plan for the year ahead. It was an inspiring session, made even more impactful by guest speakers Shaun Teo from MCCY and Gary Chia from Mentoring SG, who shared valuable insights about the growing importance of mentorship. The need for mentors has never been greater. Family sizes are shrinking, family bonds are perceived to be weaker, and young people are finding it increasingly difficult to build strong and diverse social connections. Many youths also face challenges in navigating social interactions, making mentorship a vital support system in their lives. The #amPowered programme provides structured mentorship for youths aged 15 to 18, helping them discover their strengths and realise their potential. If you’re looking to make a difference, join us as a mentor and help shape the future of our youth. Together, we can create lasting change! https://lnkd.in/gC7wmznY #YouthMentorship #MentoringMatters #EmpoweringYouth #YouthDevelopment #FutureLeaders #MentorshipJourney #amPowered #InspiringChange #StrongerTogether #BuildingConnections #CommunitySupport #YouthEmpowerment #PositiveImpact #MentorsMakeADifference

🌟 Introducing Our New Mentees Page! 🌟 At Choices Mentoring Initiative, we're dedicated to empowering our community's youth to thrive and succeed. That's why we are thrilled to announce that we will be launching our brand-new Mentees Page on our website in the coming weeks. Our Mentees Page will be designed to be a hub of valuable insights, resources, and support for young individuals navigating through various aspects of life. Here's what you can expect to find: 1. School Attendance: Tips and strategies to help mentees stay engaged and motivated in their education journey, ensuring they reach their full potential. 2. Volunteering: Inspiring stories and opportunities for mentees to give back to their communities, fostering a sense of responsibility and altruism. 3. Identity: Resources and guidance on self-discovery, acceptance, and embracing individuality, empowering mentees to confidently express who they are. 4. Family: Supportive advice and tools to strengthen familial relationships and navigate through challenges, promoting a sense of belonging and unity. 5. Community Building: Ideas and initiatives for mentees to actively engage with and contribute to their local communities, fostering connections and making a positive impact. 6. Alternate Experiences: Exploring diverse pathways and opportunities beyond traditional norms, encouraging mentees to explore their passions and pursue unconventional routes to success, including domestic and international travel. We believe that by providing access to these essential insights and resources, we can equip our mentees with the tools they need to overcome obstacles, make informed decisions, and build a bright future. Stay tuned for updates, success stories, and new additions to our Mentees Page as we continue to support and uplift the next generation! Together, we are tomorrow's leaders, one CHOICE at a time. Visit the Choices Mentoring Initiative Website now: https://lnkd.in/eZquY_iu 2024 Choices Mentoring CROWDFUNDING Campaign Coming Soon📣 #choicesmentoringinitiative, #choicesmentoring, #cmimentoringiniative, #cmimentoring, #mentoring #Berkshires #Pittsfieldma

I just read that the leading key takeaway for school leaders in 2024 is to... invest in building communities of belonging (Thanks #McCrindle 2024 Educational Insights) . I wonder what are the views of our educational leaders about building communities of belonging? Feel free to comment below. My view after a lifetime of working at it, is it sounds easier than it is. And it takes time. So many stakeholders! The idea of collaboration and connecting across stakeholder groups, from the board, to the staff, to the parents and families, to the students, to the school partners and all the while abiding by the social contract with the state (curriculum focused) and for some schools also a social contract with the church (faith focused), presents quite a community engagement challenge - even for experienced community engagement experts! My recent research to be presented at the upcoming ASA (#AnglicanSchoolsAustralia) conference shows that as schools we get the value of "community". It is emphasised in 90% of our school vision/mission statements. Yet, while we know it's important, it's actually a whole lot harder to do well than it sounds. That's why I wondered if a masterclass (#Comcorp) would help? Show me a lightbulb if you are interested as a leader in attending a masterclass or as an educational community in running an interactive whole community workshop. The topic would be "building cohesive communities and belonging in educational communities". I remain passionate about this topic in my work, research and play. I can offer to share the theory, the best practice and the pitfalls to avoid - with many examples and 20 years experience. Its not everything but it is something. Like slow food, this is slow work. As I say in my rather slowly emerging book on the topic - "while a generic recipe on building community will get you started, it is understanding your own unique mix of herbs and spices that that will make your community taste really good". #communityengagement #communitycohesion #belonging #communitybuilding #schools #independentschools #christianschools #anglicanschools #educationalcommunities

Dear gentle reader. I might have mentioned on my profile about Volunteering.Yes I mentor a number of schools and today I'd love to share my experience from Masinga Girls' as we had a session today. We had quite an interactive session with the girls and I enjoyed the openness and eagerness to learn and contribute to the topics at hand. On my way back home I had time to reflect and I am in awe of 5 awesome things I learnt from my mentees. 1) Gratitude: Witnessing mentees’ #appreciationforopportunities inspired me to value my own journey and contributions more deeply. 2)#Empathy: Mentees’ experiences deepened my understanding of diverse perspectives, fostering a greater sense of empathy and compassion. 3)#Resilience: My Mentees often demonstrate incredible determination and perseverance, teaching me the power of grit in overcoming challenges. 4)Growth Mindset: The Mentees embody a #growthmindset, emphasizing the importance of learning from failure and seeking continuous improvement. 5)#ImpactofMentorship: Seeing the transformative effect of mentorship has reinforced my commitment to supporting others and giving them a sense of purpose. I have mentors too that I love to appreciate; Catherine Wanjiku, Christine Ndisha Evita Happiness and Cynthia Wanja as a young adult trying to work out my path. Every time I reflect on our engagements, I appreciate that lessons can create a mutually beneficial relationship, enriching both the mentor and mentee’s experiences. Are you a mentor? You can share your thoughts on this as well 🤩📌

🌟 The Power of Mentoring Children with ACEs 🌟 Did you know that children who face Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are more likely to encounter challenges later in life? These experiences can include anything from family instability to emotional or physical neglect. But there’s a silver lining: the incredible impact of mentorship. 🌈 👧👦 Why Mentorship Matters: 1. Emotional Support: Many children with #ACEs feel isolated and misunderstood. A mentor provides a reliable source of emotional support, helping them navigate their feelings and build resilience. 2. Guidance and #RoleModels: Having a mentor offers these children a positive role model to look up to, someone who demonstrates healthy relationships and decision-making skills. 3. Academic Improvement: Mentors can help with schoolwork, encourage educational aspirations, and #motivate children to stay in school and succeed. 4. Building Confidence: Consistent #encouragement and recognition from a mentor can significantly boost a child's self-esteem and confidence, empowering them to pursue their goals. 5. Creating Stability: For children experiencing instability at home, a mentor provides a sense of consistency and #security, which is crucial for their development. 💡 The Benefits for Mentors: 1. Personal Growth: Mentoring challenges you to grow personally and professionally as you adapt to meet the needs of your mentee.    2. Sense of Fulfillment: There’s immense satisfaction in knowing you’re making a tangible difference in a young person’s life.    3. Building Relationships: You’ll build a meaningful relationship that can last a lifetime and positively impact your community.    4. Enhanced Skills: Mentoring hones your communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. 🌟 How You Can Get Involved: ✅ Volunteer with Local Organizations: Many communities have programs that connect mentors with children in need. ✅ Join Mentorship Programs: Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and local youth centers often seek mentors. ✅ Offer Your Time: Sometimes, just being there to listen and support can make all the difference. Together, we can create a supportive environment for children with ACEs, helping them to overcome their challenges and achieve their full potential. Let's step up and make a difference, one child at a time. 🌟 If you want to get involved with #TEAMOC - Email Liz Lewis directly on LinkedIn! #TeamOCMentors #Mentorship #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityImpact #MakeADifference #SupportOurKids

🌟Expanding Mentorship to Empower More Youth🌟  The Circle Program is thrilled to pilot an innovative Group Mentoring Program, pairing girls and youth with one or two mentors to strengthen connections and extend opportunities. This new approach allows us to reach more youth with our current mentors, creating a greater impact than ever before. Mentors Reba Lewis and Lilly Taccetta, who are leading this initiative, have already seen the power of these connections. Reba shared:   "We’re paired with two sets of sisters, and while there was some nervousness at first, the girls quickly connected through laughter and shared camp memories. Watching them bond and hearing them say it was the 'best day ever' makes it all so rewarding. Being a co-mentor has been equally fulfilling, as Lilly and I have formed a strong partnership that completes the circle of support." By fostering community and connection, this group mentoring approach ensures every youth enrolled in the Circle Program can access meaningful guidance and friendships. It’s an incredible way to serve more participants while maintaining the program’s heart and mission. 💙  Thank you to Reba, Lilly, and everyone who is helping to make this expanded outreach a reality. Together, we’re creating life-changing opportunities for more youth across New Hampshire!  #MentorshipMatters #ExpandingImpact #CircleCommunity #EmpoweringYouth

Unlocking Dreams with Mentorship: A Path to Transformation Mentorship - it's not just about experience sharing. It's about lighting the path for the future, gifting hope, and cementing bonds that transcend professional boundaries. Imagine yourself in the shoes of a young individual from a disadvantaged background. A caring mentor could be the difference between an unknown future and a clear trajectory of success. It's a lifeline offering personalised support, skill development, and a critical boost to their self-belief. Our passion project Goal17 Mentoring is to initiate mentoring targeted at those leaving care. Helping them build much-needed confidence, resilience, and independence. Mentoring isn't just about nurturing talent, it's about leaving no one behind. It's about ensuring everyone gets their chance to shine. But here's the crux - our reach is only as far as our willingness to step up. Our volunteer mentors are precious catalysts, breaking the chains of disadvantage and leading us towards a more inclusive society. Your mission, should you choose to accept it - join us in this movement for change. Volunteer as a mentor, support our youth engagement initiatives - your involvement can transform a life. Together, let's turn social mobility from a dream into a reality. Your contribution today can light up the path for others tomorrow. Head to www.goal17.global/clsignup to find out more. #mentoring #socialmobility #careleavers #careexperienced #makeadifference #diversity #inclusivity