For the past nineteen years, January is National Mentoring Month. The month-long campaign is aimed at expanding quality mentoring opportunities to connect more young people with caring adults. The initiative is a partnership between MENTOR, National Mentoring Partnership and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. I was part of the planning committee for this month many years ago. It is wonderful that National Mentoring Month has enjoyed the strong support of many presidents and the United States Congress. Other prominent individuals who have participated in the campaign include Maya Angelou, former President Bill Clinton, Clint Eastwood, Quincy Jones, Cal Ripken Jr., Bill Russell and Usher. Throughout the month, we will see many celebrities in ads on television including at the Super Bowl extolling the benefits of mentoring.

Throughout January, several dates have been set aside as part of a public awareness campaign.  Stories will be told about being a mentor and experiences will be shared. The one I like the most will take place on January 30, 2020. This has been deemed Thank Your Mentor Day. Anyone who has ever had a mentor is being encouraged to thank that person by sending a note, a card or sharing a story about that person. I am grateful for the many mentors who have touched my life and am sorry that a few are no longer living.

The 30^th is your opportunity to think about the people who have made a difference in your life. Perhaps you would not be where you are today except for their caring and impact. Pick up the telephone, send a personal note, use social media or any other means to tell the person why you appreciate them as one of your mentors. Tell them why they are so important. Mentors deserve to know the role they play in your life. Two little words “thank you!” really are important.

Happy National Mentoring Month and Thank Your Mentor Day!

Dr. Susan G. Wienberger