POLICE JUMP ON THE MENTORING TRAIN AND A ROYAL BELIEVES IN THE POWER ACROSS THE POND

It is true. I declare that mentoring is a movement!

Two weeks ago, I was invited to train a group of policemen and policewomen in an urban CT community. They wanted to improve their relationship with teenagers. Together, we talked about the relationship of the police with youth, how the police are often viewed as the enemy and what the police can do to change their image and befriend young people. The end results were a resounding interest by these members of law enforcement including PAL (Police Athletic League) to establish a deliberate mentoring relationship with a youth and guide them to a future free of drugs, crime and other risky behavior. I believe that this deliberate approach will make a difference and dramatically change the relationship between police in that community and our country with young people.

Then I crossed the pond, figuratively and loved the interest of Prince Harry in the mentoring movement. Early this week he talked about mentoring and his Mother’s Diana Award Mentoring Appeal event in London that has been around for 20 years. Harry met with young people who are part of the mentoring program and some of the businesses that are part of the program and said:

“I’m struck by a few things today, most of which is the power of the invisible role model,” he said. “The person who may be sitting here today that doesn’t realize that someone looks up to them, that — for that person — you inspire them to be kinder, better, greater, more successful, more impactful. Perhaps it’s the newfound clarity I have as a father, knowing that my son will always be watching what I do, mimicking my behavior, one day maybe even following in my footsteps. But it’s not just my role as a father that shows me that; it’s in the people I see every day that don’t realize how inspirational they are to those watching.”

Harry added that his mother, who died in a 1997 car crash in Paris, inspired people around the world.: “My mother, Princess Diana, was a role model to so many, without realizing the impact she would have on so many lives. You don’t have to be a princess or a public figure to be a role model, in fact it’s equally valuable if you’re not because it’s more relatable,” he said. “Being a role model and mentor can help heal the wounds of your own past and create a better future for someone else.”

Dr. Susan G. Wienberger