Bright Future Foundation’s Executive Director Sheri Mintz, and Buddy Mentors Program Manager Janet Casson, recently attended the National Mentoring Summit in Washington D.C. The Summit brought together mentors and program coordinators from across the country, and around the world, to discuss best practices and share ways that their programs are working to foster the potential of young people in their communities. Workshop topics explored creative volunteer recruitment, facilitating thoughtful and lasting matches, developing engaging parent and volunteer training, and supporting youth long-term.
“Capitol Hill Day” is a part of the conference enabling advocates to meet with members of Congress to share stories of the impact quality youth mentoring has on their communities and advocate for policies that advance mentoring. Mintz and Casson met with Congressman Jared Polis and with aides for Congressmen Scott Tipton and Ken Buck.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of the democratic process in this country whereby we can meet and share our views with our elected officials regarding the pressing issues that affect our work,” said Mintz. “It provided an opportunity to advance relationships with our legislators.”
It was an inspiring experience for Casson who is new to the world of mentoring, though not to the world of educating young people. “It’s exciting to see the movement that exists around mentoring and to witness it building steam,” said Casson. I feel very hopeful about the many passionate and eloquent voices speaking up for this valuable work. I look forward to contributing to it in a meaningful way by creating more and more successful mentor relationships in our own community.”
The National Mentoring Summit, provided by MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, is the only national convening of youth mentoring professionals, researchers, philanthropic investors and government and civic leaders aimed at collectively strengthening and expanding quality mentoring relationships for young people.
Click to learn more about mentoring and our Buddy Mentors Program.
