​The Consequences of Neglecting Grassroots Youth Mentoring Organisations

Today I was reflecting on the lack of support for grassroots youth mentoring organisations. It's a critical issue that demands attention.

The organisations I've connected and worked with during my career as a youth mentor work tirelessly to provide mentoring and support to young people in their communities, but they often face significant challenges due to limited resources and recognition.

The consequences of key stakeholders neglecting these organisations are severe.

Without access to proper training, best practices, and funding, grassroots youth mentoring organisations struggle to provide the high-quality, evidence-based mentoring that young people need to navigate life's challenges and reach their full potential.

This inadequate support can also be seen in low quality screening and training mentors, potentially exposing young people to harm or disappointment.

And, when these organisations operate with limited capacity, they may be unable to reach all the young people in their communities who could benefit from a skilled youth mentor.

We, they are simple isolated from sound training, resources and 'know how', that enhance our practice and allow our work to reflect the passion and commitment we have to supporting youth progression.

The isolation of grassroots youth mentoring organisations can also hinder their ability to collaborate and learn from each other, limiting their collective impact.

This lack of connection can make it difficult for them to advocate for the importance of youth mentoring and why it should be seen as a practice, leaving policymakers and funders unaware of the wider critical role 'youth mentoring' play in promoting youth development and community well-being.

In the worst-case scenario, chronic under-support can force grassroots youth mentoring organisations to close their doors, leaving countless young people without access to the mentors they need to thrive.

However, this narrative can be changed by ensuring that grassroots youth mentoring organisations receive the support they need to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.

Here at The Mentoring Lab we are working to fill the gaps left by the closure of the associations such as the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation, by providing evidence based practices, evidenced based resources, quality standards and networking opportunities to empower grassroots youth mentoring organisations.

To achieve this goal, a collective effort from policymakers, funders, community leaders, and citizens is necessary.

Advocating for policies and funding streams that support grassroots youth mentoring organisations, upskilling of youth mentor practitioners, improved volunteer training opportunities and amplified voices from key talents and ex mentees to help these organisations thrive, and recognising the incredible impact that a youth mentor can have on a young person's life.

Investing in the success of grassroots youth mentoring organisations is an investment in the future of our communities and the well-being of the next generation.

It's not just me speaking about this issue, below are relevant studies and reports that highlight the importance and challenges found be youth mentoring organisations in seeking support for delivering youth mentoring projects:

1. Becker, J. (1994). Mentoring high-risk kids. Minneapolis, MN: Johnson Institute.
   • This book discusses the value of mentoring for at-risk youth and the challenges faced by mentoring programmes.
2. DuBois, D. L., Holloway, B. E., Valentine, J. C., & Cooper, H. (2002). Effectiveness of mentoring programs for youth: A meta-analytic review. American Journal of Community Psychology, 30(2), 157-197.
   • This meta-analysis examines the effectiveness of youth mentoring programmes and identifies factors that contribute to their success.
3. Rhodes, J. E. (2002). Stand by me: The risks and rewards of mentoring today's youth. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
   • This book explores the complexities of youth mentoring relationships and the challenges faced by mentoring programmes.
4. Fernandes-Alcantara, A. L. (2018). Vulnerable youth: Federal mentoring programs and issues. Congressional Research Service.
   • This report provides an overview of federal mentoring programmes in the United States and discusses the challenges and issues faced by these initiatives.
5. MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership. (2015). Elements of effective practice for mentoring (4th ed.).
   • This guidebook offers a set of research-informed standards and practices for youth mentoring programmes, highlighting the importance of quality mentoring and the challenges in achieving it.

These sources, among others, provide insight into the value of youth mentoring, the challenges faced by mentoring organisations, and the need for greater support and investment in this area.

By upskilling 'mentoring' to become a practice, we are pooling our knowledge, experience, and resources to working together to improve youth mentoring across the country.

We can ensure that every young person has access to high quality youth mentoring to navigate life's challenges and achieve their dreams.

Elaine Isadora Thomas, The Mentoring Lab Community Founder, Ceo. 

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