Association of Texas Professional Educators observes National Mentoring Month

The Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPA) reported that January is National Mentoring Month. 

Originally instituted by Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR National in 2002, the month brings attention to the fact that everyone can benefit from being involved in a mentorship program. 

According to Mentoring.org, the month of January helps to showcase how mentors can have an intensely positive impact on the lives of those they mentor, especially when the mentees are young and growing into the adults they will one day become. 

“Each year since its launch, National Mentoring Month has enjoyed the strong support of the U.S. president and members of Congress. Other well-known supporters include the late Maya Angelou, Clint Eastwood, the late Sen. John McCain, Quincy Jones, General Colin L. Powell, Cal Ripken Jr., Bill Russell and Usher,” Mentoring.org reported. 

Throughout January, there are several dates to be aware of for National Mentoring Month:

January 7 : I am a Mentor Day

This day is one in which volunteer mentors look back on their work with young individuals and the ways that mentees have positively impacted the world around. 

January 17: International Mentoring Day

This day falls on Muhammad Ali’s birthday and is marked by the usage of the hashtags #MentoringDay and #MentoringMonth. 

January 18: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

On this day, Dr. MLK Jr’s words and his legacy should serve as a powerful reminder of what good volunteering can bring about. 

January 27-29: National Mentoring Summit

This will be carried out virtually. The summit already has over 1,300 people who have registered for it and more are welcome to participate. Register online at Mentoring.org.

January 29: #ThankYourMentor Day

This day is an excellent end to the month as it provides mentees with the chance to reach out to their mentors and show their appreciation for the roles that they played in their lives.