Damaris and her adult volunteer mentor, Anne, met more than seven years ago when they were matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts. Their connection grew through shared interests, like music and theater, into a deep, family-like bond marked by meaningful conversations and milestone celebrations, including Damaris’ quinceañera and Anne’s wedding. Their story offers a powerful example of what mentorship, which uplifts young people and strengthens families, makes possible.
This National Mentoring Month, we honor the mentorships that change lives.
Mentorship is the quiet force that helps young professionals or students imagine exciting opportunities even before they fully believe in such achievements for themselves. A mentor proves success is attainable, and the relationship reminds people they don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.
At its core, mentorship creates space for growth. It offers people room to ask questions without fear, to make mistakes without shame, and to imagine futures that once felt out of reach. The most impactful relationships are built on authenticity, shared understanding, and mutual respect.
For individuals from historically marginalized communities, support can be especially transformative. It provides affirmation in spaces where representation may be limited and helps bridge the gap between potential and opportunity. When someone can look at a mentor from a similar background and say, “They did it, so maybe I can too,” they feel inspired to pursue positive change in their own lives and maybe one day volunteer as a mentor themselves.
Mentorship stories help audiences understand the heart behind an organization’s work. Nonprofits should share their stories with the media and through social media. This creates an opportunity for their human stories to be seen by potential and existing donors, supporters, and volunteers. Exposure to these stories will inspire support for the organization and/or program and possibly lead to new mentees and mentors wanting to join the program.
A good story contains a mentee and mentor who can speak to their experience and be quoted as a source on the impact the program has had on the community and the people involved. It contains points that emphasize trust and bonding and lands with measurable results. Experiences that are elevated through the media, and those that are not, can also be used for newsletter, website, and social media content that further displays the influence the program has had across platforms.
For nonprofits, colleges, and community organizations, sharing these narratives is both a responsibility and an opportunity. By lifting up mentors, mentees, and programs that make a difference, organizations help shape a future where the guidance that was built during the program can reach far and wide past the walls of the organization.
