Letter to my mentee: Thank you for your bravery and for trusting me!

There are many reasons why I have truly loved mentoring with the Raise Foundation over the past two years. I wanted to share them with (whoever is willing to listen) because I know from experience it can be challenging to find a volunteering opportunity and I think their purpose is important for our future.

Firstly - if you don't know who the Raise Foundation is:

"Raise Foundation is a registered Australian charity which provides mentoring programs for young people in high schools and in the community. Our mentoring programs provide a community of support around young people. Mentoring from a positive role model during the critical teenage years provides a nurturing pathway for young people to feel supported."

Reasons I have loved mentoring with Raise:

1. You get to witness & create incredible bonds with mentors and mentees. For approximately 20 weeks, you spend 1 hour together every week and that really does create a bond that is truly special. You can feel everyone's openness to accept one another. The fun energy is also created through games and 121 time is truly fantastic to witness be part of.

2. It's confidence instilling in young incredible teens and you see them truly open up and grow through the program. I would say 99% of teens visibly show a huge difference which is evident through their attitude & body language from the start of the program compared to the end. Most mentees share the impact to the group or their mentor, but without words you can feel it! Learn more about Raise statistics and outcomes here.

3. The positive connections create a safe and uplifting environment for everyone. Mentors are there to give their time and support, but the mentees are super intelligent, creative and inspiring to be around. Their resilience and willingness to learn is powerful for their futures and the mentors.

4. Lots of laughs and fun times. The program includes some group games and interactive activities at the beginning of some of the sessions. Therefore there are some truly funny moments to laugh at or with.

5. Everyone is focused on being present and supporting eachtother.

6. Having a tough day - week or month? I found that being in this non judgemental, supporting and positive environment always gave a priceless perspective to what is really important in life. It also reminds you to take your own advice that sometimes you wish you got as a teen or even just remind you of the simple things.

What types of things mentors or mentees say about their experience?

From mentees:

- Thank you for listening to me and coming every week to spend time with me.

- Thank you for not judging me.

- Thank you for letting my be myself and even if i don't always show it, I feel so lucky to have met you and spent time with you.

- Thank you for believing in me.

From mentors:

- Thank you for opening up and teaching me so many things about you and your life.

- Thank you for coming every week even when you found out its voluntary.

- It has been so fun getting to know you and spending time learning about your life, goals and interests. I am super excited and know you will accomplish your goals.

- You are capable, smart and creative, believe in yourself and it will all unfold.

Look I have simplified the kinds of things people say, because mentoring is confidential i can't share the exact words of those in the program. But i hope it gives you an idea of how a truly valuable relationship through mentoring can change lives.

If you have any questions please let me know. I know Raise will be looking for mentors in 2020. Do you want to give back and join a thriving positive community?

Give it a go and I hope it touches your heart like it has mine.

Thanks,

TM