Training session designed to help youth mentors

City governments across the United States are constantly searching for ways to reduce crime rates.

On Oct. 10, a training session titled “Orientation to Mentoring and Volunteering with Youth” will try to make a difference. From 10 a.m. to noon in the University Student Commons Shockoe Room, session leaders will engage the audience through discussion and role-playing scenarios.

The workshop will be facilitated by the Virginia Mentoring Partnership, an organization geared toward providing training for mentor and tutor programs throughout Virginia.

“At VMP, we believe that each and every child is born with enormous potential, and whether a child reaches that potential depends on many factors,” said Jennifer Smith-Slabaugh, executive director of VMP. “One of the most important is the presence of a caring adult – a mentor – who says ‘I believe in you.'”

Alyssa Georgelas, program coordinator of VMP, said she agrees that mentoring is crucial for the Richmond community, and asserts that more than 140,000 youths across Virginia need or want a mentor.

“Children in the Richmond area thrive from having mentors,” Georgelas said.

According to a study from Big Brothers Big Sisters, mentoring can improve school attendance, academic achievement and behavior of those mentored. The study shows that youth with mentors are 46 percent less likely to use illegal drugs and 27 percent less likely to drink.

While some may think they are ready to handle the responsibilities of mentoring a child, Georgelas said these training workshops could be helpful.

“Training prepares mentors by helping them to know what their role is as a mentor, understand the characteristics of the youth they may work with, assist volunteers in developing effective communication skills, and helps mentors to problem-solve with youth,” she said.

This training, Georgelas said, will help mentors understand the boundaries, as well as the necessary actions and assistance, they can provide for youth.

Yolanda Jackson, assistant director for Student Organizations & Community Services at the University Student Commons, said the program is offered two to three times a semester and is open to all students, faculty, staff and anyone from the surrounding area.

At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to sign up to volunteer for specific mentoring programs involving The Carver Promise and other organizations.

“When you give young people in our community the encouragement and support they need to reach their full potential, you help all of us,” Smith-Slabaugh said.