What Makes a Good Mentor? The Importance of Mentorship in Teen Communities

When a space for teens is cultivated that meets the need for a role model in a heartfelt way, it becomes a conscious center for encouragement and leadership.  In these circles, we come together with the intent to learn, grow, and hear one another, and we reach a level of understanding that mends the gaps in our confidence by showing us our similarities.

Mentors are the people that inspire us.  They are our parents, aunts and uncles, neighbors, cousins, teachers, and those in our lives that give us the courage to be our authentic selves.  We all need mentor figures, but within teen communities in particular, finding the right coach who can provide a space that allows for vulnerability is challenging.

As a teenager, I believe that the role a mentor plays in the lives of youth, like myself, is pivotal.  For me, the adults that have helped me through difficult times stand out in my memory because they recognized my resilience.  They encouraged me when I doubted myself and my place in the world, they listened without judgment, and they ultimately inspired me to pursue the interests that I was most passionate about.  

Teens are nonconformists, dreamers, and believers.  We remain true to ourselves in utterly brave ways, and yet we tirelessly seek affirmation for this.  We are constantly evaluating ourselves against others while trying to maintain our courage, and it can be devastating.  Because of this, we need mentor figures in our lives to elevate our authenticity, allow us to flourish, and give us the permission to be ourselves.

When a space for teens is cultivated that meets the need for a role model in a heartfelt way, it becomes a conscious center for encouragement and leadership.  In these circles, we come together with the intent to learn, grow, and hear one another, and we reach a level of understanding that mends the gaps in our confidence by showing us our similarities.  

There is a common misconception that to be a leader in these circles takes profound knowledge.  That youth are waiting for a lecture on life or some great secret that they haven’t yet discovered.  But I think that the most valuable role models for teens are simply those who give us the permission to be fearless.  When this happens, we receive the message that it is okay to make mistakes and not be defined by them, and this is extremely powerful.  

We all hold a unique perspective that can become immensely wise and valuable in these settings. 

“Just as teens need to seek mentors that bring honest experiences to light, those leaders need to look for groups that evoke empathy from within.  When leaders are in awe of the genuine spirit of the group that they work with, their guidance can cause a more profound impact.” 

Circle Mentoring at The Launch Pad

Mentorship, under these definitions, is essential and yet it can be extremely difficult to find.  Thankfully there are many resources available for teens that seek to build cultures of validation and empowerment. 

The Launch Pad is one such resource that hosts weekly Circle Mentoring Sessions. Circle mentoring creates an opportunity for open communication and relationship building as the group meets week to week and discusses various topics. It is typical that 3-4 adult mentors will sit in a circle with 7-10 teens. An effective circle holds space for listening, being curious, encouraging and connecting.

Adults are needed to mentor in circles and interested teens are welcome to join! If you would like to volunteer as a mentor, head to www.thelaunchpadteencenter.org and complete the volunteer application. If you are a teen who would like to join a circle, reach out to joy@thelaunchpadteencenter.org

Thanks to the power of good mentors, greater understanding, and opportunities such as these we can continue to support one another and help our communities thrive.