What is mentoring?

Mentoring is defined as a "structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee," according to the MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership (a leading national organization for mentoring information and resources).

How effective is mentoring?

Mentoring helps positive youth development by increasing protective factors while decreasing risk factors. Several local programs are helping youth with mentor relationships.

The community-based mentoring program, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), is proven to be an effective, evidence-based practice. According to an evaluation of mentees involved in the BBBS, the Little Brothers and Little Sisters were:

• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
• 52% less likely to skip school
• one-third less likely to hit someone
• getting along better with their families

United Way of King County (UWKC) offers information about mentoring and how to get involved, including a listing of current mentorship opportunities from the UWKC volunteer database.

King County Mentoring Coalition supports local mentoring organizations and their staff members who are striving to deliver effective mentoring programs that serve diverse populations

Washington State Mentoring Partnership (WSMP) is an umbrella organization promoting quality mentoring services and supporting mentoring organizations across the state. The WSMP Web site includes a "tool kit" with resources for organizations, mentors and mentees (also referred to as protégés).