Older and Wiser: New Ideas for Youth Mentoring in the 21st Century

In her book "The Power of Organic Mentoring," Jean Rhodes argues that most mentoring programs fail to deliver what young people need and recommends "organic" mentorship opportunities to develop specific social, emotional, and intellectual skills.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2023
Publisher: Harvard University Press

Winner of the Eleanor Maccoby Book Award, "This engaging and well-written book is a significant advance in our understanding of when and how mentoring matters." - Robert D. Putnam, author of Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis

"Rhodes forces us to slam the brakes on ineffective practices and improve an industry that is devoted to the potential of our nations children. The authors concrete recommendations will create new pathways to opportunity for youth in greatest need." - Michael D. Smith, Executive Director, My Brothers Keeper Alliance

"A powerful assessment of what is needed to best help young people today." - Pam Iorio, President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Youth mentoring is one of the most popular forms of volunteering in the world today, but does it work? Drawing on over thirty years of research and her own experience in the field, Jean Rhodes reveals that most mentoring programs fail to deliver what young people actually need. Many prioritize building emotional bonds between mentors and mentees. But research shows that effective programs go far beyond this, developing specific social, emotional, and intellectual skills.

Most mentoring programs rely on volunteers, who rarely have the training to teach these skills. Their one-size-fits-all models struggle to meet the diverse needs of mentees, and rarely take account of the psychological effects of poverty on children. Rhodes doesn't think we should give up on mentoring—far from it. Instead, she recommends "organic" mentorship opportunities—in schools, youth sports leagues, and community organizations—and shares specific approaches that can spark meaningful change in young peoples' lives.

Rhodes argues that traditional mentoring programs often fail to provide young people with the skills they need to succeed. They focus too much on building emotional connections between mentors and mentees, without addressing the underlying social, economic, and psychological factors that contribute to youth poverty and inequality. To address these challenges, Rhodes advocates for "organic" mentorship opportunities that are tailored to the specific needs of young people. These opportunities can take place in schools, youth sports leagues, and community organizations, and can be facilitated by trained professionals who have the skills and expertise to teach social, emotional, and intellectual skills.

One of the key recommendations that Rhodes makes is to prioritize the development of specific social, emotional, and intellectual skills in mentoring programs. This includes teaching mentees how to communicate effectively, build positive relationships, manage stress and anxiety, and develop a sense of self-esteem and confidence. Rhodes also emphasizes the importance of providing mentees with opportunities to engage in meaningful activities and experiences that can help them develop their skills and interests. This can include exposure to different cultures, languages, and perspectives, as well as opportunities to participate in community service and leadership programs.

In addition to providing mentees with the skills they need to succeed, Rhodes also argues that mentoring programs should be designed to take account of the psychological effects of poverty on children. Many mentees come from low-income families and may be dealing with a range of emotional and behavioral challenges as a result of their circumstances. Mentoring programs should be designed to provide support and guidance to mentees who may be struggling with issues such as trauma, anxiety, and depression. This can include providing access to mental health services and resources, as well as offering training and support to mentors who are working with mentees who may be experiencing challenging behaviors.

Another important recommendation that Rhodes makes is to prioritize the diversity and inclusion of mentoring programs. Mentoring programs should be designed to reach and engage a diverse range of young people, including those from different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This can include recruiting and training mentors from diverse backgrounds, as well as providing opportunities for mentees to connect with mentors who share their experiences and perspectives. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, mentoring programs can create a more equitable and inclusive environment that can benefit all young people.

In conclusion, "The Power of Organic Mentoring" is a powerful and insightful book that provides a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to youth mentoring. By prioritizing the development of specific social, emotional, and intellectual skills, as well as taking account of the psychological effects of poverty on children, mentoring programs can create a more effective and equitable environment that can benefit all young people. Jean Rhodes' recommendations for "organic" mentorship opportunities and specific approaches to teaching social, emotional, and intellectual skills are a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in creating meaningful change in the lives of young people.

Dimension: 210 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674292277