Category Archive

“On Jan. 17, we celebrate International Mentoring Day to thank volunteer mentors for the important difference they make in the lives of children and youth. “Mentors are caring individuals who help young people develop confidence, self-esteem and a sense of belonging. Children and youth build resiliency through these relationships, and gain skills they need to reach their full potential and …

What A two-part learning opportunity taking place online. During this learning opportunity you will (1) learn about the purpose and steps to completing an evaluation, and (2) design and complete an evaluation of your organization’s virtual mentorship program. The learning opportunity will include online classes and personalized coaching to support you in learning about evaluation, completing an evaluation, and sharing …

A recent poll done by Canada-wide non-profit Jack.Org, an organization empowering young people to take action in their communities and revolutionize mental health, found that over half of students returning to school are feeling disconnected and unsupported by their schools. This is not surprising, given the worry families feel as rules and regulations continue to change across Calgary’s schools, adding …

An infographic is a great way to introduce the “why” and “what” of the project. The intent of this infographic is that it be used as a quick means of assimilating some of the evidence and data that was collected over the past couple years and essentially set the context and build the case for why change is needed. It’s …

In the fairly near future, many of the children entering your local school will become your neighbours, colleagues, and eventually, future caregivers. Every day you are given another opportunity to help determine what kind of future we will share. We have been through boom and bust times before, floods, fires, and crises. We have a strong Alberta tradition of standing up for one another in …

Relationships are developmental when they help young people discover who they are, develop abilities to shape their own lives, and learn how to engage with and contribute to the world around them. A Spark is the hidden flame inside every young person that taps into their true passions, talents, skills, and dreams. This workshop helps you be intentional and strategic …

Volunteer Canada shared this excellent blog post about engaging newcomers to Canada in volunteer opportunities, which made us think about our mentoring recruitment practices. There are many unique opportunities to engage newcomers, immigrants, and refugees as mentors. If you have not done so already, please check out our toolkit on Mentoring Immigrant Refugee Newcomer Children and Youth here. Volunteer Canada had …

Whether you were a part of a school-based mentoring relationship concluded in June, or whether you are midway through a 2019 match, we just wanted to say Thank You! Being a Mentor is really important work, and we are ways asking ourselves how we can do better, connect better, and help.  Here are a few links for you to think …