Posts

A 20-minute dose of nature can cut your stress

By Jim Erickson, Futurity “In this time of uncertainty, social isolation, and adjustment to a different lifestyle, spending time in nature—while maintaining proper social distancing, of course—is one type of antidote for our distress,” says MaryCarol Hunter. Spending just 20 minutes in nature can significantly lower stress hormone levels, researchers say. The benefits of experiencing […]

The impact child welfare parent mentoring programs have in reducing racial disparities

Soffer-Elnekave, R., Haight, W., & Jader, B. (2020). Parent mentoring relationships as a vehicle for reducing racial disparities: Experiences of child welfare-involved parents, mentors and professionals. Children and Youth Services Review, 109, 104682. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104682 Summarized by Ariel Ervin Notes of Interest:  Many parents experience multiple stressors when they enter into and try to navigate in the child welfare […]

5 ways older generations can support youth during the coronavirus pandemic

By Sarah McKinney Gibson, Forbes The COVID-19 crisis has made it pretty much impossible for older adults to provide face-to-face mentoring and support to young people. Still, many nonprofits are scrambling to find ways to connect the generations now. Here at Encore.org (a nonprofit focused on bridging the generational divide), we’re encouraging people to use […]

Which young people have access to informal mentoring?

Gowdy, G., Miller, D. P., & Spencer, R. (2020). Expanding and deepening our understanding of  which young people are most likely to have an informal mentor. Children and Youth Services Review, 108, 104490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104490 Summarized by Ariel Ervin Notes of Interest:  Approximately 50% of young people do not have an informal mentor There’s a lack of […]

How to help your teens handle social distancing

By Patti Verbanas, Futurity Compared to young children, teenagers and young adults living and learning at home during the COVID-19 crisis may be feeling the loss of social connections and life experiences while struggling to manage their time. Here, Ann Murphy, director of the Northeast & Caribbean Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) and an associate professor at […]

5 ways to maintain community while social distancing

By Eric Stann, Futurity It’s possible to maintain community while social distancing to contain the spread of COVID-19, according to a professor of health psychology. In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout the US, thousands of in-person gatherings are now canceled, including sporting events, parades, concerts, and church services. For many, the […]

Identifying key features of mentor self-disclosure in the context of youth mentoring

Dutton, H., Deane, K. L., & Bullen, P. (2020). Opening up: An exploration of youth mentor self-disclosure using laboratory-based direct observation. Children and Youth Services Review, 108, 104654. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104654 Summarized by Ariel Ervin Notes of Interest:  Self-disclosure helps strengthen existing relationships as well as help create new ones Despite the importance of having close mentoring […]

Mentoring for the first time? 14 tips to start off on the right foot

By Forbes Coaches Council, Forbes Being asked to mentor someone can feel like an honor—but it can also feel overwhelming and intimidating, especially if you’ve never had a mentee before. You might question whether you’re even qualified to guide this person in their life or career. However, every expert must start somewhere. We asked 14 […]

Young black men, mentoring, youth.

[Webinar] We see you: Mentoring Boys & Young Men of Color through a racial equity lens

Date: Thu, Apr 16, 2020 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM EDT Description: The challenges facing Boys & Young Men of Color (BYMOC), though well-documented and heavily researched, continue to persist in communities across the United States. While bright spots exist through the work of organizations such as the 100 Black Men of America, the Campaign for […]

The kids aren’t all right: Why mentees will be disproportionately affected by the pandemic

By Jean Rhodes Although COVID-19 appears to spare children from the most serious health problems, marginalized youth are likely to bear the heaviest burdens of trauma and economic fallout. This has serious implications for mentoring programs, which often serve particularly high risk youth. For example, an analysis of the two million young people aged six […]