A wise man once said, “To leave the world a little better than you found it. That’s the best a man can ever do.”
As men of color, it is our duty to show the next generation of people of color how to find their place in a world that doesn’t look, act or think like us. If we don’t do it, then who will?
Why Representation Matters in Communities of Color?
In underserved communities, representation is everything. Unfortunately, many depictions of people of color in the media are all the same. So, it makes it difficult for young people to aspire to be anything other than the rappers, ball players, social media influencers and gangsters they see on television.
That’s why it is essential for men of color to become mentors to young people in underserved communities. Mentors help impressionable youth see what they can achieve by expanding their mindset. They serve as trusted counselors and guides who offer professional and/or academic support.
If you’re thinking about becoming a mentor, there are plenty of organizations that would be happy to have you share your knowledge and skills with young people. Here are 5 mentoring organizations men of color can join.
1. 100 Black Men of America, Inc
About: 100 Black Men of America offers unique programs that help develop young people in local communities. Programs include mentor training, Southwest foundation grants and mentee training.
Learn more about 100 Black Men of America at https://100blackmen.org/four-for-the-future/mentoring/
2. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
About: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is an organization that helps people (ages 5 to early adulthood) build their future and realize their potential. Becoming a Big with this organization involves meeting with your Little at least two times a month for just a few hours.
Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of America at https://www.bbbs.org/get-involved/become-a-big/
3. Mentor City
About: Mentor City is an online mentoring match program. It connects mentors with mentees. This mentoring community offers free on-demand courses such as Essentials for the Inspired Mentor and From Here to There in 90 days.
Learn more about Mentor City at https://mentorcity.teachable.com/
4. Mentor
About: Mentor seeks to expand opportunities for youth by providing structured mentoring relationships. This organization is actively seeking mentors who are willing to invest their time in working with young people.
Learn more about Mentor at https://www.mentoring.org/take-action/become-a-mentor/
5. People of Color in Publishing
About: People of Color in Publishing is a professional mentoring program. This program matches entry-level publishing professionals with experienced-level POC industry professionals. Its purpose is to serve as a resource to guide, support and encourage people of color as they navigate a career in publishing.
Learn more at https://www.pocinpublishing.com/mentorship
Join Corporate Counsel Men of Color
Joining a professional organization such as Corporate Counsel Men of Color can help you make an impact on other people. Want to learn more about Corporate Counsel Men of Color? Enroll in our organization today.
© Copyright of Corporate Counsel Women of Color®. All Rights Reserved. To License the Use of this Article, contact [email protected]