Make an Impact by Leading with a Mentoring Mindset — Episode 150

As you may know, January is National Mentoring Month, and all
month long, NRPA has been sharing content around how mentoring
through parks and recreation is helping youth develop positive
connections with trusted and caring adults, which we know can
support their long-term success.


National Mentoring Month is an annual opportunity to spread
awareness of the power of mentoring. It serves as a reminder of
the critical role park and recreation professionals play in
providing youth development and youth mentoring services in local
communities across the country.


We were thrilled to have a conversation with three individuals
who have a lot of experience when it comes to the power of
mentoring: Katlin Okamoto, director of Coach-Mentor Training at
U.S. Soccer Foundation; Char Barnes, a park and recreation
professional who previously worked in Columbus, Ohio; and Kent
Hunt, NRPA’s program manager of health.


These three shared some wonderful insight on mentoring, and while
they all shared from different perspectives, it all boiled down
to one thing: Mentoring is essential, and park and recreation
professionals are likely already serving as mentors in their
communities, whether they realize it or not.


Tune in to our full conversation below to hear from Katlin, Char
and Kent. You’ll also learn:


How mentoring changes the lives of youth and adults

What it means to have a “mentoring mindset”

How to embrace and implement a mentoring mindset approach in
your programs

Advice for starting a mentoring program in your community

Resources available to support your mentoring programs

And much more!



Additional Resources:


NRPA’s Mentoring Resources

Contact NRPA’s Mentoring Team

Contact U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Coach-Mentor Training
Program

Blog Post: Three Strategies to Engage Mentors to Support
Youth Development

Blog Post: Engaging Families Leads to Profound Impacts for
Youth in Mentoring Programs

Blog Post: Elevating the Spirit of Service in Youth