Watch the INSPIREDtalk: Make an Impact with Dr. Victor Rios

Often times there are many life-changing and important non-profit organizations in your community you may not be aware of. Begin by reaching out to these non-profits to learn more about their mission and how you can help them make an impact.

When you think about volunteering, the typical image of a team or community group planting a garden, revitalizing a local park or painting a lively mural at a school comes to mind. Yet all around the globe, at any given time, thousands (if not millions) of engaged citizens volunteer virtually — using their computers, the internet, even their smart phones.

Understanding your skill set, your professional and personal experience, and also your limitations are key to deciding the type of volunteer opportunity you want to get involved in.

Ask yourself what role you want to have in this volunteer opportunity? What professional skillset do you have to offer? What past experiences do you want to recreate? Which activities give you purpose and passion?

For example, Dr. Rios' life was changed through his mentor. Dr. Rios' not only now focuses his career on mentoring at-risk youth, but leading various programs, guided education and books to guide those in the corporate mentoring process.

Many individuals in Dr. Rios' life growing up tried to reach him and other troubled youth. It wasn't until later in life that he realized some of those ideals and lessons that he previously disregarded from mentors, were useful and had impact on his professional career.

Involving parents in mentoring services is one of the best things a program can do to ensure its success. Programs whose parents, guardians, and other caregivers work in concert with mentors and program staff are more likely to see positive changes in youth and improved program outcomes.

There is a long history of research into the impact that parental involvement has on academic achievement, child and adolescent development, and the socialization of young people. It makes it clear that nobody has the ability to influence children’s development more than parents, or a caregiver.

Talk to your mentoring organization about parental involvement or reach out to your local family non-profit organization and volunteer with evidence-based parental programs.

Children and adolescents go through important periods of development. Youth are vulnerable to taking the wrong step, which is why mentors are important for them. Mentors may not be able to change how fast a child’s brain develops or force a child to make certain decisions, but mentors can share their worldviews, experiences, knowledge, support and advice, as well as provide a positive influence. By introducing youth to new experiences and sharing positive values, mentors can help young people avoid negative behaviors and achieve success. 

• 59% of mentored teenagers earn better grades.
• 27% of mentored youth are less likely to begin using alcohol.
• 52% of mentored youth are less likely to skip school.
• Youth with mentors have increased likelihood of going to college, better attitudes toward school, increased social and emotional development, and improved self-esteem.