Blog | January 3, 2011

National Mentoring Month

Source: Life Science Leader
Rob Wright author page

By Rob Wright, Chief Editor, Life Science Leader
Follow Me On Twitter @RfwrightLSL

By Rob Wright

I recently purchased a birthday card for my wife and realized that I spent more on this piece of paper than the cost of a gallon of gas. I have always been somewhat skeptical of purchasing cards for certain days of recognition and holidays for which I am unfamiliar or more likely, I perceive as marketing gimmicks. Friendship Day would be one I would place in that category. However, Thank Your Mentor Day would be one that is worthwhile, at least in my book. Did you know that January is National Mentoring Month (NMM) and that January 25th is Thank Your Mentor Day? If not, then let me be the first to welcome you to the club.

NMM was created by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership. It will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2011. The goal of NMM is to focus national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how each of us —individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities, and nonprofits — can work together to increase the number of mentors and assure brighter futures for young people. Since its launch, NMM has enjoyed the strong support of the President and Congress. Additional prominent individuals who have participated in the campaign include: Maya Angelou, former President Bill Clinton, Clint Eastwood, Senator John McCain, Quincy Jones, General Colin L. Powell, Cal Ripken, Jr., Bill Russell, and Usher.

To my regret, I only recently became aware of NMM. It was shortly after a conversation I had with a CIO who was describing his company’s leadership mentoring program. Probably like me, you can think of a variety of mentors who had a positive influence on your life. Some of them may have been assigned, while others may have been people who simply took an interest in you. Perhaps, also like me, you have never taken the time to thank them. Why not contact your mentor directly to express your appreciation. If you would like to send them a card, you can download one by clicking here.

There are plenty of mentors that I have had that deserve to be thanked. I would like to use this forum to do so. Your wisdom and guidance is greatly appreciated. Thank you.