A thought to ponder...

The winter months are often seen as the tough ones. We seem to endure them rather than enjoy them. I was recently challenged to observe a mug and determine what 'side' of the cup the handle was on. I promptly said the right, to which my mate argued it was the left, and another mate declared proudly... no... it's on the OUT-side!!

Regardless of the context - sport, politics, religion, education, social issues, or cultural challenges - the reality is that there are a great many perspectives that people come from, and perspectives are simply that... not one right, and possibly not one wrong. (Although I think my mate was pretty chuffed with his answer.)

So I wonder how do we ever find a way forward if people are in disagreement because of perspective?

I'm learning (the older I get) that agreement isn't the goal. Alignment is the goal. Alignment comes from a place of understanding one another's views, and being able to move forward without having to agree. In trusting one another we can be aligned by our common thoughts rather than dispersed by our differences.

I believe that if young people are to really find a way forward, they need to firstly understand who they are, the value they bring and through opportunities to develop their thinking, they can then begin to truly walk forward without getting stuck on 'one persons' opinion, perspective, judgement or comment.

Our job is to create opportunities for young people to discover who they are, and think critically about the world they live in.

Winter is not miserable, cold, wet and yuck... it's an opportunity to view the world through a different lens, and to learn to accept that the conditions will never be perfect, but I still need to keep moving and keep growing... and I can't wait for Summer!!!

Dan

Mentoring

Community Mentoring began with a desire to find ways to support young people in an early intervention context that may redirect young people from ever needing to engage with our intensive intervention programmes.

Mentors bring consistency, encouragement, and care into the lives of our tamariki. These incredible volunteers share their life with a child or young person (age 8-14) for 2 hours a week over the course of a year. They support that young person by offering stability, connection, and fun.

Whether it’s kayaking or crochet, fishing or scrapbooking, it’s the time spent together that matters. Through simple, shared moments, young people begin to feel safe, valued, and seen.

Mentors are carefully trained, matched and become a steady, trusted presence in a young person’s week, turning up when they say they will, investing and valuing the young person and building a brighter future, 2 hours at a time.

We’re incredibly grateful for every mentor who has walked alongside a young person at Springboard. In a time-poor world, the gift of your time is truly life-changing.

We are always keen to engage with anyone who would be interested in supporting young people in this way. It is one of the most tangible ways that we as a community can engage with young people to help make a difference in their lives and therefore the climate of our community.

Could you recommend someone in your world who'd be great as a mentor for a young person? Perhaps that person is you?

Your donation gives vulnerable young people the opportunity to dream again. It gives them a place to belong, and to be family.

Thanks for donating, and thanks for reading!