Summit Up - For Youth
       Mentoring Makes a Difference

by Anne Reed, Families in Partnership, Libby, MT
Governors' Summit on Youth; Caring Adults Task Force

04/23/98 BOZEMAN -- I recently returned from a trip to Salt Lake City and everywhere was evidence of the anticipation and preparation for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Then I began to wonder: How long would the tradition of the Olympics continue if nobody cared? If there were no cheering audiences, no television viewers, no endorsements, no fans--would the athletes continue to set their goals on the gold?

Now, imagine that you are a six-year old child whose parents are not able to attend to even your most basic needs. The responsibility to get yourself up, groomed, appropriately dressed, fed, a sack lunch prepared and out the door in time for school is proportionately no less than the grueling schedules of our Olympic athletes.

Yet, throughout Montana, we have children who not only get themselves to school, but they also may have added responsibilities to make sure younger siblings get breakfast or keep quiet because if mom or dad gets disturbed, there will be big trouble. Too often, these dedicated little souls arrive at the front door of the school and are met with scolding for being late, not having a lunch or for being without mittens. We have children in Montana who are growing up without a cheering section.

The result is that young people are experiencing alienation and a sense of hopelessness because they are without connections and attachments to adults. According to the Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey, in 1995, suicide was the second leading cause of death among Montana youth, second only to accidental deaths due to motor vehicle crashes.

In addition, a growing number of Montana children do not have a home environment that provides warmth, support and security. In the past 10 years, Montana has experienced a greater than 50 percent increase in out-of-home placements.

A relationship with a caring adult is one of the most important protective factors in a young person's life. Young people need the sustaining presence of caring adults--especially parents, but these caring adults can also be neighbors, teachers, 4-H or scout leaders, advisors, bus drivers, custodians, coaches, ministers or anyone who cares. Every child needs someone who cares and shows it. In many cases, these adults can be mentors--individuals, who along with parents and extended family, provide youth with support, counsel and friendship.

Consistent caring and connections within and beyond the family are not only powerful factors in protecting youth from negative behaviors, but also in encouraging good social skills, responsible values and a positive self-identity. Young people need caring adults in their lives--individuals who provide care, support, guidance and challenge. Caring adults can help young people discover their personal vision and mission to help them set goals for their lives.

Developing and encouraging closer family ties and creating tutoring and mentoring relationships in Montana communities is one of the five fundamental resources that has become part of the Governors' Summit on Youth: Montana's Promise.

The Summit will be held June 14 - 16, 1998 at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Billings.

The Summit "will focus on how communities can provide more mentors and tutors for all our children," says Montana Lieutenant Governor Judy Martz. "The goal is to foster closer family ties and create additional relationships with caring adults who can have a positive impact on young people."

All funds for the Summit are being raised privately. If you would like to contribute to the Summit, contact Marilyn Frazier, finance director, at 406 444-4173. For more information on the Governors’ Summit, contact: Kirk Astroth, Summit Coordinator, at 406 994-3501 or visit our web site at: http://www.mt.gov/mcsn

Send questions or comments to carolf@montana.edu.

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