I have been giving thought to this for a number of years and it is not a new idea to mentor someone with diabetes. I personally would like to see teens mentoring other teens for a bunch of reasons. First of all… teens know how to identity with each other as people. Seems sometimes adults forget to acknowledge what kids know about each other and it gets all messed up. So, who would be better to mentor a struggling diabetic kid than another kid who knows what the deal is in the first place? I am not saying that there should not be ground rules and oversight but the verbage should belong to the kids.
This kind of activity could sure do more to motivate good kids who need to pay attention to this chronic…this never ending condition. Mentoring could lead to developing the strong character needed to live in the world after diabetes life with mom and dad.
Being able to mentor and help develop skills for others to live courageously with a chronic condition and accomplish life goals is certainly a dream of mine.
Leave a comment. What are your dreams and goals?
Are there programs out there already for these mentorships?
Hi!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
The diabetes mentoring project was actually a proposed project. In 2007 the idea became reality with a grant for 5 years.
This link in self management magazine will show you the idea behind the proposal: http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/Blog/Tara-Dairman/diabetes_mentoring_program_proposed/
The Vermont Mentoring Partnerships is a great place to start if you are interested in becoming a mentor: http://www.vtmentoring.org/wp/?page_id=111 .
There is a list of mentoring programs that you may be interested in: http://www.vtmentoring.org/wp/?page_id=17
Mentor is celebrating it’s 20th anniversary this year . January 2011 is National Mentoring Month.
http://www.mentoring.org/mentors/support_for_mentors/
If you do want to become a mentor you really should join a mentoring group and find out all the qualities needed to become a Marvelous Mentor!
Come by again! CC
CC
Can you post more? Maybe about an experience?