Volunteer - Thoughts and Stories
We are looking for stories to share from your experiences as a mentor/advocate. We want to be able to grow and learn from each other. If you have something to share please send it us! info@connectcity.orgRandy Singer - Mentor - First Presbyterian Church, Maitland
As I am writing this ,I am witnessing the most beautiful sunrise and the beginning of a new and wonderful day,thank you God. During the last HAT Meeting when we were sharing our thoughts about what the hats on the table represented; we were at the table with the child's hat and a chord was struck within me:
With this new beginning and commitment - we as mentors are like the parents of a child learning to ride a two wheel bicycle for the first time. We run along side of them to support them ,encourage them, and celebrate their victory when they take off on their own. We can not ride the bike ourselves - they must get on the bike. We must prepare them and ourselves for this moment by talking with them to review the steps they will be making as they prepare to "get on the bike".This is why we must be involved before they they are released- this is their preparation.As they start their "shaky" beginning we will be like the "bumpers of a beginner's bowling lane" trying our best not to let them fall but guiding them until they get the hang of it.
Randy Singer
With this new beginning and commitment - we as mentors are like the parents of a child learning to ride a two wheel bicycle for the first time. We run along side of them to support them ,encourage them, and celebrate their victory when they take off on their own. We can not ride the bike ourselves - they must get on the bike. We must prepare them and ourselves for this moment by talking with them to review the steps they will be making as they prepare to "get on the bike".This is why we must be involved before they they are released- this is their preparation.As they start their "shaky" beginning we will be like the "bumpers of a beginner's bowling lane" trying our best not to let them fall but guiding them until they get the hang of it.
Randy Singer