Why we’re keen to talk about bridging the gap between myths, reality, and genuine support for young people in Aotearoa NZ.
Before being involved in the youth sector I ran a commercial business. At a number of networking events over several years there was concerned discussion about a lack of connection between employers and young people. There was a sense that they lacked values, or concentration, or a desire to work hard.
In the last two years I’ve seen that this disconnect with rangatahi is not limited to business but exists at all levels of society. Across generations we see that people feel more isolated and less connected.
These gaps are self-perpetuating, fuelled by misunderstandings and encouraged further by representations in the media of youth crime, homelessness, addiction, and other challenges which harden attitudes and make connection more difficult. That in turn leaves many youth more isolated, and more at risk, from those same serious harms.
Crucially, this empathy gap also squanders something of immeasurable value – the aspirations and potential of our young people, who are instead seen as a problem, something that needs to be ‘solved’ - usually by applying more policing or enforcement.
What if I were to tell you that the answer to this 'problem’, although not easy, is actually fairly simple to understand: we re-build those connections. It might be connections between young and old, between experience and youthful energy, or connections to place, culture, and people.
Mentoring as a bridge
Here at the NZ Youth Mentoring Network we are of course big fans of structured, intentional mentoring as a proven way to build a better connection between generations, support youth aspiration, and nurture individual agency and responsibility. Thanks to research carried out by ourselves and others, we also know just how large an impact good mentoring has on communities.
I also know, given my background, that many people in business are concerned about youth crime & unemployment, the impacts of social media on youth mental health, and how all of this affects our society.
Although our attention is often drawn to those young people going through the most extreme challenges, mentoring can be just as important for any teenager – whether they need a bit of extra guidance in their career choices, support so that they can study at tertiary level, or just a caring adult to bounce some ideas off.
What are we going to do about this?
In May we’ll be hosting a webinar about the ways you can support young people and – here's the magic part – how doing so enriches everyone’s lives. We believe that if we can provide you the tools, links, and inspiration to get involved, then you’ll be ready to make a hugely positive impact in the lives of the young people in your community.
Here's what will we be discussing:
Some myth-busting about all of those scary headlines about young people.
An outline of what strengths-based youth mentoring looks like in the community, in the workplace, and around the country.
Real, powerful examples of youth mentoring programmes that are changing communities in NZ right now.
The evidence behind mentoring, and why we know it works.
Ways you can support mentoring programmes, including volunteering as a mentor.
The role of our network – what we do, how we do it, and how you can support us.
This is a free event and there will be no hard-sell! Our focus is on creating positive dialogue about rangatahi and to encourage people to support the solutions already working in their communities. Attendees will have the opportunity to join our “Friends of Youth Mentoring” network, which is a group of volunteers and financial supporters – but this is entirely optional!
This webinar will be presented by James McGoram, former GM of the NZ Youth Mentoring Network (that's me!) drawing on real examples, research, and our work training mentors across NZ for more than twenty years.
