Youth Mentoring: Kicking it Up a Notch

Recruiting mentors for youth in the justice system is all about making personal appeals to small groups of people. But finding those people who will step up with funds and their time is a continuing challenge.
That's why I'm spotlighting an upcoming event to be held in Seattle on October 15, 2010. The 4C Coalition -- one of the key partners in Reclaiming Futures Seattle-King County -- has banded together with other organizations to host an evening with Susan L. Taylor, Founder and CEO of the National CARES Mentoring Movement (click on the image at left to see the invitation). The CARES movement is focused on "[guiding] struggling Black children to academic and social success." And it appears to be growing -- its "mentoring circles" are, by my count, in 60 communities across the country. 

The event is free, but it's a fundraiser, so there will be a suggested donation of $150, which should help ensure a committed audience. 
To host the evening, the 4C Coalition is working with an impressive number of partners: Big Brothers Big Sisters; Big Brothers/Big Sisters Puget Sound; CASA; Casey Family Programs; Community for Youth; DSHS; 100 Black Men; United Way of King County; and Washington State Mentors.
By leveraging the power of a celebrity speaker -- Ms. Taylor is editor emeritus of Essence magazine -- and multiple mentoring agencies, the 4C Coalition (and the Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement of which it's a part) seem to be laying firm groundwork for attracting mentors and donors.  
In the Seattle area and want to attend or support the effort? Out of area and want to learn more about it? Call 206-772-1434 or drop the organizers an email.