4-H and AmeriCorps are working together to encourage youth and adults alike to establish positive relationships through planned mentoring.  By establishing these relationships we hope to provide today's youth with a greater sense of self-worth, empowerment, and direction.  We can accomplish these goals by incorporating advice, Access, and Advocacy into their daily lives.

• Advice - As a mentor, you bring a wide range of life experiences to the relationship.  As a result, mentors can be a great source of advice and information for mentees.

• Access - One of the most valuable things you can do for your mentee is to help open doors.  That's what access is all about -- helping your mentee find and get involved in new situations. 

• Advocacy - Have you ever had someone stand up for you when you needed it?  Or speak on your behalf?  That's what advocacy is all about and that’s what mentors do for mentees.

The adult providing these services will move forward with this relationship knowing that they have made a difference in a child's life, while at the same time enriching their own.  Through    4-H's involvement both mentor and mentee will be exposed to and experience some of the programs and opportunities offered by 4-H.

Goals  

• Expose youth and adults to experiences and opportunities of 4-H and MSU extension.

• Get the support of surrounding businesses to provide opportunities for the mentors and mentees alike.

• Cultivate amongst all participants a greater appreciation of diversity.

• Establish and maintain productive, positive after-school programs in the City of Lansing for adults and youth. 

• Develop caring relationships between youth and adults through program activities.

• Instill creativity and self-awareness in children ages 5 - 19 in order to build confidence in their abilities to direct their future.