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Make a Difference
Why youth dropout?
There are multiple factors that contribute to youth dropping out of school, including: lack of food or shelter, loss of a parent due to incarceration, death or military deployment, unsafe and unprepared schools and communities, early pregnancy or other physical health issues, and substance abuse and mental health challenges.
Ways to get involved
Graduation: A Team Effort (GATE)…… schools can’t do it alone. There are numerous mentoring and volunteer opportunities in your community that range from big to small that can make a difference.
The most important thing is to TAKE ACTION!
Make a Difference
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Mentoring has been a practiced art of developing and maintaining positive and helpful human relationships for hundreds of years, by nearly every culture, by varied individuals and groups, and in many different ways. It has survived the test of time and has been of enormous value to the youth involved, as well as the mentor. It has proven to be effective with many different youth groups but has been extremely effective with youth in at-risk situations. Mentoring is a one-to-one caring, supportive relationship between a mentor and a youth that is based on trust. The mentor is simply a wise and trusted friend with a commitment to provide guidance and support for the youth to develop their fullest potential based on their vision for the future.
Research shows youth with mentors are:
- 62% of students improved their self-esteem;
- 52% of students skipped less school;
- 48% of students improved their grades;
- 49% of students got into less trouble in school;
- 47% of students got into less trouble out of school;
- 45% of students reduced their substance abuse; and
- 35% of students improved family relationships
Visit www.mentoring.org to locate a mentoring organization in your area.
Contact a school in your community to see how you can help. Common volunteer opportunities include: tutoring, reading, book donations, food and clothing drives.
Creating safe and supportive communities is critical for young people to succeed. Find a volunteer opportunity in your area by visiting your local YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, or United Way.
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How can I help?
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Original Story by: Loren Eisley
Youth mentoring support
This site has a zip code locator for youth looking for a mentor.
Become a Mentor
It takes one person to make a difference in the life of a child. Be that person.
WA Mentors
-The mission of Washington State Mentors (WSM) is to promote and support quality mentoring that fosters positive youth development and academic success. We estimate there are more than 240,000 children in Washington State who could benefit from having a mentor and only 30,000 who have one. This leaves a gap of more than 200,000
CASA
Washington State CASA's Mission: To ensure that all dependent children in Washington State who need court appointed special advocates (CASA) have them by promoting, supporting, and developing programs in Washington State.
Become a Foster Parent
Become a Volunteer
IF Project Initiative
The hope and belief of the IF Project is that through their voices and writings, a documentary, interactive website and class presentations will be created to reach and educate both youth and adults.
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What can my community do?
What is the state doing?
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Newsletter
The GATE newsletter provides program updates on HB 1599 and ESSHB 1418.
Meeting Dates & Handouts
The GATE Advisory Committee brings together leaders from education, social service, business, and community non-profit organizations to develop and sustain a comprehensive dropout prevention, intervention and reengagement system that supports students cradle to career.
Arts ED
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