MENTOR: Strategies to Inspire Young People - NOW AVAILABLE AT SPECIAL OFFER IN NEW ZEALAND ONLY (NZ$32 includes NZ courier post charges)

Many discussions I have had in recent months with people in different parts of the world have highlighted increasing concerns about the health and wellbeing of young people and young adults. MENTOR: Strategies to Inspire Young People – Support for Mentors, Educators, Parents, Youth Workers and Coaches is now available. The book aims to promote the awareness of the spirit of mentoring among all who journey alongside young people and young adults. Over 1000 mentoring strategies and tips, true stories, mentoring reflections, and lots more. The book will also be a tribute to all who have mentored, supported and encouraged me and shared resources over the years.

“MENTOR: Strategies to Inspire Young People is a powerful and comprehensive guide that equips mentors, educators, parents, and coaches with over 1000 proven strategies to make a meaningful impact on today’s youth. This book promotes the spirit of mentoring that can transform the lives of both mentors and mentees through the powerful connections and relationships it creates. Whether you’re an experienced mentor or new to the role, this book will empower you to connect with and guide young people, ultimately helping them achieve success. I highly recommend it to anyone passionate about shaping the future of our youth.” 

Dr. Marshall Goldsmith is the Thinkers50#1 Executive Coach and New York Times bestselling author of The Earned Life, Triggers, and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.

Extract from the Foreword to the new book:

“Robin has collected a lifetime of mentoring wisdom in this book and it offers something meaningful to anyone stepping into this role …. From understanding the role, to tips for getting relationships off to a good start, to figuring out what to do or talk about when spending time with a young person, Robin has collected a roadmap to meaningful relationships and youth thriving.”
Michael Garringer, Senior Director of Research and Quality, MENTOR
 
 

“Our indigenous Māori people of New Zealand, use the term “Taonga” to define something of great worth and to be highly treasured. In the youth landscape of Aotearoa and beyond, this book is indeed a “Taonga” to us all. Robin’s new book encapsulates both strong traditional timeless mentoring principles and values for all peoples and cultures—whilst embracing the challenges of a post-COVID era with strategies to support young people. This book is full of practical principles and ideas to support youth born from a wealth of wisdom from Robin’s personal outstanding mentoring journey. We regard this book as a ‘must read’ for all adults supporting youth and young adults.”

Ross McCook, Founding director: Heart For Youth Trust, New Zealand

“This book by Robin Cox is like the ideal mentor: educational, inspiring, and practical. Written in clear and elegant prose, it contains detailed strategies and recommendations that draw on a lifetime’s work in the field. This book is valuable to me as a father, a business leader and as a citizen. If everyone read MENTOR: Strategies to Inspire Young People and took its generous wisdom to heart, it would make the world a better place.”

Dr Adrian Enthoven, Chairman: Hollard Insurance Group, South Africa

“In his MENTOR: Strategies to Inspire Young People, in addition to offering decades’ worth of mentoring wisdom, Robin Cox subtly guides the reader, asking all the right questions to provoke self-reflection. The discoveries made may then be applied while assisting youngsters to become the best version of themselves. The book is not only inspirational, but also very practical. In a world where it is exceedingly difficult to get a rewarding job, effective tips and strategies are offered. It is a must-read for anyone who aims to empower young people and help them become valued members of society.”

Magdalena Brzezinska, University Lecturer and Instructor, Curator of Linking Worlds Project, Poland

“Robin Cox has, once again, produced an excellent resource for those who seek to mentor teenagers. Apart from identifying effective mentorship as a means of helping teenagers post the trauma of the global pandemic, he gives practical solutions and advice to those in need—teachers and parents in particular—and his book provides much-needed help. Easy to read in one sitting, it is also a resource one can return to when required, as his advice is accessible and highly readable.”

Tony Reeler, Principal: Bishops Diocesan College, Cape Town, South Africa

See what more people have said about this new book here.

Mentoring Minutes - FREE podcasts

These free podcasts have hundreds of tips and ideas to encourage anyone who works alongside youth. We look at self-image, communication, how to set and attain goals, conflict resolution, how to live a healthy and balanced life style, the developing brain, anxiety and stress, resiliency and much more. 260 short podcasts or one a day each day of the week through the year. Access the podcasts and click here 

 

Recently published books

Robin Cox has collated all his mentoring, teaching, coaching and Christian leadership material in a number of books available on Amazon. Click on the post for more information on each book.

Four Spirit of Mentoring Books

These four books, available from publishers, Essential Resources, will encourage anyone working with youth. They cover topics like:

  • How to set up and run a Peer Support or Peer Mentor Program
  • Ongoing training of Mentors and Peer Mentors – proven quick or longer activities
  • How to carry the spirit of mentoring into and education environment.

Click here for more information.

 

U

Vision

To motivate, inspire and encourage young people (with a particular focus on ages 13 to 19) to reach their potential and be ready to play their part in the 21st Century world of work as happy, creative, entrepreneurial and resilient people.

Mission

Affirming and encouraging the ‘Spirit of Mentoring’; with an outcome where young people are guided and equipped to reach their potential, living healthy and balanced lifestyles, within the context of a safe, supportive and secure environment.

Resources

The Mentoring Matters material has been developed in line with the findings of international and Australasian research about young people, including some of the most recent adolescent brain research. This material will encourage parents, teachers, volunteer adult mentors and anyone working with youth.

Mentoring Blogs reflects the years of experience being shared with anyone who wishes to encourage, motivate and inspire young people. 

To be cared for (loved)

  • Youth wish to feel safe and secure.
  • The more they are cared for, the more secure they feel.
  • They wish to be surrounded by people who unconditionally care for, appreciate and accept them.
  • They value the positive influences of peers and adults to encourage them to do their best.
  • They are encouraged to appreciate that they are more likely to fulfill their potential when there are clear rules or boundaries in place (some of which can be negotiated). When they step over these boundaries there will be reasonable consequences.

To be valued

  • The more youth are valued the more positive self-worth they experience.
  • They are encouraged to feel they have some control over things that happen to them.
  • Empowering them will be proof that they are valued, respected, liked and are regarded as valuable resources.
  • They value fun time to interact with peers and adults, which involves the development of social skills.

To know that life has meaning and purpose

  • Youth want to know that they matter and their lives have significance.
  • The more they understand that there is a reason for their existence, the more significant they will feel.
  • They value encouragement to explore opportunities within and outside of school to learn and develop new skills and interests.
  • They are encouraged to acquire a commitment to learning: academic success and the long-term value of learning enhances their self-worth as they discover their gifts and talents.
  • They learn to appreciate and understand how to make the tough decisions and choices; how to cope with new situations.
  • They value guidance to develop a positive view of the future.
Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.
John Wesley

Mentors, the wise guides who voluntarily move alongside our young people and become great, trusted friends.