Fan Shout Outs
We are shouting out our fans for their work to create social change and social good. Tweet us your cause story or share it on our Facebook page and you may become our next Fan Shout Out!
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Garrett James - mentor with the Thurgood Marshall Academy Mentor Program
Garrett James – Mentoring with the Thurgood Marshall Academy Mentor Program
Q: Why is mentoring with the Thurgood Marshall Academy Mentor Program important to you?
A: Someone mentored me along the way when I was younger and that same impact is what I want to share with someone else. It’s special because I didn’t have a father in the home, nor were the people I call my mentors “official.” But in my mind, if I can make life decisions (I chose my major in college and learned about real manhood from these individuals) because of “unofficial” relationships, how much more beneficial would an official strategic relationship be? I don’t know the full answer, but I’m using my resources and influence to find out. Secondly, this specific program fits me. I believe wholeheartedly that when we are operating in areas, programs, organizations and environments that really are good compliments for us, we are able to maximize our influence.
Q: What have you learned as a mentor?
A: One of the traps I fell into while being a “young professional” was to surround myself primarily with other young professionals. There is a benefit to this, but what I lost sight of for a short moment was that everyone wasn’t as blessed as I was. Sure, I’ve worked hard, but it was the culmination of efforts and prayers from family, friends, mentors and others that allowed me to enjoy life today. This mentoring program itself reinforces that lesson and is also a reminder of the effect we all have on each other.
Q: What advice would you give others who want to become a mentor?
A: Just do it. Mentoring has been one of the most rewarding and most challenging involvements in my life. It’s rewarding because it feels good to help others and there are many life lessons you learn about yourself. In addition, mentoring is dually challenging because it demands real commitment and good character. It’s about a life walk with another person and not just the ability to give words with no action behind them. I suggest those who are interested in mentoring make of list of their interests and availability and research programs that will best utilize what they can offer. HandsOn Greater DC Cares has a great profile questionnaire that will help match mentor programs with those interested.
Visit the Thurgood Marshall Academy Mentor Program and learn how to become a mentor.
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Omar Young - fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Omar Young – Biking to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Q: Why is raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) important to you?
A: Raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is important to me because they help fund groundbreaking research like this.
After spending 5 years of my life undergoing tough cancer treatments in hospitals all across the country, this is the least I can do to help find better treatments for future cancer patients and maybe someday find a cure.
Q: How has social media helped you raise money for your cause?
A: Social media has really helped me get the word out about what I’m doing and how easy it is to make a donation.
Q: What advice would you give others who want to raise money for a cause they care about?
A: Take advantage of the power in numbers that social media has to offer. If you could encourage everybody you know to donate just a small amount, it all adds up pretty quickly.
