In these historic times of uncertainty, there's no better moment to cultivate belonging. As we navigate the complexities of our current social climate, we recognize the profound impact our decisions will have on generations to come. We must listen to and uplift the voices of our youth, empowering them to shape a world that nurtures hope and fosters a just future.

For the last 20 years, MENTOR Washington stands at the heart of this vital mission. We exist to support the mentors who empower and serve the young people of Washington State. We believe in the power of community and collaboration, understanding that it takes a village to raise a child, and a community of mentors to see that village thrive. Our mission is to ignite a movement of mentorship, empowering youth together.

The 2025 annual mentoring conference, "Belonging: Nurturing Hope for Generations, Through Youth Empowerment," is a call to action. It's a recognition that belonging is not just a feeling, but a fundamental need, especially during times of change. Our conference will provide attendees with the "how" and the "why" of building that sense of belonging and connection. Mentees themselves have shared how their mentors have helped them cultivate this crucial feeling of belonging¹.

We'll explore what inclusive and liberatory spaces look like, equipping mentoring and youth development professionals with the tools to create and sustain these vital connections. We'll unpack the importance of fostering belonging and connection amidst uncertainty, understanding that these bonds are the bedrock of resilience and growth.

Youth have always been at the forefront of change. At MENTOR Washington, we believe in amplifying their voices. We are actively creating space and strongly encouraging youth to submit proposals for workshops, ensuring their perspectives are central to this crucial conversation.

¹ Benning, Chelsea and Garringer, Michael. “Who Mentored You?” MENTOR, 2023 https://www.mentoring.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Who-Mentored-You.pdf  pg. 41.

Register Here

Youth have always been at the forefront of change. At MENTOR Washington, we believe in amplifying their voices. We are actively creating space and strongly encouraging youth to submit proposals for workshops, ensuring their perspectives are central to this crucial conversation.

RFP’s should be returned no later than 11:59 pm on Friday, March 21st. Presenters will hear back by Friday, March 28th regarding proposal acceptance.

Workshops selected will receive one $300 stipend and each presenter will be provided with free registration, and a headshot and bio will be published on the website.

Apply to RFP Today: tfaforms.com/5165590

Community support and involvement is invaluable to mentoring and the health of our young folks and families. The Brad Owen Excellence in Mentoring Award celebrates the everyday mentoring champions that regularly answer the call to give of their time, energy, and resources. We encourage you to nominate the folks that inspire you and remind you that this work is not done alone. We see these mentoring champions throughout our communities. They are teachers, the board members, business owners, long-time mentors, coaches, and advocates. The chosen nominee will receive an engraved award and recognition at the 2025 Washington Mentoring Conference.

Nominate Here: https://www.tfaforms.com/5165595 

Mentoring programs take are a team effort to keep up and running. Providers are an important part of that team to keep mentoring going. Whether they are championing mentoring in politics, working to find grants or asking those tough questions- you can always find them put mentoring first. Please nominate a provider you see working  in the mentoring community.  The chosen nominee will receive an engraved award and recognition at the 2025 Washington Mentoring Conference.

Nominate Here: https://www.tfaforms.com/5165597 

This award celebrates the impact that our young people have on our work and our communities. We invite you to nominate the young people (age 24 and under) who you are exceptionally proud of or that have been influential in the lives of those around them. Let’s celebrate the strength, hard work, and courage of our young folks. This award will come with a $250 stipend for you to host a celebration for the awardee and recognition at the 2025 Washington Mentoring Conference.

Nominate Here: https://www.tfaforms.com/5165598

Since MENTOR Washington's Inception in 2004, DCFY has been a key supporter of mentorship and the mission and vision of MENTOR Washington.