5 ways to improve someone’s future right now

In August SHARE Charlotte will continue looking at the recent findings of the Opportunity Task Force by exploring the nonprofits invested in creating networking, growth and mentorship opportunities for kids and teens. Follow this discussion on social media: #WhoWeKnow

It’s August and a new school year is just around the corner. Nineteen days for CMS students, but who’s counting? Surely not this mom of three.

But here’s the thing to realize. School means different things to different kids. For some, in addition to education, school is about friends, extracurricular activities, field trips and fun. For others right here in Charlotte, school is also a lifeline providing everything from two meals a day, to access to services to much-needed mentors.

Students in one group are better able to focus on the “fun” side of school because needs are met at home, and networks are established through parents, neighbors and family friends. The other group relies on outside support to boost its social capital.

Social what?

In a nutshell, social capital is the networks, connections and access to people who produce information, resources and opportunities. As it is often said, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”

Cultivating relationships and networks as social capital enables people to connect to information, ideas, resources, support and opportunities, according to the task force report. It also can help people navigate through unexpected crises and offer tangible pathways to achieving dreams.

When you have a parent who can make some calls to get you an interview or an internship, that’s great! But many are not that fortunate.

What if you could use your experiences, connections and network to assist someone else?

Here are 5 ways to improve someone’s future right now:

(1) Lead a group of high school students

The Academy of Goal Achievers, a youth leadership mentoring program for high school students, needs a group mentor leader who will be responsible for supporting a group of young adults by maintaining an ongoing relationship with them, planning activities and creating a safe environment. Commitment: 4 hours/month

(2) Provide afterschool homework and reading support

Learning Help Centers of Charlotte provides afterschool support to underserved families in Charlotte, predominantly in refugee and immigrant communities. Help by providing homework support for elementary school children where English is not spoken at home and by reading to elementary school children. Commitment: 1 hour 

(3) Become a Big Brother or Big Sister

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas’ mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. You will be able to build a relationship with a child in need with lasting impact. Commitment: One-year, meeting 2-4 times/month

(4) Work with middle school and high school girls

Firm Foundations Youth and Family Outreach’s iMATTER is a girls empowerment led by volunteer mentors who discuss and plan activities around topics such as self-esteem, career awareness and healthy living. Commitment: Every other Saturday through the school year

(5) Become a success coach

Who doesn’t like success? Communities In Schools surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. They need success coaches to develop a relationship with a student and guide him or her through goal-setting and decision-making, and creating self-awareness.  Commitment: 2-4 times/month

Photo: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas

This story was originally published August 8, 2017 at 9:00 PM.