Today is I Am a Mentor Day, a moment to celebrate the everyday acts of showing up that build connection and hope. In times that can feel uncertain or divided, mentoring is a simple, powerful way to do something good — one relationship at a time.

As we kick off the new year and celebrate National Mentoring Month, we invite you to think about how you’ll support Bolder Options in 2026.

1. Be a Mentor - and Help Us Recruit Mentors

2025 began with a powerful surge of new and returning mentors. Let’s start 2026 with that same momentum — and grow it. If you’ve mentored before, this may be the year to return and make a lasting impact with another young person.

Know someone who would be a great mentor?

• Tell them.

• Share this post.

• Bring them to an event. 

• Personal invitations matter.

Apply or refer a friend: https://www.bolderoptions.org/be-a-mentor

2. Give Boldly!

Your financial support makes our work possible — expanding access, strengthening programs, and ensuring young people receive consistent, high-quality mentoring.

Choose the giving option that fits you best:

• Increase your annual gift to deepen your impact

• Join the Bolder Booster Club by becoming a monthly sustainer

• Take on a BOLD Challenge to help grow our network of supporters

• Commit early to sponsor a Bolder Options event. (We welcome sponsors for smaller events, too, like graduations and happy hours!)

• Donate high-impact live auction items (trips, experiences, premium goods)

  
  

Make your 2026 commitment today: Ways to Give

3. Volunteer & Participate in New Ways

Not everyone can commit to weekly mentoring — and that’s okay. There are many meaningful ways to support Bolder Options and our youth throughout the year.

Consider how you might get involved:

• Be a career coach to a teen in our I Achieve Program. Just three meetings over six weeks = huge impact!

• Join a committee and help guide our work

• Volunteer at events and community gatherings

• Share tickets to sporting or arts events for our mentor-mentee pairs

• Offer professional or creative skills to support youth and mentors

• Host a workplace info session so we can connect with potential mentors

  
  

Contact April Riordan at april.riordan@bolderoptions.org to explore these options.

4. Thank Your Mentors!

National "Thank Your Mentor Day" is January 21. Reach out and thank your own mentors. And join Bolder Options that evening for a happy hour dedicated to appreciating the incredible mentors—current and alumni—who power Bolder Options with their time, heart, and commitment to young people.

Even better? Invite friends, colleagues, or family members who you think would make a great mentor. Sometimes, all it takes is seeing the joy and connection firsthand to inspire someone to start the process.

This year, let’s be BOLD.

Thank you for believing in young people. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for helping Bolder Options continue to change lives.