Community

Mentoring matters: Man's mission to inspire us

By Kevin Campbell
By Kevin Campbell
Most mentors have a calling to help.  For one Charlotte man, he has made it his life’s work.
Growing up in Charlotte’s low-income community, Demario Baker knows firsthand how easy and available bad choices can be.  Whether it is based on lack of education, environment or desperation to survive without guidance, Baker says many young people have a difficult time making good decisions and using good judgment.
“Trying to navigate through all of that with limited resources makes it hard to see or create opportunities for positive success,” Baker said.  “Knowing that, I decided to increase my efforts in attacking the learning gap and helping individuals see the best in themselves and help them to acquire the tools for self-improvement.”
Baker is the founder and executive director of the Nspire-Us Foundation.  The Nspire-Us Foundation was created for the purpose of educating youth from underserved communities about public health awareness, healthier living, self-esteem and positive lifestyle choices through education, programs and workshops.
A mentor-mentee relationship doesn’t have to be complex.  For Baker, a mentor is someone who offers a listening ear and provides guidance, inspiration and emotional support.
“A good mentor will always encourage, be truthful and find ways to connect with their mentee. It's important to build a foundation of trust,” Baker said.
There is a great need for positive mentoring in the Charlotte community.  Baker said that many kids lack guidance, stability and a safe place to express themselves and sometimes those reasons are out of control for the mentee.
Mentoring is linked to improved academic, social and economic prospects for youth. When you volunteer to become a mentor, you are not only positively impacting someone's life, you are ultimately helping to strengthen our local community and workforce.
“Underserved communities have some of the brightest future leaders, but the resources are limited to nonexistent,” Baker said.  “Mentoring and free or low-cost programs are imperative to help kids see, touch and experience opportunities that are conducive to their growth.”
Baker sees the impact he has on the students in his program every day, whether it is the way they smile from the joy they’re experiencing or the tears he sees when they’re facing adversity.
“One of my past students who survived a challenging childhood with no male guidance and very little family struggled with making the best decisions for himself,” Baker said.
The student moved away from Charlotte, and Baker didn’t hear from him for months.  Then, on Father’s Day, the student called Baker to express his appreciation for guiding him through some rough experiences.
“Things like that happen when you least expect it,” Baker said.  “When it does happen, it's always on time and gives me confirmation that I'm making a difference and the energy to continue the charge to inspire.”
For every person Baker mentors, his goal is to inspire them to dream and give them the tools to help them achieve their goals.
“Being of service to others will sometimes test your will to go above and beyond for a cause that's bigger than you,” Baker said.  “The benefit my mentees receive is having someone in their corner who will go above and beyond to help them because I believe it's my responsibility.” 
A valuable resource in Charlotte for the mentoring community is the Mayor’s Mentoring Alliance.  The alliance educates mentoring organizations about best practices and mentoring standards, ignites impactful and enduring mentor-mentee relationships and connects Charlotte’s mentoring community.
Right now, the Mayor’s Mentoring Alliance is asking for nominations for deserving individuals or organizations that have made a difference in the lives of Charlotte children and youth through a commitment to mentoring. 

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE A CHARLOTTE MENTOR, MENTEE OR MENTORING ORGANIZATION.

If you want to learn about mentoring or meet others who are interested in mentoring, you can attend a Mayor’s Mentoring Alliance Mentor Mingle and connect with individuals and organization who can provide mentor and mentee opportunities.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MAYOR’S MENTORING ALLIANCE.
If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte public affairs manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.

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