The Miracles of Mentoring: The Joy of Investing in the Future

With a membership roster that reads like a Who's Who in Black America, the 100 Black Men of America (which now has 10,000 members) is not simply a schmoozing club. This inspirational and practical book forms just one part of the organization's efforts to improve the lives of children, bring hope and opportunity to neglected neighborhoods and put jails out of business. Citing startling statistics to buttress his argument that mentoring programs can make a powerful impact in young people's lives (in one high school class, the 100 improved graduation rates from 43% to 97%), Dortch, 100 Black Men's president, explains how ""mentoring the 100 way shows kids how to replicate success, not just material success, but total success in their lives."" In chapters such as ""Is Mentoring for You? Questions to Consider Before You Start"" and ""Doing It Right: The Ten Tickets to Mentoring,"" Dortch clarifies the responsibilities the role entails. And though many pages are devoted to the programs of specific chapters of 100 Black Men (West Texas's Rites of Passage program, Atlanta's Saturday Academy, Louisville's Project MALE, etc.), Dortch's advice applies to all adults interested in helping young people develop their confidence and achieve their goals. (Despite the 100's name, their mentors and those mentored include many women and girls.) Fluently written and filled with warm, personal anecdotes from participants in the 100's programs, the book inspires readers to take the time to become ""advocates, advisers and role models"" in a young person's life. (May)