Affirming Identity

Let's Do This

Mentoring relationships can be meaningful spaces for young people to explore and affirm their racial and ethnic identities. Feeling seen and respected supports confidence, belonging, and resilience. Even when mentors do not share the same race-ethnicity as their mentee, there are several ways they can support their mentee’s racial-ethnic identity development.

• Invite identity conversations: Ask questions like, “What parts of your culture are important to you?”
• Learn together: Explore books, music, or events that reflect your mentee’s cultural background.
• Listen without assumptions: Allow young people to define their own experiences and identities.
• Reflect on yourself: Share age-appropriate insights about your own identity and learning.

Stay Inspired

This blog from the Search Institute discusses the importance of affirming racial and ethnic identities in mentoring relationship.