By Mary Jacobs, Assistant City Manager – Sierra Vista, AZ
Do you ever look back and remember someone who said something that really inspired you? I remember one of my early bosses out of graduate school. She was commenting on my work product one day, and told me I had the makings of a leader in government. I bet she wouldn’t remember it to this day. But I sure did. She wasn’t an official “mentor,” but she made a difference to me. Recently, I’ve had two employees tell me about something I said to them years ago that helped propel them forward. I only vaguely remember it, and I certainly didn’t think my conversation with them at that time would have such an impact. But it reminded me just how important it is to look at every interaction we have as an opportunity to inspire and encourage someone.
I have served as formal mentors to both women and men through ICMA and my state professional association, meeting and encouraging young people within my own organization, in Arizona, and other areas of the country over my career. It’s exciting to see the growth and development of these professionals in local government management. I’m not taking any credit whatsoever for their personal achievements. The ones who have volunteered for mentoring programs or sought out a local mentor are probably already highly motivated.
More recently, I’ve taken an interest in girls who don’t have that kind of motivation, and who may not have the kind of female role models in their lives that can help them visualize a life of success and achievement. Several years ago I started volunteering at the county juvenile detention facility. Talk about a place where our youth feel disconnected. I wasn’t sure exactly what I would do as a volunteer, but I knew I wanted my focus to be on girls. My periodic Saturday morning visits included making lots of crafts, maybe doing nails or even playing a game. I had no idea how crafty I was! Bookmarks, creating t-shirts, making journals, painting salt dough figurines…I even impressed myself! The team at the detention facility even let me bring in a “babycakes” cakepop appliance and we made donut holes for the girls (and boys…can’t disguise THAT smell). While we worked on projects we talked. I asked about them. Shared things about me and my life. Just conversation. Connecting.
From there, I was inspired to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). A national program, CASA’s are assigned by a judge to one or more foster children who have been removed from their home by child protective services. I have been the CASA for over two years to girl who is now 13, seeing her at least twice a month. While I have specific responsibilities in reviewing her situation and submitting reports to the court, I feel my most important job is connecting with her. Being there for her, while also offering encouragement. She still struggles in many ways, but I hope that my involvement in her life if making a small difference both now, and will also in the future.
I’m not naive enough to think that a few hours a month will somehow “save” these girls. But I can tell you that I still have contact with some of the girls who served time in juvenile detention — attending a baby shower for one, helping with job applications for another, and just letting them know someone cares. Just this week, I ran into one of the girls at Lowes working successfully as a cashier. It was exciting to give her a hug and ask about her family.
As we start 2016, I invite everyone, regardless of where you are in your career, to look for at least one way to make a positive impact on the life of a young person. Your time is the most precious gift you could ever offer, and we never know how we may help a struggling youth discover their hidden motivation, talents, or leadership skills. Make your own connection. I promise it will make a difference.
