Build Stronger Ties with Your Mayor – and Nominate Them as a Mayor for Mentoring

August 8, 2025

By: Abbie Evans, Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer

Advocacy

Advocacy August is all about building relationships with public officials at every level of government. One group of elected leaders that can have an outsized impact on your work and the lives of young people are local mayors.

Why Mayors Matter for Mentoring

Mayors have enormous influence, both inside and outside City Hall.

Mayors:

• Shape their city’s budget and priorities.
• Command a large public platform to elevate issues.
• Act as champions for their communities – balancing the needs of major employers, managing city-run services, supporting local schools, advancing transportation projects, and much more.

Mayors are also future-focused leaders. Many go on to serve in state or federal office, carrying with them the knowledge and commitment to support youth mentoring if they’ve experienced its value locally.

That’s why building a strong working relationship with your mayor now is a powerful investment in your program’s future.

The Mayors for Mentoring Campaign

At MENTOR, we celebrate local leaders through our Mayors for Mentoring campaign. This initiative highlights mayors who champion mentoring and helps create opportunities for young people to thrive.

During Advocacy August, we encourage you to nominate a worthy mayor who has shown exceptional commitment to youth mentoring.

Our four goals:

1. Spotlight elected leaders who elevate mentoring in their cities.
2. Raise awareness about the far-reaching benefits of quality mentoring.
3. Encourage collaboration between mayors and other leaders to expand mentoring opportunities.
4. Promote policies that grow access to quality mentoring programs.

Nomination Criteria:

Nominees must:

• Be a current mayor (or equivalent) or a deputy or lieutenant mayor.
• Publicly demonstrate their commitment to mentoring – through proposals, city initiatives, official statements, budget support, online messaging.
• Recognize January as National Mentoring Month each year.

How Mayors Can Show Support for Mentoring

Here are examples of meaningful steps mayors can take to champion mentoring in their champions. MENTOR has many other examples here.

• Offer paid leave for city employees who volunteer as mentors.
• Encourage city staff, local employers, and residents to volunteer – possibly through a citywide challenge to clear mentoring program waitlists.
• Use their convening power to bring together mentoring leaders and business executives to identify needs and opportunities.
• Inspire area businesses to:
  • Provide paid volunteer leave for eligible staff.Lend skilled staff to nonprofits for operational or IT support.Serve on nonprofit boards or advisory committees.
  • Host fundraising events or make key introductions to decision-makers.

Take Action

Mayors have a unique ability to influence change and inspire others to join the mentoring movement. Let’s celebrate those who are making a difference – and encourage others to follow their lead.

Nominate your mayor for Mayors for Mentoring today. Together, we can strengthen local partnerships and expand mentoring opportunities for young people nationwide.

Are you a mentoring program leader curious about how to effectively start or strengthen your working relationship with your mayor? Check out our brief how-to guide here.