Key Insights for Creating a Community of Belonging
April 8, 2025
Mentoring Partnership, Mentoring Stories
This blog is part of a three-part series, where we explore building a sense of community through mentorship with our partners at Foundry10.
In part two of our blog series with foundry10, we continue to explore building a sense of community through mentorship based upon evidence-based research. Read part one and three.
Through years of research and mentor-based youth program experience, Young Women Empowered (Y-WE) and foundry10 have identified several best practices for creating an environment where mentorship can thrive and youth feel a sense of belonging.
1. Facilitate Meaningful Connections Between Youth and Mentors
Creating lasting connections is a meaningful part of a positive mentorship relationship. Y-WE has developed strategies that encourage strong bonds between mentors and youth:
- Structured Activities: Facilitators lead icebreakers, group projects, and role-playing exercises that encourage interaction.
- Semi-Structured Time: Free periods allow for casual conversations and deeper connections to form.
- Group Discussions: Open conversations provide opportunities for sharing experiences, which helps build understanding among peers and mentors.
“As a mentee I have been able to explore my identities through mentorship. I have learned how to communicate, reach out for support and get a better understanding of who I am. Y-WE has played an enormous part in this by making sure that they have a diverse selection of mentors at each program youth attend,” said Fatra Hussein, a high school junior in Seattle and Y-WE participant.
2. Support Youth in Safe Identity Exploration
Mentorship can be an opportunity for young people to safely explore their identities. Y-WE’s mentorship programs create spaces that allow for this exploration while also providing personal guidance and support.
“Being able to decompress and process the feelings and thoughts associated with coming into adulthood in a space that did not place one’s value on how much a person produced or performed for white society allowed me to keep my integrity and dignity while still crafting my ability to think critically,” said Indigo Mays, a rising freshman at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
- Normalize Differences: Activities like community agreements at the beginning of the day help youth understand and embrace diverse identities and experiences.
- Open Conversations: Youth are encouraged to discuss their unique experiences, including mental health, identity, and social issues.
- Model Healthy Behaviors: Mentors model communication and coping skills, offering practical tools for youth to use in their lives.
By fostering an environment where youth feel safe to explore their identities, Y-WE ensures that mentors are more than just advisors — they are guides who nurture growth and understanding.
3. Empower Youth to Take Creative Risks
Mentorship can often be a space for trying new things, and creative risk-taking can be a key component of growth. In Y-WE’s summer camps, youth are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones in a supportive environment.
- Challenge by Choice: Youth are given control over how much they want to participate and when they want to participate, allowing them to engage with activities and others at their own pace.
- Collaborative and Independent Projects: Activities range from group projects to individual tasks, allowing youth to practice teamwork and independent exploration and reflection.
- Program Showcase: At the end of the camp, participants share their projects with the program community and their families, celebrating their creative risks and growth.
“One thing I struggled with was the belief that a mentor must have everything figured out to be able to help others. It turns out, that’s far from the truth,” said Fatema, a junior at the University of Washington Seattle and Y-WE participant. “You just need to be further along the line, where you can look back and share your experiences, as well as offer support. I am grateful to my mentors for modeling that it’s okay to show up as your full, imperfect self.”
4. Create a Community of Care
In a thriving community, youth and mentors feel seen and supported. Y-WE emphasizes the importance of community care by addressing individual needs, talking about well-being, and practicing healthy communication and boundary-setting.
- Accessibility Needs: Surveys are used to identify and accommodate any specific needs youth may have (e.g., mobility, dietary restrictions, etc.).
- Wellness Support: A designated wellness space allows youth to take breaks and access mental health support if needed.
- Respecting Boundaries: Mentors are trained to respect personal boundaries and support youth in identifying their own needs.
“I am deeply grateful for mentorship. To me, mentorship means someone who is further along on their path offering guidance and support to someone who is on a similar journey. I am thankful for all the mentors in my life for many reasons,” said Fatema.