Helping Services in Dubuque, Iowa, has seen firsthand how sparks can strengthen bonds between mentors and mentees while providing young people with the support they need to pursue their passions and interests.
In Dubuque, Iowa, a mentor-mentee pair began their relationship together by sharing the creative task of scrapbooking, as a way of exploring the mentee’s spark. Later, the pair decided to showcase their creative work at the local county fair. Soon after, they were asked to use their talents to help create monthly table favors for residents at a local long-term-care facility. They agreed and have been happily creating table favors ever since, and the residents are excited each month to see the new designs. While the mentee is now a busy freshman in high school, she continues to find the time to develop her spark and give to others.
After learning about Search Institute’s work with sparks, Helping Services started using the concept of sparks in its mentor training program. They help young people identify their sparks and to find ways to explore those sparks with their mentors through the use of a “spark action plan.”
- Download this handy worksheet to help you explore possible sparks with your mentee.
