The Lifeways Initiation Council of the Sacred Fire Community is beginning a mentoring program for young adults who have been initiated. In traditional cultures the relationships between mentors and youth were a fundamental part of the lifeways of the people so that the wisdom of the elders was available to guide young people. But in our modern culture this relationship is largely unavailable and many youth end up floundering for years as they search for their place and purpose.
Mentoring is a collaborative, learning-centered relationship that helps the young person to identify and achieve clear and mutually defined learning goals with support from an experienced person. The mentor guides the young person to find the gifts that truly serve his or her highest potential for themselves, their families, and their chosen communities. Their relationship creates a living bridge between generations. The first training group of adults who became mentors for the Lifeways Mentoring program began in 2013. Upon completion of this training they were matched with a previously identified group of initiated youth for a four-year mentoring process.
