A deep commitment to the success of mentoring programs has earned a Central Michigan University student a seat on a statewide council.
Graduate student Pamela Barclay, of Oxford, has been appointed to the Mentor Michigan Providers Council.
Mentor Michigan, an organization led by Gov. Jennifer Granholm and First Gentleman Dan Mulhern, works to ensure that all Michigan youth have relationships with stable, caring individuals.
The organization implements such activities as developing a statewide network of mentoring programs, providing training and support for these programs, recruiting committed mentors, and advocating for issues and standards that support mentoring.
The Providers Council offers direction and expertise as the organization implements its activities.
Consisting of experts representing various mentor programs across the state, the council works to develop standards of excellence, tools for evaluation, and mechanisms and collaborative activities for mentoring programs.
Barclay, a graduate assistant in CMU’s Volunteer Center, said she became familiar with the organization through the resources it provides to the university.
She was selected for the council through a highly competitive application process that examines applicants? past experiences and current role in mentoring.
During her two-year term, Barclay will represent mentoring programs in northern and mid-Michigan.
The programs? leaders will contact her regarding questions or concerns they would like Mentor Michigan to address.
‘I feel very honored to be appointed to the Providers Council,? Barclay said. ‘Now, not only will I be able to provide my time being a mentor, but I can also help to provide resources to mentors all across the state to ensure that their mentoring relationships are as safe and effective as possible.?
Mentor Michigan Coordinator Amber Reiss said Barclay was chosen because she represents higher education and displays a strong commitment to mentoring.
‘By serving on the council, Pam has the opportunity to continue shaping mentoring for Michigan,? Reiss said. ‘She serves in a leadership role to assist Mentor Michigan in promoting, supporting and strengthening mentoring statewide.?
Pamela is the daughter of Lee and Maggie Barclay of Oxford.