Mentorship has existed for as long as people have cared enough to walk alongside one another. Long before programs or formal roles, people learned by listening, sharing experiences, and offering support when needed.

The idea itself goes far back. In Homer’s Odyssey, Athena assumes the guise of Mentor as a trusted guide, looking out for another in uncertain times. We see versions of this in many well-known relationships. Warren Buffett has often spoken about how Charlie Munger shaped the way he thinks, especially around judgment and values. Oprah Winfrey has described Maya Angelou as someone she turned to for grounding and insights. These relationships were built on trust, conversation, and a shared perspective on the world.

This spirit of mentorship sits at the heart of the GivingTuesday community. Through peer mentoring among country leaders and our Starling Collective grassroots leaders, people share what has worked, what has not, and what they are still figuring out. 

Charles Sinetre, GivingTuesday Malawi Country Leader, describes his experience of being paired with Folakemi Adesina, GivingTuesday Nigeria Country Leader, as both affirming and practical.

(Folakemi Adesina appears in the front row on the far left, wearing yellow and red. Charles Sinetre, wearing sunglasses, is in the back row, second from the right.)

“In addition to learning from Nigeria’s experience expanding GivingTuesday at scale, it established a safe, peer-to-peer learning environment where I could freely discuss leadership challenges, movement building, and context-specific realities. She shared practical advice on how to improve GivingTuesday Malawi, including how to recruit volunteers and to engage partners. This helped me consider sustainability and leadership beyond activities from a strategic perspective. Above all, I was challenged and reminded to adopt a distributed leadership approach in everything I did, shifting from carrying out activities myself to purposefully creating systems and leaders who can advance the movement.”

Many people working in the giving space feel alone at times. They care deeply, carry responsibility quietly, and often navigate complex challenges with limited support. Being part of a global community helps. Having a mentoring relationship adds something more personal, someone you can count on and turn to when things become overwhelming or unclear.

The sentiment was echoed by Nanis Guerra of GivingTuesday Colombia’s Colectivo Estornino, who was recently matched with Kiara Michel Andújar Fermín from GivingTuesday Dominican Republic’s Comunidad Solidaria. Nanis, who is also one of the youngest participants, shared that participating in the mentorship program had been exceptionally motivating. She notes that mentors not only help to broaden perspective but are also crucial for replenishing the energy needed to sustain social projects, which often depend more on dedication than just funding.

(Nanis Guerra of GivingTuesday Colombia’s Colectivo Estornino)

“Sometimes you get tired, you have doubts, and having someone to talk to who has experience helps you find your bearings again and gives meaning to what you’re doing. The experience of working with another leader 

was invaluable because it didn’t feel like someone was telling me what to do, but rather, a real, honest conversation. I’m left with the idea that not everything has to be perfect to move forward, and that leading also means learning to relinquish some control and trust the processes.”

Mentorship does not need to be hierarchical. It does not depend on titles or seniority. Some of the most meaningful mentors are people who have lived through similar moments, made mistakes, and learned what matters along the way. What counts is lived experience, honesty, and the willingness to show up.

In mentorship, learning flows both ways. There is space for honesty, curiosity, mutual respect and growth on both sides of the relationship.

(Marco Sandoval of Starling Collective Mexico)

Marco Sandoval, a seasoned social entrepreneur and Starling Collective Mexico participant, was paired with Davi Cabeca, a Starling Collective Global Alumni from Brazil. Marco shared that even as a mentor, he learned something new with every interaction with his mentee, Davi. “Every time Davisubmitted progress without being asked, it motivated me to stay engaged in the mentorship. He was proactive and committed.” He was also inspired by Davi’s approach and refined the timing of his GivingTuesday campaign to make it more accessible to the public.

I see this dynamic in my own mentoring relationship with Hanako, a Special Olympics athlete. While I offer encouragement and support, I learn just as much from her discipline, resilience, and joy. It is a reminder that mentoring is rarely one-way. Both of us are better because of the mentorship.

Here is some generous mentoring advice shared by our leaders:

• Charles Sinetre of GivingTuesday Malawi reminds us that clarity and openness matter:
  “Be clear about what you want to learn, be open to being challenged, and be willing to share your experiences honestly. Mentorship works best when it is mutual, practical, and rooted in real work.”
• Marco Sandoval of Starling Collective Mexico speaks to the importance of commitment:
  “Time is a finite resource, and one must be very careful with it. Only if you are willing to make this time investment should you accept being a mentor or mentee; otherwise, it’s better to pass on the opportunity.”
• Nanis Guerra of GivingTuesday Colombia’s Colectivo Estornino offers a reminder about presence and humility:
  “There’s always something the other person shows you, even without realizing it. Be open-minded, don’t expect magic answers, and allow yourself to be yourself. And if you’re thinking about becoming a mentor, understand that it’s not about having all the answers, but about offering honest and experienced support.”

If you are looking for a place to begin, here are some tips:

• Reach out to someone whose work or values you respect and ask for a conversation.
• Offer your time or perspective to someone newer in your community. 
• Take part in peer-mentoring spaces within your network or organisation.
• Explore resources Mentoring.org, or the National Mentoring Resource Center for practical guidance.
• Reach out to cherisse@givingtuesday.org if you wish to mentor leaders in our network

Mentorship remains one of the most human and powerful ways to give back. Your time, perspective, and care matter most. When shared with intention, they can shape confidence, connection, and sometimes lifelong friendship.

Mentors have also had a significant impact on my life. People who offered guidance and checked in at the right moments, asked thoughtful questions, and challenged me with care, helped shape who I am today. Their wisdom still stays with me and remains a lasting influence on how I show up for others.

Do remember that mentorship does not need to feel intimidating. It can start small with a conversation, a check-in, or even an offer to listen. Most of us are already mentoring or being mentored in small ways, whether we realize it or not.