In this issue, you'll read:
Thanksgiving Celebration at Golden Corral
WYN in Boone Christmas Parade
Angel Tree
WYN Wisdom
January is National Mentoring Month
Get Involved this Season!

Thanksgiving Celebration at Golden Corral

The annual Thanksgiving celebration for mentors and their mentees took place on November 20th at the Golden Corral. Thanks to the Golden Corral's generosity, kids ate free of charge. Over 20 people attended this event, at which they had a chance to reconnect with one another and express for what they are grateful--lots of people said they are grateful for WYN and for their mentors. Check out the photos at: http://westernyouthnetwork.org/photos/Thanksgiving-Feast-2008

WYN in Boone Christmas Parade

WYN's mentoring program participated in the downtown Boone Christmas parade this year. They were easy to spot, as they were riding in the decorated WYN bus and tossing candy to the parade-goers. Mentors and youth alike had a wonderful time greeting the community. Take a look at the fun they had:
http://westernyouthnetwork.org/photos/Holiday-Parade-2008

Angel Tree

Once again, the Boone United Methodist Church and the Golden Corral are sponsoring youth who are involved in WYN's programs (and their families) to ensure that everyone has at least a gift or two under the tree this season. Seeing the generosity of the gift-givers always warms the hearts of our staff, and also makes the Holidays brighter for our families. We are grateful for this gift year after year, and wish everyone a happy holiday season.

WYN Wisdom

To build a child's self esteem, pay attention to the 5 components of self esteem:
1. Security (ease and trust)
2. Competence (feelings of success)
3. Mission (purpose and responsibility)
4. Affiliation (belonging and connectedness)
5. Selfhood (self concept)

*Taken from Dr. Michele Borba's book, "Esteem Builders, A K-8 Self-Esteem Curriculum for Improving Student Achievement, Behavior, and School Climate."

January is National Mentoring Month

Who mentored you?

All of us have at least one person who helped shape our lives when we were young. January is the month that is designated to honor the people who mentored us, and it is also our opportunity to give back.

Please contact us (www.westernyouthnetwork.org or 828-264-5174) to find out more about mentoring a youth or making a donation in honor of your mentor.

Stay tuned for details about special events that will take place to honor this important month!

Get Involved this Season!

Western Youth Network is in the middle of its annual appeal. We could really use your donation this year to assist our mentoring and after school programs. Please see details of how to donate under the "Donate!" heading below. Thank you for your help in enriching the lives of our High Country youth.

Donate!
Being a young person is something that each and every one of us understands. To help WYN help this generation of young people, we need your assistance. To make a tax-deductible donation to WYN, visit our website at www.westernyouthnetwork.org and use PayPal, or mail your check to: 155 WYN Way, Boone, NC 28607.

Goodsearch
If you frequently conduct internet searches (most of us do), please consider using GoodSearch. This search engine works just like Google, and it pays WYN 1 penny for each search you conduct. Visit www.goodsearch.com and type in "Western Youth Network" in the "Who do you search for" box. These pennies add up quickly!

Mentor!
Help shape the life of a young person and enhance your own at the same time by becoming a mentor. The commitment is only 2 hours a week and it literally makes a lifetime of difference. Contact Angela McMann at mcmanna@westernyouthnetwork.org to find our more.