Tuscon Mayor Jonathan Rothschild is implementing a new initiative that encourages community volunteers to mentor youths.

Rothschild wrote a commentary for the Arizona Daily Star that explained why being a positive influence in a young person's life is necessary for the community.

"Mentors bring a lot to the table – more than they may realize," Rothschild wrote. "Think of the student who’s the first in her family to go to college. How does she find out about researching colleges and financial aid, applying to college, and what you need to do once you get in? It’s a lot easier if she has help from an adult who’s been there and can point out what needs to be done and when."

The mayor noted that mentors teach youths through experience, excitement, adventure, perspective and compassion.

"My philosophy has always been pretty simple: The most important thing is showing up," Rothschild wrote. "That’s especially true for mentors. It’s like a superpower. If you can show up, it doesn’t matter if you’re not perfect. Nobody is. It matters that you were there."

The mayor said that while mentors from all kind of backgrounds are needed and welcome, the community could specifically use more men of color to volunteer. He also encouraged nonprofit workers and government figures to volunteer.

To find out which mentor program is right for you, visit mayorrothschild.com/mentor.