Team ODEN
Two ways to join:
(1) Be a Recruit
Sign up today for our Team ODEN e-newsletter and you’ll receive updates about Greg's activities with mentors and youth, as well as invitation to public events that support mentoring.
(2) Be a Mentor
If you’re looking to get involved in a mentoring program, search for a program in your community and become a part of Team ODEN.
Greg's Message
I have given a lot of thought to how to use my influence in the community. I always come back to mentoring, because I know how important mentors have been in my life. Without strong mentors, I wouldn't be where I am.
A mentor is a person who cares about the opportunities in a kid's life and encourages him or her to make good choices. My mom has been an unbelievably strong mentor my entire life, but she couldn't have done it alone.
Mike Conley Sr. was my high school coach, and has been a great mentor. Now he's my agent, so I continue to count on his guidance every day. Jimmy Smith, the father of my best friend Travis, is the Executive Director of the Terre Haute, Ind., Boys and Girls Club. I grew up in that club, and learned a lot from Mr. Smith along the way.
We lost Travis to a tragic car accident in 2007. I want to honor my friend by making his father proud of me by giving back and living my life the right way.
In partnership with Oregon Mentors, I'm recruiting people to help kids the way Mr. Smith and Mr. Conley helped me. I am encouraging Oregonians, men in particular, to be a mentor to a child in your community. Thousands of kids are waiting for someone to guide them, to believe in them and to make a difference in their life.
There are so many mentoring programs in Oregon that will work with different schedules and interests. All of them offer a ton of support. That's really what Team ODEN is about -- support. I hope you'll join my team and start supporting a kid today.
Greg Oden
#52, Portland Trail Blazers
