Duncan Campbell Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at Mentoring Summit

Honoring Duncan Campbell: A Legacy of Mentorship

On January 30, 2025, Duncan Campbell, the founder of Friends of the Children, received a significant accolade: the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Mentoring Summit held in Washington, D.C. This event recognized his unwavering commitment to positively transforming the lives of children who face substantial hurdles. Under Campbell's guidance, Friends of the Children has emerged as a pioneering force in youth mentoring across the United States.

The journey began over three decades ago when Campbell was inspired by the powerful impact of nurturing long-term relationships in the lives of young people. In his words, "More than 30 years ago, I focused on the idea that just one long-term relationship can change a child's life for the better." This philosophy has shaped the ethos of Friends of the Children, which started in 1993 in Portland, OR, with only three mentors and 24 children. Fast forward to today, the organization has expanded to over 40 sites nationwide, providing services to thousands of children in diverse communities including urban, suburban, rural, and Indigenous populations.

Duncan Campbell's initiative is unique; it employs full-time professional mentors who commit to working with each child for a minimum of 12 years. This long-term investment serves to break the cycles of generational poverty, enhancing the prospects for over 16,000 children and their families. Campbell's work embodies innovation and compassion, showcasing how structured mentoring can address pressing societal issues such as foster care intervention and childhood trauma.

The award ceremony included motivational words from U.S. Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon, who emphasized Campbell's role in changing the trajectories of young lives. He remarked, "Duncan Campbell's vision and determination have changed the trajectory of thousands of young lives toward hope and opportunities for successful futures." This sentiment was echoed by U.S. Senator John Cornyn from Texas, who highlighted Campbell's influence as a benchmark for mentoring organizations.

Campbell’s reach extends beyond Friends of the Children. A recognized social entrepreneur, he has established various organizations focused on improving the conditions for children and families. Among these is the Children's Institute, which has earned national acclaim. His influential work has garnered him several awards, including the prestigious Civic Venture's Purpose Prize and notable recognition from institutions such as the University of Oregon and Oregon State University.

In addition to his mentoring endeavors, Campbell's expertise in the timberland investment and forest industry, evidenced by his role as the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Campbell Global, underlines his multifaceted career. His commitment to enriching the lives of children through education and mentorship has truly left an indelible legacy on the communities he serves.

This recognition at the National Mentoring Summit serves not only as a tribute to Duncan Campbell’s enduring impact on youth mentorship but also as a reminder of the importance of investing in the next generation. With dedicated mentors like him, many children will continue to benefit from the stability and guidance they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

As the event concluded, the focus remained on the mission of fostering meaningful relationships and long-term support for youth. Duncan Campbell’s journey exemplifies the profound change that can arise from dedication and vision—an inspiring model for future mentoring initiatives across the globe.

For more information about Duncan Campbell's inspiring story and the work done by Friends of the Children, please visit their official site and consider supporting their mission to change lives for the better.