What is a Mentor?
A mentor is a caring, adult friend who devotes time to a young person. Although mentors can fill any number of different roles, all mentors have the same goal in common: to help young people achieve their potential and discover their strengths. At its most basic level, mentoring helps because it guarantees a young person that there is someone who cares about them. A child is not alone in dealing with their day-to-day worries. Mentors provide their mentees with an experienced friend who is always ready to help in any number of different situations. Mentors are not meant to replace a parent, guardian or teacher. A mentor is not a disciplinarian or decision maker for a child. Instead, a mentor echoes the positive values and cultural heritage parents and guardians are teaching. A mentor’s main purpose is to help a young person define individual goals and find ways to achieve them. Mentor Objectives By accomplishing these objectives, you will help your mentee achieve the program goals. Objective #1: Establish a positive, personal relationship. Objective #2: Help the mentee learn how to build fun, fulfilling relationships. Objective#3: Help the mentee establish life skills. Objective #4: Increase your mentee’s ability to interact with different people, groups and things. Mentor Roles Let’s look at the qualities of a successful mentor. A successful mentor: * Empathizes * Gives feedback * Listens attentively * Fosters reflection * Respects young people * Knows how to have fun * Provides encouragement * Facilitates accountability * Is persistent and committed * Is honest and non-judgmental * Shows a great deal of patience * Sees solutions and opportunities * Is flexible, open and approachable * Is resourceful and can access information Qualities of a good mentor A mentor is… * Caring teacher * Patient supporter * Positive role model * Encouraging coach * Dependable pacesetter * A trusted guide or friend * A caring, responsible individual who provides access to people, places and things outside Program Do’s and Don’ts Do’s 1. Be flexible and patient. 2. Set realistic expectations. Know your limits. 3. Expect ups and downs in the relationship. 4. Appreciate both the similarities and differences you and your mentee share. 5. Use situations as “teachable moments” where you discuss the youth’s behavior, consequences and alternatives. 6. Contact the director if you must end the mentoring relationship. Don’t’s 1. Intake any alcohol or drugs before or during the time you spend with your mentee. 2. Take sides in a mentee’s family dispute. 3. Physically discipline the mentee or use the “silent treatment” as a form of discipline. 4. Make inappropriate, embarrassing or hurtful remarks to the mentee. 5. Discuss mentee with other mentees. 6. Downplay mentee’s emotions or pain. Important Mentoring Points * ConfidentialityStudents may tell you their interests or ask you similar questions about you or your family. Responding appropriately is friendly and helps build a trusting relationship. Decide what personal information you will and will not divulge. It is possible that a student may offer you [Read More...]