BTO Community Mentors ProgramInitial Training and Orientation 2015-16

Lisa Reynolds, BTO Community Mentor Coordinator (LHS)Nancy McHarness, Director of Partners for Schools*Evidence Based Practices from MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership’s Research 2015

Agenda for this TrainingIntroductionsWhy Mentoring?Role of a Mentor/Good fit for me?Program GuidelinesGetting StartedTips from Experienced Mentors /Activity Ideas

“Success is not a destination—it’s a journey” Mark Twain

Why Mentoring?“Adolescence is a difficult time; all youth can benefit from a consistent, caring relationship

with an adult.”

Benefits to Youth: improved academic performance reduction of disciplinary issues improved attendance increased confidence less likely to engage in risky behavior increased career exploration increased post high school planning

“Believe you can and you are halfway there.” --Theodore Roosevelt

Why Mentoring?Benefits to you as a mentor . . .

Building confidence Enhanced outlook on life Sense of contribution Learn new interpersonal skills Stretch your strengths On-going training and coaching (free)

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” Nelson Henderson

Role of a MentorWho has been a mentor in your life? What qualities did they have?

A Mentor IS . . .

A Mentor IS NOT. . .

“The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” Unknown

Personal Characteristics of a Good Mentor

Good listener! Committed/Stable Empathetic/Caring Open-minded/not judgmental Respectful Good sense of humor Hopeful/Optimistic Coachable

“The Road to Success is always under construction.” --Lily Tomlin

Positive Relationship Behaviors of Successful Mentors Authenticity (be real) Empathy (unconditional positive regard) Collaboration (student-driven) Companionship (sharing fun)

Developing a Positive Relationship is the key!

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”—William James

The Relationship Cycleo Beginning—getting to know each othero Challenging/Testing—developing trusto Real Mentoring Begins—deeper

relationshipo Ending—positive closure

“Do not judge me by my successes; judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” --Nelson Mandela

Guidelines and Boundaries School based : Meet only at school during

school time. School Coordinator facilitates contract

Expanded boundaries permitted for experienced mentors with coordinator approval only! Must sign off-site contract and have parent approval

Faith-based guidelines (if applies) Do not drive mentee anywhere Don’t give mentee gifts or money No Facebook, personal e-mail, or cell phone

exchanges Confidentiality Limits: Mandatory Reporting

“Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance.” —Samuel Jackson

Getting Started Complete School District Volunteer Packet:

includes background check Schedule an individual interview time with

Coordinator and view boundaries video Be matched with a student Initial Meeting/Sign Commitment Contract

(mentor and mentee) Establish Regular meeting time Keep Mentoring Log for Coordinator Enjoy developing a relationship!

“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something.” -- Edward Everett Hall

Sharing from our Experienced Mentors How has your experience been? Things that have worked well? Things that you would do differently? Other tips or suggestions?

“We were all born equal, but where we end up in life later is of our own making.” --Stephen Richards

Mentors: ActivitiesBut what do I do when I meet with my student mentee?

Resources in your folder for ideas—student-driven*Above all, be patient! Have realistic expectations

“Life’s problems wouldn’t be called hurdles if there wasn’t a way to get over them.” ---Author Unknown

Conclusion

Take time to consider if this is a good fit for you. Ask questions!

Resources for you . . . Thank you!

“Find a need and fill it.” -- Ruth Stafford Peak