Girl Power! A Gender Specific Group Mentoring Program Dr. Cindy Ann Smith Dar Al Hekma University, Jeddah Saudi Arabia

Overview: Where are we going today? Developmental Level of Mentees Activities College Women as Mentors Training for Mentors

Young Girls & Generational Poverty Characteristics: 10 to 12 years of age, pre adolescence. May feel awkward, unsure. Wants to be independent, time with friends, but still needs “safe base”. Egocentrically focused, impulsive. Vulnerable to influence whether positive or negative.

Young Girls & Generational Poverty Understand that their frame of reference may be different than yours due to: Culture Poverty Family structure Life experiences

Recruiting and screening mentors (MENTOR, 2009) Fully understand level of commitment and time required Written application Face to face Interview Initial orientation/training Must be willing to say “thanks, but no thanks” at any point in this process.

Training (MENTOR, 2009) Different mentors= different levels of support needed Level of perceived support is important College students need ongoing, weekly support. Need to understand developmental level, goals of program, meaning of being a “role model”.

Matching (MENTOR, 2009) Naturalistic matches Allow matches to develop Allow mentors and mentees to choose Forever mentor and today mentor

Monitoring and Support (MENTOR, 2009) Important to have one person who is overall responsible. Remember that you are a mandated reporter. Top priority-safety of all (physical and emotional).

Closure (MENTOR, 2009) Life is change. Change is not necessarily good or bad- just change. End of year ceremony can help to communicate this. Closure is important for mentors as well as mentees.

Activities Focus on: Examples: Relationship development Fun Meaningful interactions Examples: Journaling Crafts Games

References MENTOR. (2009). Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring 3rd Ed. Alexandria: Mentor.