Match Maker 101 Support and Retention

Think about your best match. What are the key factors? Testimony

TeamMates Core Values Youth Attributes Interpersonal History Family Structure Social Competencies Developmental Stage Interests and hobbies Pre-Match

Mentor Attributes Interpersonal History Social Competencies Occupation Interests & Hobbies

Program Attributes Pre-Match Recruiting Training Post-Match Match Support Group Activities Parent Involvement

Making the Match Common interests or hobbies Common life experiences Grade level of mentee Personality Strengths

Elements of Effective Practice Matching Standard: Match mentors and mentees along dimensions likely to increase the odds that mentoring relationships will endure.

TeamMates Core Values Elements of Effective Practice Benchmarks: Matching Program considers its aims, as well as the characteristics of the mentor and mentee when making matches. Program arranges and documents an initial meeting between mentor and mentee.

Elements of Effective Practice Monitoring and Support Standard: Monitor mentoring relationship milestones and support mentors with ongoing advice, problem solving support and training opportunities for the duration of the relationship.

Elements of Effective Practice Benchmarks: Monitoring and Support Program contacts the mentor and mentee at a minimum frequency of twice per month for the first month of the match and monthly thereafter. Program documents about contact. Program provides mentors with at least 2 resources. Program conducts more in-depth assessment of match relationship. Program provides at least one post-match mentor training.

Think about a match that is struggling. What are the issues?

TeamMates Core Values The “fix it” Mentor - Permission to let go. - Focus on strengths. - Setbacks as opportunities. - Developmental relationship. - There is no I in MENTOR.

The “Absent” Mentor - Ethical Standard - Core Values - Mentor/Mentee Agreement - Mentor Training Checklist - Education about research - Articulate the student’s feelings - Get to the issue

The “Savior” Mentor - Clarify Boundaries - Training Manual - Mentor/Mentee Agreement - Role of the Mentor - Mentor as Advocate - Empowering Youth - Education about poverty - Ruby Payne

Ideas for Support Newsletters Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly s Mentor coffee chats Advanced mentor trainings Phone calls Sign in sheet-note section Pass to school activities Thank you in local paper E-cards, or handwritten Monthly activity, life skill, crafts, snack Blog, TM Facebook etc. Breakfast, coffee and donuts