BTO Community Mentors Program Initial Training and Orientation 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 Training Introductions Why Mentoring? Role of a Mentor/Good fit for me? Program Guidelines Getting Started Tips 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 Mentor Who 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 Cycle o Beginning—getting to know each other o Challenging/Testing—developing trust o Real Mentoring Begins—deeper relationship o 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 , 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: Activities But 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