1 Mentor Training February 17, 2007

2 Greeting and Introduction 1. Name 2. Favorite actor(ess)

3 Growing Beyond Obstacles (GBO) GBO is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to mentor youth through wellness, education and service. We offer programs for children and their families to increase awareness about wellness, improve school and social performance through mentoring, and develop character through service projects.

4 Leadership Timothy Davis, Executive Director, Administrative Affairs Rashard Jones, Executive Director, Community Relations Dena Parson, Co-Director, Mentorship Ytina Torian, Co-Director, Mentorship

5 Adapted:

6 My favorite mentor, teacher, coach…

7 Overview of Training WHY YOUTH NEED MENTORS THE ROLE OF A MENTOR WHAT MENTORS ARE NOT SO WHAT EXACTLY DOES A MENTOR DO? PRACTICES OF EFFECTIVE MENTORS PRACTICES OF INEFFECTIVE MENTORS STAGES IN MENTOR/PROTEGE RELATIONSHIP RISK FACTORS THAT AFFECT ADOLESCENTS IN GANGS LISTENING WITH BOTH EARS SHARING AND MODELING VALUES ASKING HIGH QUALITY QUESTIONS MENTOR SUPPORT HOW TO LET GO

8 WHY YOUTH NEED MENTORS? The young people of today must cope with far more personal and social pressures than any other previous generation of youth. Early intervention through a structured mentor relationship may be able to give young people the tools and support they need to deal effectively with these pressures.

9 WHY YOUTH NEED MENTORS? Peer Pressure Substance Abuse Sexuality Child Abuse and Family Violence School Safety and Violence Depression and Suicide Faith and Religion

10 THE ROLE OF A MENTOR Academic Help and Tutoring Emotional Support Social Experiences Career Exploration Assistance

11 Mentor CoachGuide Role Model AdvocateFriend

12 Activities a mentor can provide: Academic Support Role Modeling Attention and Concern Accountability Listening

13 Mentor

14 SO WHAT EXACTLY DOES A MENTOR DO? Make a point of meeting your student’s parent(s), early in the relationship Attend periodic group student/mentor meetings Attend periodic Advanced Mentor Trainings Attend special events such as Recognition and Awards Event

15 PRACTICES OF EFFECTIVE MENTORS Involve students in deciding how the pair will spend their time together. Make a commitment to be consistent and dependable – to maintain a steady presence in the student’s life. Pay attention to the student’s need for fun. Respect the student’s viewpoint. Allow the student to make mistakes. Separate their own goals from those of the students – leave their personal agenda behind. Do not focus on the negative aspects of the student, neighborhood, or parents – leave it alone.

16 PRACTICES OF INEFFECTIVE MENTORS Have difficulty meeting the student on a regular basis; demand that the student play an equal role in initiating contact. Attempt to transform or reform the student by setting goals and tasks early on; adopt a parental or authoritative role in interaction with the student. Emphasize behavior changes over development of mutual trust and respect. Attempt to instill a set of values inconsistent with those the student is exposed to at home.

17 STAGES IN MENTOR/STUDENT RELATIONSHIP Developing Rapport and Building Trust Bringing Closure to the Relationship Setting and Reaching Goals

18 RISK FACTORS THAT AFFECT ADOLESCENTS IN OR ON THE PERIPHERY OF GANGS School Climate Risk Factors Family Risk Factors Peer Risk Factors Community Risk Factors

19 MENTOR SUPPORT Mentors will receive monthly “check-in” calls from the Mentor Site Coordinator, inquiring about the progress of the relationship, problems you may be encountering, successes, etc. Exchange telephone numbers with other mentors so that contact can be made for purposes of support, sharing, and organizing group activities. Remember --- your Mentor Site Coordinator is just a phone call away, and will strive to assist you with any problem you may be having, after you call.

20 Rules of Communication Sharing and modeling values Asking high quality questions Mentor support How to let go