Context:

There is little doubt that youth need caring and consistent interactions with adults, and organizations are increasingly developing programs that create mentoring relationships. Being a mentor might feel natural to some people, but it isn't easy. Training is essential to help mentors create and sustain long-term relationships. An orientation for new mentors might include topics such as defining mentoring, communication and trust-building, appropriate roles and boundaries, program specific guidelines, and goal-setting. The following activity can be used to introduce a mentor orientation. It can also be a valuable component of tutor training, as tutors should be aware that they will sometimes be perceived as mentors by the children with whom they work.

Goals:

• To reflect on natural mentors in the lives of participants
• To identify and share the qualities that made these mentors influential, so that new mentors can generate and agree on a set of personal qualities that typify effective mentors

Activity:

After introductions, ask participants to reflect for a few minutes on this question, Who made a difference in your own life at a key point in your development? Have them share their answers with a partner or a small group, then ask for reports out as a large group. You may hear responses such as: teachers, parents, coaches, scout leaders, professors, etc. Next ask, What are the qualities that made these people so helpful to you? You may hear things like: believed in me, saw my potential, listened without judgment, motivated me to be better, inspired by example, etc. Note similarities among contributions, and post on a flipchart.

Key Questions and Points to Remember:

The qualities exhibited by the natural mentors we've had throughout our lives are the same qualities we seek in mentors for structured mentor programs. Thinking back on the powerful relationships that helped us along the way allows us to connect with the mentor qualities that we also want to embody.