Mentor Training

TeamMates Mission

To positively impact the world by inspiring youth to reach their full potential through

mentoring.

About TeamMates• Core Values–Commitment to youth–Safety–Integrity and Trust–Inclusion

• Vision– To become the gold standard of school-based

mentoring programs and serve 12,000 youth by 2020.

TeamMates Quick Facts

• One to One• School Based• One time per week• Relationship Based• Minimum 3-year commitment• www.teammates.org

To be a mentor…

• Application/Agreement• Criminal Background Check• Child/Adult Abuse Check• Reference Checks• Initial Training• Interview• Match & Orientation• Weekly Meetings

Who will I mentor?

• TeamMates youth are called mentees–Grades 3-12– Selected because they would benefit from

additional caring adult–Parent/guardian permission to participate– Youth desire to work with an adult– Youth trained about the program

Mentoring Means Commitment

• Weekly meetings– Try for 24 or more meetings in the year

• Sign in every time• Minimum three-year commitment• Be a good role model• Ask for help if needed

Building a Relationship

Developmental Mentoring vs.

Prescriptive Mentoring

Focus on the bond between you and the mentee!

Developmental Prescriptive • Encourage the

mentee to guide the activities/time

• Listen more than talk• Games, crafts• These activities build

skills and confidence for students to feel successful

• Tell mentee what they need to be doing

• “Fix it” attitude--Give advice more than listen

• Focus on tasks to meet goals

• Push mentee to talk about issues, future, academics

Perseverance Process – 5 Actions• show me that you like me and want the best for me

(express care)• insist that I try to continuously improve (challenge

growth)• help me complete tasks and achieve goals (provide

support)• hear my voice and let me share in making decisions

(share power)• expand my horizons and connect me to opportunities

(expand possibilities)

Stages of Mentoring• Beginning “The Honeymoon”– Set boundaries– Find common interests

• Growth Stage– Build trust– Stay committed

• Maturity Stage– Mutual comfort level– More challenges - more details shared

• Ending or Closure Stage– Say good bye—don’t just stop meeting– Share positives about the experience

A Mentor’s Role

A Mentor

Is

A Mentor

Is Not

Exploring Diversity

Diversity refers to any significant personal orcultural differences • Youth culture has unique rules• You will encounter differences• Diversity is a two way street• Poverty has its own culture• Be understanding and nonjudgmental• Share your culture• Don’t be afraid of diversity

Boundaries• Safe environment– Location–Physical touch– Social media

• Time• Money• Self disclosure• Working with families

Safe Environment Boundary• School based• Meet in school, during the school day• Public spaces; doors, blinds open

• Out of school meetings (for Middle School or High School students only)• Rare occurrences, group setting• All paperwork complete and on file• Public meeting places• Third party over 18 identified

• Physical touch boundary

Social Media• Do NOT become involved in personal social

networking with your mentee such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat.

• Before you engage in any outside communication with your high school mentee (e-mail, texting, phone), check with your school TeamMates Coordinator, follow school policy, get parent permission. Contact outside the school environment is strongly discouraged.

TeamMates Social Media• Check out our blog at

www.TeamMatesMentoringProgram.wordpress.com. Subscribe from the main page to receive updates via e-mail

• Become a Fan of the TeamMates Program on Facebook.

• Find us on Twitter at @TeamMates1Hour

Time Boundary• Commit to weekly meetings–24 or more meetings/year

• Be “in the moment” when meeting• Consistency and frequency important• Honor TeamMates model• School events/activities

Money Boundary

• Your time is the most valuable thing you can “give” your mentee

• Avoid giving gifts

• Act as an advocate not an ATM

Self-Disclosure Boundary

• Relationship is youth centered not self centered

• Maintain adult-youth relationship

Parents/Families Boundary

• Be open to the uniqueness of every family

• Don’t try to “parent” the mentee

• You are a mentor to the youth not the family or siblings

Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure Acknowledgement

• Information about the following matters must be kept confidential: – Administrative and financial matters relating to

TeamMates and about donors, mentors, mentees and their parents

– Medical, mental health and academic information about mentees and their families

• Failure to keep information confidential can be considered as a cause for termination from the TeamMates Mentoring Program

Recognizing Child Abuse• What is child abuse?– Any act or failure to act on the part of a parent,

caretaker or other adult which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or

– An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.

• How can I tell if a child has been abused?– Each child reacts differently– Be alert to changes in the child’s behavior

Types of Abuse

•Physical Abuse•Emotional Abuse•Sexual Abuse•Neglect•Hazardous Conditions

What should mentors do?

• If you suspect that a child is being abused…–Remain calm and non-judgmental–Reassure the child– Let the child know it is not his/her fault–Report the abuse

Confidentiality & Reporting

It is the law that you report all cases of suspected abuseNE Hotline Number 1-800-652-1999 IA Hotline Number 1-800-362-2178CA Hotline Number 1-800-344-6000

If your mentee reports abuse or illegal activity, contact your TeamMates Coordinator and make a report to the appropriate hotline number.

For other issues, mentors and mentees can call the toll free Safety and Ethics Hotline number at

1-888-788-7727

Building Trust

• Be fully present• See mentee as a person and never a “project”• Be consistent• Be yourself• Involve the mentee• Listen and be empathetic

Trust is the foundation of the mentoring relationship!

What to Do in Your Meeting?

• Ask your mentee!• Play games• Do a craft• Physical activity• UNLESS YOUTH LED: Avoid-focus on

homework, goals, behavior change

Be a Strength-Based Mentor• Be a mentor your mentee looks forward to seeing.• You have something important to offer. Lead with

your strengths!• Express genuine caring to your mentee - honor

expectations.• Listen to whatever your mentee wants to talk about.• Develop trust between you and your mentee.• Practice “nexting” with your mentee – help them be

excited about their future!

Thoughts?Questions?