Training for Mentors

This interactive training program provides participants with an introduction to mentoring and what to expect as a mentor. This is appropriate to both new mentors as an introduction and current mentors that would like a refresher.

• tipsbuildmentrelationships.doc
• guidelinesformentors.doc

This interactive training program also provides participants an introduction to mentoring and what to expect as a mentor. In addition, this session has an expanded component that will focus on an enhanced mentor training topic, i.e. communicating effectively, setting boundaries, or discussing difficult issues with mentees. This session is appropriate as an introduction for new mentors and for current mentors that would like a refresher.

Communication is any means by which an individual relates experiences, ideas, knowledge, and feelings to another. This can be expressed through both speech and gestures/body language. When establishing a mentoring relationship, it is important to create a comfortable communication environment. Communication is key to the development of trust within a mentoring relationship. This training is intended for those who have completed the Mentoring 101 training, however new mentors are also welcome. This interactive training will provide participants with information to further strengthen their skills as mentors relative to effective communication in building a positive relationship with mentee(s).

• helpfulcommunicationskills.doc

It is important for mentors to understand what a boundary is and why boundaries are needed in mentoring relationships. Mentors will learn how to prevent and buffer mismanagement of boundaries and develop a framework for dealing with boundary issues.

Mentors will have the opportunity to learn and participate in various ice-breaking activities that can be helpful during various stages within the mentoring relationship. This interactive training is intended for those who have completed the Mentoring 101 training, however new mentors are also welcome.

Sensitive issues that come up between a mentor and mentee require different levels of response and intervention.

How we associate with other people and express ourselves is diversity. There are all kinds of assumptions and stereotypes based on gender, size, clothes, etc. As much as we try to be objective, we all have some theories about people based on stereotypes. Young people need a mentor to help them see that diversity goes beyond race and gender.

This training session will provide an introduction to values and their possible effects on mentoring relationships. This session will also provide participants with an opportunity to explore their value systems and learn how those values can affect the mentoring relationship.

Research students have been consistent in identifying stress as a significant issue for adolescents. This interactive training session will help mentors understand the impact of stress on adolescents as well as information to help mentees manage and reduce stress they experience in their lives.

Helping young people deal with traumatic experiences is difficult and critical. Trainers will review the signs and symptoms as well as the tools you can use to help your mentee. This training session will help mentors define posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as the most common symptoms of PTSD.

This training is designed to give mentors an awareness of common mental health issues that mentees can be dealing with, including depression and suicide. An overview of the issues will be discussed along with ways in which they can manifest in young people. The training will also give specific strategies for dealing with these issues as they arise through the process of active listening and getting connected to mentor program, school and community resources.

This interactive training session will provide participants with techniques on how to handle adolescent aggressive behavior. Participants will also receive answers to questions relative to specific situations with youth/mentee(s).