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Frequently Asked Questions

What is mentoring?

Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee.

Does mentoring make a difference?

All children have the potential to succeed in life and contribute to society. However, not all children get the support they need to thrive.

The word "mentor" comes from the Greek for "steadfast" and "enduring." Mentoring is the one-to-one or group relationship that one or more adults develop with one or more young people to help them develop and succeed.

Consider the many benefits mentoring offers, including:

  • Improving self-esteem;
  • Keeping young people in school;
  • Helping improve academic skills;
  • Leading young people to resources they might not find on their own;
  • Providing support for new behaviors, attitudes and ambitions;
  • Increasing young people's ability to seek and keep jobs;
  • Enhancing parenting skills.

(Source: www.mentoring.org/runaprogram)

A public/ private ventures study found that students who regularly met with mentors for about a year were:

  • 46% less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs;
  • 27% less likely to start drinking;
  • 52% less likely to skip a day of school;
  • more trusting of their parents or guardians;
  • less likely to lie to their parents or guardians;
  • and more supported and less criticized by their peers and friends

(Source: about MPNY)

What is the time commitment?

Relationships and a sense of bonding develop over time, the duration and consistency of a mentoring relationship is extremely important. Mentors and mentees should meet regularly at least four hours per month for at least a year. However there are some exceptions, such as school based mentoring, which coincides with school year and other types of special mentoring initiatives. In such circumstances, mentees need to know from the beginning how long they can expect the relationship to last so they can adjust their expectations accordingly.

What Is a Faith-Based Mentor?

Congregations of all faith are fertile places to develop mentoring programs. They have a long tradition of instilling spiritual values and moral strength, key elements in mentoring. As part of a faith-based institution that can draw freely on the talents and time of committed member volunteers, mentoring puts faith into practice, and everyone benefits.

Faith-Based Mentoring:

Offers young people the chance to develop a relationship with one or more adults who become friends, role models and advocates for them.

  • Is based in a house of worship and reflects the values and beliefs of that religion.
  • Typically occurs after school hours and/or on weekends.
  • Can take several forms, including career exploration, life skills development, and game playing and going to sports, entertainment or cultural events.
  • Can serve young people from the congregation or from throughout the local community

Source:www.mentoring.org/runaprogram

Is Mentor Training Necessary

Mentors are most successful when they receive thorough training before working with young people and receive coaching and support throughout their involvement. You should provide mentors with at least two sessions per year of ongoing support training. You might distribute a schedule of ongoing training during the first orientation. Topics for ongoing you might distribute a schedule of ongoing training during the first orientation. Topics for ongoing training should expand upon those covered during the orientation. You might want to bring in guest lecturers, such as former mentors or mentored youth. From time to time, bring mentors together so they can ask questions, exchange ideas and share experiences. Such give-and-take helps create a "mentor network" and support group.

(Source:www.mentoring.org)