Developing an Advisory Committee
The best way to start designing your youth mentoring program is to assemble the people (stakeholders) who want to support its development. Together, these individuals will form your program planning or advisory committee. This group might consist of parents, teachers, counselors, youth development staff members, colleagues, community partners, youth, etc. Ideally, these individuals will see an opportunity to support youth in your community through mentoring. This advisory committee can help you:
- Conduct a needs assessment
- Define youth eligibility
- Develop a program philosophy
- Create the program design and structure
- Outline program management
- Help with fundraising and sustainability
- Design and conduct program evaluations