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. Materials you might distribute during the first orientation could include a schedule of ongoing trainings. Topics for ongoing training should expand upon issues 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/program_staff/)