Becoming a Better Mentor: Strategies to Be There for Young People

MENTOR’s Becoming a Better Mentor: Strategies to Be There for Young People is a free resource written by experts in the field to benefit any adult looking to support young people. Full of real-world advice and evidence-based strategies, it provides mentors with tangible strategies to “be there” for young people in their various life journeys and teaches them about the core skills, key principles, and critical practices of mentoring.

Introduction

Learn about how to adopt a “mentoring mindset,” motivations for mentoring, how to take a youth-centered and strengths-based approach, basics of childhood and adolescent development, the importance of mentor commitment, and more! For more information about MENTOR or to become a mentor as well as access to links referenced in this chapter, visit us at mentoring.org. Follow us on social media at: Twitter: @MENTORnational Facebook: @MENTORnational LinkedIn:@MENTOR Instagram: @mentornmp

12-20
35:46

Providing Emotional Support and Empathy

Working to understand your mentee’s experiences from their point of view can improve their reception of your support and greaten your impact. For more information about MENTOR or to become a mentor as well as access to any links referenced in this chapter, visit us at mentoring.org. Follow us on social media at Twitter: @MENTORnational Facebook: @MENTORnational LinkedIn:@MENTOR Instagram: @mentornmp

12-21
22:05

Practicing Cultural Humility

As a mentor, it is essential to engage in continuous self-reflection and to actively seek opportunities to learn about your mentee’s identity and cultural experiences. For more information about MENTOR or to become a mentor as well as access to links referenced in this chapter, visit us at mentoring.org. Follow us on social media at Twitter: @MENTORnational Facebook: @MENTORnational LinkedIn:@MENTOR Instagram: @mentornmp

12-21
20:38

Making Room for Fun and Play

By centering joyful experiences in mentoring relationships, mentors can form stronger, more meaningful connections with their mentees. For more information about MENTOR or to become a mentor as well as access to links referenced in this chapter, visit us at mentoring.org. Follow us on social media at Twitter: @MENTORnational Facebook: @MENTORnational LinkedIn:@MENTOR Instagram: @mentornmp

12-21
29:37

Attunement in Mentoring Relationships

Developing a strong self-awareness about your own emotional and physical state can make you better equipped to read the cues of your mentee and respond to their preferences and needs. For more information about MENTOR or to become a mentor as well as access to links referenced in this chapter, visit us at mentoring.org. Follow us on social media at Twitter: @MENTORnational Facebook: @MENTORnational LinkedIn:@MENTOR Instagram: @mentornmp

12-21
23:19

Understanding Effective Online Communication

Because many young people today are digital natives, engaging with your mentee in a virtual setting may make them feel more comfortable and willing to communicate. For more information about MENTOR or to become a mentor as well as access to links referenced in this chapter, visit us at mentoring.org. Follow us on social media at Twitter: @MENTORnational Facebook: @MENTORnational LinkedIn:@MENTOR Instagram: @mentornmp

12-21
26:53

Facilitating Group Interactions

When mentoring groups of young people, building a strong sense of belonging can help create a community where members want to participate and are excited to engage. For more information about MENTOR or to become a mentor as well as access to links referenced in this chapter, visit us at mentoring.org. Follow us on social media at Twitter: @MENTORnational Facebook: @MENTORnational LinkedIn:@MENTOR Instagram: @mentornmp

12-21
23:54

Working With Others In the Mentoring Relationship System

Description: Making an effort to get to know the other adults in your mentee’s life can improve your understanding of and ability to communicate with your mentee. For more information about MENTOR or to become a mentor as well as access to links referenced in this chapter, visit us at mentoring.org. Follow us on social media at Twitter: @MENTORnational Facebook: @MENTORnational LinkedIn:@MENTOR Instagram: @mentornmp

12-21
19:05

Honoring Youth Voice and Building Power

Adults interested in elevating youth voice must learn how to listen critically and be willing to take a step back and share power with young leaders. For more information about MENTOR or to become a mentor as well as access to links referenced in this chapter, visit us at mentoring.org. Follow us on social media at Twitter: @MENTORnational Facebook: @MENTORnational LinkedIn:@MENTOR Instagram: @mentornmp

12-21
36:47

Building Critical Consciousness and Youth Activism

Youth power building is not about rendering adults useless – it’s about centering young people and positioning adults as supporters and resources rather than leaders. For more information about MENTOR or to become a mentor as well as access to links referenced in this chapter, visit us at mentoring.org. Follow us on social media at Twitter: @MENTORnational Facebook: @MENTORnational LinkedIn:@MENTOR Instagram: @mentornmp

12-21
29:04

Goal Setting and Support

Intentionally supporting your mentee through the process of setting and pursuing goals is one important way you can guide them towards discovering new passions and a strong sense of purpose. For more information about MENTOR or to become a mentor as well as access to links referenced in this chapter, visit us at mentoring.org. Follow us on social media at Twitter: @MENTORnational Facebook: @MENTORnational LinkedIn:@MENTOR Instagram: @mentornmp

12-21
28:16

Effective Conversations About Behavior Change

Some of the most effective ways to encourage positive behavioral changes in a mentee are to ask questions, engage in active listening, and express empathy and understanding. For more information about MENTOR or to become a mentor as well as access to links referenced in this chapter, visit us at mentoring.org. Follow us on social media at Twitter: @MENTORnational Facebook: @MENTORnational LinkedIn:@MENTOR Instagram: @mentornmp

12-21
23:01

Expanding Networks of Support

By helping their mentees strengthen existing relationships and form new connections, mentors can encourage the exploration of diverse pathways and improve their mentee’s access to new opportunities. For more information about MENTOR or to become a mentor as well as access to links referenced in this chapter, visit us at mentoring.org. Follow us on social media at Twitter: @MENTORnational Facebook: @MENTORnational LinkedIn:@MENTOR Instagram: @mentornmp

12-21
20:11

Recommend Channels