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

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: @MENTORnationalFacebook: @MENTORnationalLinkedIn:@MENTORInstagram: @mentornmp

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: @MENTORnationalFacebook: @MENTORnationalLinkedIn:@MENTORInstagram: @mentornmp

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: @MENTORnationalFacebook: @MENTORnationalLinkedIn:@MENTORInstagram: @mentornmp

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: @MENTORnationalFacebook: @MENTORnationalLinkedIn:@MENTORInstagram: @mentornmp

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 atTwitter: @MENTORnationalFacebook: @MENTORnationalLinkedIn:@MENTORInstagram: @mentornmp

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: @MENTORnationalFacebook: @MENTORnationalLinkedIn:@MENTORInstagram: @mentornmp

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 atTwitter: @MENTORnationalFacebook: @MENTORnationalLinkedIn:@MENTORInstagram: @mentornmp

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 atTwitter: @MENTORnationalFacebook: @MENTORnationalLinkedIn:@MENTORInstagram: @mentornmp

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 atTwitter: @MENTORnationalFacebook: @MENTORnationalLinkedIn:@MENTORInstagram: @mentornmp

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: @MENTORnationalFacebook: @MENTORnationalLinkedIn:@MENTORInstagram: @mentornmp

 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: @MENTORnationalFacebook: @MENTORnationalLinkedIn:@MENTORInstagram: @mentornmp

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: @MENTORnationalFacebook: @MENTORnationalLinkedIn:@MENTORInstagram: @mentornmp

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: @MENTORnationalFacebook: @MENTORnationalLinkedIn:@MENTORInstagram: @mentornmp