Myths of Mentoring
Q. What is a mentor?
A. The dictionary's definition is a wise and trusted guide and
friend. A mentor is a supportive, caring adult who serves as a role model and spends
quality time with a young person to make a positive change in his or her life (not
a tutor or a teacher). Back to top
Q. How are mentees chosen?
A. Mentoring Programs generally serve students in grades K-12 who
can benefit from a positive adult role model. Requests for mentors may come from
teachers, parents, administrators or others capable of identifying children who
may lack confidence or self-esteem, or have other indicators that could interfere
with school success. Many matches begin in elementary school, and mentees may continue
to receive mentoring services through high school.
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Q. What are the programs goals?
A. The ultimate goal is to increase student success and high school
graduation rates by improving the students self-esteem, attitude towards school,
attendance and academic performance. Back to top
Q. How are the mentor and child matched?
A. Interest Inventories are completed by both the mentor and mentee to assist in
the matching process. Pairs are made based on shared interests, student need and
mentor availability. Back to top
Q. How much time does mentoring require?
A. Time requirements vary based on the program you volunteer for: school-based mentoring
programs generally require that mentors meet with their mentees at school for an
hour each week, at a time and place agreed upon by the teacher and the mentor. Community-based
mentor programs generally require a larger time commitment but allow the flexibility
to meet with your mentee (student) in the community. You can go on excursions and
spend time with him/her on the weekend or evenings, depending on your schedule.
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Q. Are the mentors given any training?
A. All mentors must attend an initial orientation/training session that generally
lasts for 2-hours. Some mentoring programs require additional training before meeting
your mentee. Once the program is underway, periodic support groups" and sometimes
teacher meetings are held for mentors to share ideas, plan special events, and address
specific issues. Additionally, workshops on topics of interest to mentors are offered
on a regular basis. Back to top
Q. Will I be asked to continue with the student after this school year?
A. Your commitment is for just one year but we hope that you will be able to continue
with your mentee. Some mentors actually continue through high school graduation!
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Q. Will the students parents be involved at all?
A. All parents/guardians are required to give written permission for their child
to participate in the program. Depending on the requirements of the mentoring program
you become involved with, parents may also attend program kick-off events and other
special events. Back to top
Q. Does an hour a week really help a student?
A. YES! A study shows that most kids get about fourteen minutes of interaction from
the adults they live with on a daily basis. Only about a minute and a half of that
time is positive interaction, with the rest being instructions or reprimands. Needless
to say, an hour of undivided attention per week makes a huge difference in the life
of a child. Back to top
Q. What if we meet and dont feel the match is a comfortable fit?
A. Our experienced program coordinators will try to work with you and your mentee
to identify any barriers or stumbling blocks you may encounter. In our many years
of experience only a handful of pairs didnt click. Of course, if we are unable
to help you feel more comfortable, we will make every effort to match you with a
new mentee. Back to top
Q. Is there a fee associated with being a mentor?
A. No. Occasionally mentor programs may ask for your help in covering any costs
associated with your background check but there are no fees associated with being
a mentor. And the rewards you will receive are priceless!
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Q. Can I mentor more than one hour or one student a week?
A. Absolutely! Although in school-based programs each child can only be mentored
for one hour per week, it is possible to mentor another child at a different time
or even volunteer at a different school or through a different agency. We recommend
starting with one child and seeing how it goes, before beginning a relationship
with a second student.
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Myth 1: Mentoring requires a lot of time
Fact: Mentoring does take commitment, but not a lot of time. It is the quality of
the relationship you establish with a youngster that counts most. Mentoring for
about four hours a month is enough time to:
- Encourage a child each week
- Be available for a phone call or two
- Listen to challenges, ideas or even jokes
- Help with problems at school
- Share strategies for achieving academic success
- Have lunch or a snack
- Attend a worship service
- Introduce your mentee to other positive young people
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Myth 2: Punitive background checks will expose my personal business
Fact: Background checks help protect children from predators and pedophiles and
maintain accountability to the parents, guardians and organizations of the children
we mentor. It is a necessary insurance that children will be nurtured and loved
appropriately. Back to top
Myth 3: I will feel uncomfortable with a child I don't know
Fact: Youngsters are so hungry for love and affirmation; you only have to be yourself.
You can hear, so listen, you have a heart, so open it; you have talents, please
share them. Back to top