Curriculum

Mentors are better able to handle situations that may arise successfully if they receive effective training prior to beginning the mentoring match.

In order to meet this standard of effective practice and for certification purposes, all mentoring programs should provide a minimum of 2 hours of initial training for each new mentor. Subsequent training opportunities for the mentors throughout their time of service are encouraged.

I. Training Elements

• Create a training plan that should be followed with all potential participants, that includes elements for both for initial and ongoing training.
• Sample Training Plan provided.
• Have trained staff trainers to do the mentor/volunteer training – it is important that those doing the training have experience with mentoring programs and/or other volunteer programs.
• It may be necessary to bring in outside speakers for certain training issues.
  (e.g. A police officer to talk about gang awareness).
• Sample Training Plan

II. Training Issues

• Orientation to the program and resource network, including information and referral, and other supportive services and schools that are relevant to the program’s focus.
• Support of mentors by program.
• Skills development as appropriate.
• Cultural/heritage sensitivity and appreciation training.
• Guidelines for participants on how to get the most out of the mentoring relationship.
• Do’s and Don’ts of relationship management.
• Job role and responsibilities.
• Confidentiality and liability information.
• Crisis management and problem solving techniques.
• Communication skills development.
• Building trust in relationships.
• Roles of a Mentor
• Attributes of an Effective Mentor

• Do’s and Don’ts of Mentoring

Informational Resources:

The ABC’s of Mentoring
D-3-E 9800 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, Texas 78288
210-498-1055

JUMP Training Manual – National Mentoring Center
Preparing to Facilitate (Module 7) – Free
JUMPstarting Your Mentors (Module 8) – Free
Connecting and Communicating (Module 9) – Free
http://www.nwrel.org/mentoring/curriculum.html

How To Be A Great Mentor
Kaplan/Newsweek Edition
Points of Light Foundation
P.O. Box 79110
Baltimore, MD 21279
$1.00/copy

Insurance information

John L. Kirby & Associates
4000 St. Johns Ave, Suite 7
Jacksonville, FL 32205-9358
Phone: (904) 387-9798
(800) 340-4729
Fax: (904) 387-9720

Molyneaux Insurance
Don Blough
100 Kirkwood Blvd
PO Box 939
Davenport, Iowa 52805
Phone (563) 324-1011