My role as a mentor and the developmental assets

What Is My Role as a Mentor?

• . . . a friend.• . . . a role model.• . . . a confidant.• . . . a nurturer of possibilities.

YOU ARE . . .

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• . . . a mentor to the family.• . . . a social worker or doctor.• . . . a savior.

YOU ARE NOT . . .


Frequently Asked Questionsabout Being a Mentor

• Won’t young people and their parents be leery of a stranger like me trying to be their friend?

• Young people’s problems are so complex. What can I possibly do?

• Young people and I are so different from each other. How can we be friends?

• I’m not exactly “cool.” What if my mentee doesn’t like me?• What if my mentee won’t talk to me?• What if I say the wrong thing?• What kinds of things will my mentee and I do together?• What will I do if my mentee tells me something I’m not sure

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What Are Developmental Assets?

You have become a mentor at least in part because you want to make a positive difference in the life of a young person.

Many of the small and big things you do to make that difference are included in a comprehensive list called the Developmental Assets framework.


The Developmental Assets

• positive qualities that influence young people’s development, helping them become caring, responsible, and productive adults.

Mainly Divided into TWO

EXTERNAL

INTERNAL


SUPPORT support from numerous nonfamily adults, positive family communication, and a caring neighborhood.

EMPOWERMENT empowerment by being in a safe environment and providing service to others.

BOUNDARIES AND EXPECTATIONS

boundaries and expectations through adult role models, family, positive peer influences, and high expectations.

CONSTRUCTIVE USE OF TIME

constructive use of time through creative activities, religious community, and time at home.


Think about ways you can provide your mentee with opportunities to experience

COMMITMENT TO LEARNING

a commitment to learning through achievement motivation, doing homework, and reading for pleasure.

POSITIVE VALUES

positive values such as integrity, honesty, and responsibility.

SOCIAL COMPETENCIES

social competencies such as friendship skills and peaceful conflict resolution.

POSITIVE IDENTITY

positive identity by building her or his self-esteem, sense of purpose, and personal view of the future.


Think about ways you can provide your mentee with opportunities to experience

What Is Asset Building?

• Key Principles of Asset Building– Everyone can help young people build assets– All young people need assets– Relationships are key.– Asset building is an ongoing process– Consistent messages are important– Intentional repetition is important.


SOME BASIC TIPS FOR HOW MENTORSCAN BUILD DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS

• Remember that the focus of mentoring is on forming a relationship and being positive adult role model.

• Show your mentee that she is a priority by keeping in touch on a regular basis.

• Let your mentee know that you care about things that are important to him.

• Be flexible.• Get to know your mentee’s interests and hobbies.


SOME BASIC TIPS FOR HOW MENTORSCAN BUILD DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS

• Talk about and model your personal values.• Share a new experience together• Practice life skills together• Emphasize the importance of a lifelong commitment

to learning.• Talk about some of your hopes and plans for the

future and ask about your mentee’s vision of the future.

• Enjoy your time together and have fun!


My role as a mentor and the developmental assets

Leadership & Management

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