What is one word that encompasses your guiding principal for mentoring this year?

This thoughtful question was asked of our participants at the September Mentor Training.  Some responses included anchor, commitment, connection, friend, trust, hope, and community.  Seedling believes having a guiding principle for mentoring sets an intention and can be your touchstone throughout the year, keeping your mentoring authentic as you build a trusting friendship with your mentee.  Follow these steps to discover your word for mentoring.

• On a piece of paper, list 5 words that describe your reasons for mentoring your first year. 
• Now, when you think about mentoring this year, circle 3 of those words that are most relative and important to you.
• Finally, of those 3, what one word stands out as your guiding principal this year for mentoring? 

Another important question we ask mentors at the beginning of each year is, “Do you reference your Seedling Mentor Guide?” It is important to revisit Seedling mentoring policies and guidelines each year to ensure you are the best Seedling mentor you can be.  We know that mentors sometimes are tempted to break our Seedling boundaries because “it seems like the right thing to do” (like bringing lunch for your mentee each visit) or  “they really need it” (for example, giving them a ride to their after-school job). The Seedling Mentor Guide, updated each year, outlines Seedling guidelines and policies for mentoring.  It is full of important information about boundaries, logistics, and Seedling mentoring rules that include:     

• Seedling is school-based.  Seedling mentors only visit with their mentees at school, usually during their lunchtime.  The only exception to this is if your mentee INVITES you to attend a school sponsored event (such as a choir concert, sports game or graduation ceremony) they are participating in where school personnel will be in attendance.

• Mentoring is a one to one friendship.  Sometimes mentees may want their friends to join your meeting, however, you only have parental consent to meet with your designated mentee.

• Keep track of your time.  The Seedling Mentor Portal is a unique link given to you by your Mentor Director at the beginning of your mentoring relationship to create a virtual page to log your volunteer hours.  Most mentors record approximately 1 hour to include travel time to/from the mentee’s school. There is also a notes section to record your activities.  Mentor hours logged into the portal are directly tied to our funding and essential for Seedling to show our impact.

• Reach Out to Your Mentor Director (MD)   Available to you by phone and email, your MD can offer timely mentoring support.  They will also call and email you to check in and ask about the health of your mentoring relationship. Questions may include:  

• How often do you and your mentee meet, and how do you decide what activities to do together?
• What are some signs that show that your mentee enjoys your time together? 
• How are you feeling about your mentor/mentee relationship?
• How do you think your relationship with your mentee is progressing? 

Your MD is also the bridge between Seedling and your mentee’s school.  Whether a School Contact or School Helper, your Mentor Director will ensure that you are connected to someone at the school who can support your Seedling match.

Have any questions or concerns?  Please reach out and let us know, we are ready to help with resources, a listening ear, and encouragement.  You are making a difference! Let’s have a great year!!