Each February, Seedling hosts Mentor Support Meetings (both virtually and in person), giving mentors an opportunity to meet each other, share mentoring experiences, and offer support to their fellow mentors. This year, mentors were prompted to share about different aspects of their mentoring experience.  The discussions revealed that Seedling mentors are thoughtful, caring and take the role of being a mentor very seriously!  In one group discussion, a mentor shared how recently, her shy and reserved mentee asked her for a hug, out of nowhere, a touching gesture that left a smile on her face for the whole day.  Another mentor spoke about how she wished she would have stayed “in the moment” a little longer when her mentee was sharing something personal.  Many in the group could relate to this regret.  We discussed how mentors can always come back the next week and tell their mentee, “I heard you and if you want to talk more about it I am here for you!” 

Please take a moment to ask yourself a few of the questions presented at the meetings.  Better yet, pick one or two and talk to a friend or your Mentor Director about your Seedling Mentoring experience.

• What have you done or said with your mentee that was a win and/or what have you done or said with your mentee that you would choose not to do again?

• What mentoring guideline or boundary has felt hard to navigate with your mentee?
  • How did you handle it?
  • What helped you stay grounded in both policy and connection?
• Have you ever experienced a time when your mentee’s attendance or behavior became a barrier to building relationship?
  • What strategies helped you address the challenge?
• How has mentoring impacted you personally?
  • What does it give you week after week?
  • Has it changed how you see young people, yourself, or your community?
• As a Seedling Mentor, have you had to overcome a challenge within your match? Example: shyness, time management, mentee asks a personal question… What helped guide you along the way?

We are so thankful for all of our mentors who participated.  Our final Mentor Training for the year will take place virtually on April 7th and the topic is Healthy Closure, we hope to see you there!