MentorChat

In this conversation, Sophia and Ashley talk with Frank Kamara about how building next works of support for youth is an important part of giving them access to new spaces and exploring new possibilities and opportunities. Paying attention to their feedback and their interests can help caring adults and mentoring programs find ways to build relationships and connect them with others! Chapter 12: Expanding Networks of Support by Sara Schwartz of Suffolk University discusses how, by helping mentees strengthen existing relationships and form new connections, mentors can encourage the exploration of diverse pathways and improve their mentee’s access to new opportunities. MENTOR’s Becoming a Better Mentor Guide [https://www.mentoring.org/resource/becoming-a-better-mentor/] The Consortium for Public Education [https://www.theconsortiumforpubliceducation.org/] NEED [https://www.needld.org/need-hcbu-tour189bed20] Impact Community Initiative [https://www.ici412.org/] Youth Places [https://youthplaces.org/] FAME [https://www.famefund.org/] The Mentoring Partnership [https://mentoringpittsburgh.org/] Sign up for Everyday Mentoring Tips! [https://mentoringpittsburgh.org/mentoring_tips/]

Sports can be a big part of a young person’s life, and few know this better than Coach Bob Jones who has been coaching youth football for more than 30 years! Caring adults – including coaches – can use sports to connect with young people in many ways and can provide valuable opportunities to talk with youth about behavior change. Join us for this chat with Coach Bob Jones about how he intentionally builds relationships with young people through sports and navigates conversations about positive behavioral changes! Chapter 11: Effective Conversations about Behavior Change by Samuel D. McQuillan of the University of South Carolina discusses how some of the most effective ways to encourage positive behavioral changes in a mentee are to ask questions, engage in active listening, and express empathy and understanding.

Goal setting can be challenging at any age. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Deanna Sinex about how Youth Enrichment Services (YES) and other supporting partners work with the City of Pittsburgh to implement the Youth Civic Leadership Academy (YCLA) and help youth explore career fields, learn valuable skills, and gain access to unique opportunities. Their holistic approach to mentoring is clear in how they support youth in setting goals that are relevant to their own definitions of success and carefully consider the young person’s values, interests, and experiences. Listen in on the conversation to hear all about it! Chapter 10: Goal Setting and Support by Ed Bowers of Clemson University discusses how intentionally supporting a mentee through the process of setting and pursuing goals is one important way a mentee can guide them towards discovering new passions and a strong sense of purpose. MENTOR’s Becoming a Better Mentor Guide [https://www.mentoring.org/resource/becoming-a-better-mentor/] City of Pittsburgh Youth Civic Leadership Academy [https://pittsburghpa.gov/mayor/ycla] Youth Enrichment Services [https://www.youthenrichmentservices.org/] Community College of Allegheny County [https://www.ccac.edu/] https://www.partner4work.org/ [https://www.ccac.edu/] Heinz History Center [https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/]

Crossroads Foundation approach to supporting their young scholars ensures that each young person has access to a diverse network of adults and peers. Join us for a conversation with Lead Counselor Justin Pacini about how their program centers relationship building and expanding the social capital of young people to help them access educational opportunities and achieve their potential! Chapter 12: Expanding Networks of Support by Sara Schwartz of Suffolk University discusses how, by helping mentees strengthen existing relationships and form new connections, mentors can encourage the exploration of diverse pathways and improve their mentee’s access to new opportunities. MENTOR’s Becoming a Better Mentor Guide [https://www.mentoring.org/resource/becoming-a-better-mentor/] Crossroads Foundation [https://crossroadsfoundation.org/]

A mentoring relationship doesn’t usually happen in isolation – there are lots of important people in the lives of young people! Connecting Champions knows this and is always intentional about working with others close to their mentees to help ensure the positive outcomes. Join us for this discussion with Coy Thompson about how Connecting Champions collaborates with mentors, guardians, doctors, social workers, and others to support young people with cancer in learning about their passion, explore professions, and navigating the cancer journey. Chapter 7: Working with Others in the Mentoring Relationship System by Thomas E. Keller of Portland State University discusses how making an effort to get to know the other adults in a mentee’s life can improve a mentor’s understanding of and ability to communicate with their mentee.