Weekly Training Resource
This week’s training resource is the fourth chapter, about attunement in mentoring relationships, of a training called Becoming a Better Mentor.
How does this help me in my mentoring relationship? “This process of attunement involves an intentional focus on building a relationship and on prioritizing the mentee’s needs and preferences alongside one’s own, in order to “meet the mentee where they are.” In this way, attunement represents a broad strategy to elicit, read, interpret and reflect on others’ cues.”
Don’t forget to fill out the response form after completing each training.
Challenge for the Week
For September, the challenges will center around the theme of Back to School. This week’s challenge is to surprise your mentee with a little back to school love. Maybe they find out on the first day that blue pencil pouches are the coolest thing ever, but theirs is purple. Could you get them a blue one? Maybe, you go have lunch at school with your mentee (definitely ask them first if this is okay with them). How about instead of hanging out at 5:00 pm, you pick them up from school and take them to get their favorite ice cream flavor. Or, how about writing some happy, fun notes and asking your mentee’s parent/caregiver to put them in his/her lunchbox each day. Another idea is to start a growth chart and plan to see how much your mentee grows throughout the year. Whatever it is, make sure to spoil your mentee a little bit and show them that back to school is FUN! As always, talk, question, listen, challenge and encourage your mentee!
Tip of the Week
Several different ACE’s (Adverse Childhood Experiences) can impact children for years after their experience. Some examples of ACE’s are: abuse (physical, emotional or sexual), neglect (emotional or physical), household dysfunction (substance abuse, mental illness, divorce, or incarcerated parent), witnessed violence, unsafe neighborhood, bullying, or lived in foster care. There are also culture-based sources of trauma. These may include discrimination, racism, microaggressions, homelessness/mobility, immigration stress and social isolation. If your mentee has experienced any of these things, they are most likely dealing with the impact of their experience.
We love seeing photos of you and your mentee spending time together! Please share them with us via your coach or using the hashtag #intentionalmentoringmadison
Mentor Coaching Group Meeting Dates:
VAL: Monday, September 26th 6:30 – 7:30pm val@intentionalmentoringmadison.org
RYAN: Monday, October 3rd 5:30 – 6:30pm Ryan@intentionalmentoringmadison.org
If you have a change in personal information (phone/address/email) please respond to this email or notify your mentor coach ASAP.
All the best,
Intentional Mentoring