Mentor Development
For October, the challenges will center around the theme of Character Education. This week’s challenge is to teach your mentee about responsibility. Responsibility involves students being accountable for their actions, working independently in an effective way, and meeting obligations. Start by asking your mentee for their definition of responsibility. Then ask them to think about their own experiences and how they have had to be responsible. Next up, talk about areas of their lives where they could start being more responsible or areas where they may have too much responsibility (or assumed responsibility). This is a great time to talk to your mentee about their responsibility as a student (do they truly know what they are responsible for as a student?), a sibling, a son or daughter, a community member, a teammate, etc.
Personal Responsibility
TRUE or FALSE – I do what needs to be done
TRUE or FALSE – I am reliable and dependable
TRUE or FALSE – I never make excuses or blame others for my actions
TRUE or FALSE – I always follow through on my commitments
Social Responsibility
TRUE or FALSE – I do my part for the common good
TRUE or FALSE – I volunteer in my school or community
TRUE or FALSE – I participate in community service
TRUE or FALSE – I do what I can to help take care of the environment
I think I am/am not a responsible person because _________________
You can follow up this self-evaluation with a discussion using some of the prompts below.
- What does “taking responsibility” mean?
- How does behaving responsibly affect our relationships with our friends? How important is that?
- How does behaving responsibly affect your relationship with your parents? How important is that?
- Have you ever caused problems for somebody else by being irresponsible? What happened? Would you do things differently if you had another chance?
- Has anybody ever caused problems for you by being irresponsible? What happened? What do you wish that person understood about what happened?
- How does it make you feel when somebody lets you down?
- How does it make you feel when you have let somebody else down?
- Do you think there is any connection between being responsible and being trusted? Between being responsible and being respected?
It would be great if you shared answers to these questions as well. Model being vulnerable and open in honest conversations. Talk, listen, share and learn together!
From September through November you will be discussing Race and Equity in your coaching meetings. Be sure to check out the articles and videos here.
Activity Ideas
Board Game Cafe at Lakeview Library
Mondays: October 21
6:00-8:00pm
Join friends and neighbors for a game night! Revisit old favorites or try something brand new from the library’s collection of board games and card games. Beverages and snacks will be provided. 2845 N Sherman Ave, Madison
Boo at the Zoo
Sunday, October 27
9:30am
Join us for FREE, family-friendly trick or treating throughout the Zoo (Henry Vilas Zoo, 702 S Randall Ave)! Enjoy face painting, free train and carousel rides, and extra animal enrichment throughout the Zoo!
Hilldale-O-Ween
Sunday, October 27
3:00-5:00pm
Get ready to have a blast at Hilldale-O-Ween on Sunday, October 27, from 3-5 PM. We’ll be haunting Hilldale and The Green with ghoulishly good times. Don your costumes, grab your treat bags, and join us for a wickedly good time!
Registration is not required, however, tell us you’re coming by pre-registering here and you’ll be entered to win a spooktacular basket filled with ghoulish Hilldale goodies!
Free Bird and Nature Adventure at Tenney Park
Saturdays: November 2, December 7
2:30-4:00pm
Nature-expert guided walks in Tenney Park along Lake Mendota and the Yahara River Parkway bike path through the Madison Isthmus are free, family-friendly and held the first Saturday of each month, from 2:30-4pm. The walk begins at the Tenney Beach parking lot, 1330 Sherman Avenue. No registration is required.
Winter Fair Off the Square
Saturday, November 9; 9:00-5:00pm
Sunday, November 10; 10:00-4:00pm
Our Winter Art Fair Off the Square at the Monona Terrace features over 135 Wisconsin exhibitors with a wonderful selection of pottery, paintings, fiber, glass art, wood, photography, jewelry, graphics, sculpture and more. In addition, on Saturday the art festival features a very successful Silent Auction of artwork contributed by our exhibitors.
There is a Young Collectors’ Corner where only children under twelve are admitted to purchase artwork of their choosing. Much of the art is the same as in exhibitors’ booths but at a much reduced price.
Wisconsin Dog Fair
Sunday, November 10
10:00-4:00pm
Alliant Energy Center
Learn about all things dog – puppy classes, agility, obedience, flyball, barn hunt, conformation!
Meet the breeds! Over 100 different breeds will be represented at the show where you can ask questions of people knowledgeable about each breed.
Scenic Stroll at the Arboretum
Sundays: November 24
1:00-2:00pm
1207 Seminole Hwy, Madison
This gently paced stroll through the gardens is well-suited for a multi-generational outing. Learn about plants, animals, and fungi; phenology; and ecology. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place rain or shine, except in unsafe weather. Routes are wheelchair accessible when weather allows. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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
We switched to monthly one-on-one coaching meetings. Your coach will reach out to you to schedule your next meeting.
If you have a change in personal information (phone/address/email) please respond to this email or notify your mentor coach ASAP.
If you have questions or need help with a situation and can’t reach your coach, contact:
Katie Mae katiemae@intentionalmentoringmadison.org
Katie katie@intentionalmentoringmadison.org
Franny franny@intentionalmentoringmadison.org
All the best,
Intentional Mentoring