Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Designing & Implementing Group Mentoring Programs
March 16, 2017
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
2017 Collaborative Mentoring Webinar SeriesPlanning Team
The Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series is funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention through the National
Mentoring Resource Center and facilitated in partnership with MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Good to Know…
One week after the webinar, all attendees receive an email with:
• Instructions for how to access a PDF of presentation slides and webinar recording
• Link to the Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series webpage, where all slides, recordings, and resources are posted.
Please help us out by answering survey questions at the end of the webinar.
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
• All attendees muted for best sound
• Type questions and comments in the question box
• Respond to polls
• Who is with us today?
Participate in Today’s Webinar
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Today’s Webinar
• Tommy McClam, YouthBuild USA
• William Figueroa, Los Angeles Team Mentoring
• Jerry Sherk, California Mentoring Partnership, Mentor Management Systems
Q & A throughout the presentation (use the Q & A panel)
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Tommy McClam
• Born and raised in the urban center of Buffalo, New York
• Former National Director of Mentoring for YouthBuild USA
• Currently the Deputy Director of Open Buffalo
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
William Figueroa
• Director of Programs for L.A. Team Mentoring
• Began his career over 20 years ago working with foster and probation youth
• Co-Chair for the Los Angeles Mentoring Partnership
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Jerry Sherk
• Worked in the field of youth mentoring for over two decades
• Ran group mentoring programs in San Diego City Schools for six years
• Full-time consultant and trainer for youth mentoring programs
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Today’s Topics
• How to Put the “Mentoring” into Group Mentoring• Creating and Delivering Curriculum• Running a Middle School Team Mentoring Program• Focus on a Culturally Relevant Group Mentoring
Effort• Example of a Cohesive Group Mentoring
Curriculum• Resources for Program Development
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Group Mentoring Works!
Project Arrive Mentoring ProgramSan Francisco United School District
Ongoing Research by Dr. Gabe Kuperminc, Georgia State University
This school-based group mentoring program has shown that, as compared to a control group, Project Arrive Students have had in increase in:
• Problem solving skills• Self-efficacy (belief in one’s ability to succeed)• Sense of school belonging• Meaningful participation in school• Academic success
For more info on Project Arrive: http://sites.gsu.edu/project-arrive/
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
What is Group Mentoring?
• 1 or more mentors and 2 or more mentees
• OJJDP: no more than 1 mentor with 4 mentees
• There are countless ratios and group models
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
“Curriculum-Based/Sharing Groups”
There are many models of group mentoring, and various approaches can be effective.
Today, Jerry and William and Tommy are discussing a specific type of group mentoring: groups where both the curriculum (aka lessons/activities) and mentee sharing/discussions are integral components.
You may be considering another group mentoring model, but we believe your program can benefit from strategies described on this webinar.
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Group & Elements of Effective Practice
1. Recruitment
2. Screening
3. Training
4. Matching & Initiation
5. Monitoring & Support
6. Closure
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Benefits of Group Mentoring
• Cuts down on “recruitment” & “monitoring” and therefore is often less costly
• Can attract volunteers interested in activities• Reduces risk factors -- no “1:1 match alone in the
community”• Uses the power of peer relationships• A way for some organizations to venture into
mentoring• Can be combined with 1:1 mentoring
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Potential Drawbacks - Group Mentoring
• Does not offer the intimacy of 1:1• Mentor attendance• Developing curriculum & activities/keeping
program fresh• Finding appropriate mentors, and training
them on group discussions, managing disruptive mentees, curriculum delivery
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Putting the “Mentoring” into Group Mentoring
1. Consistency of Relationships: same mentors working with the same mentees over time (and the same mentees in the small group)
2. Sharing: The ability for mentees to safely share how their week has gone, and to receive support from peers and mentors. Example:“Good News/Bad News” (“Highs and Lows” etc.)
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Reasons to Consider 2 or More Mentors for Each Small Group
1. Two mentors work together to provide curriculum, evaluate mentees and their needs
2. If two mentors, program can match mentors’ personalities/interests:• Young/Old• Introvert/Extravert• Directive/Patient • College Graduate/Tradesperson
3. Two mentors can better maintain mentee focus & discipline
4. If one mentor is absent, small group stays together (enhances sense of belonging /feeling safe; & confidentiality)
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Developing Mentoring SessionsSession Development Matrix
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Sample Group Exercise
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Good News/Bad News
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
If You Are New at Managing Discussion Groups
Consider finding someone with expertise:
• Current or retired teachers
• Intern counselors or social workers
• Other individuals who have a background & comfort level in managing groups
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
14 Questions for Program Development
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
16-Page “How-To” Manual in Handouts
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Los Angeles Team Mentoring
• William Figueroa, Director of Programs
• Founded in the aftermath of the 1992 LA riots
• Connects 1300 middle school youth with 330 caring adult mentors weekly
• Operates at 11 Los Angeles Title-I middle schools from 3:00-5:00 PM providing
• Has served over 25,000 at-risk middle school youth
• 3:10/12 mentor to mentee ratio
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
LATM’s 3:10/12 Model
LATM pairs 3 adult mentors to 10 to 12 mentees per group
1. Teacher Mentors
• Build on an existing student relationships
• Serve as a constant presence for the student on a daily basis
• Improve school engagement
2. College Mentors
• Make higher education a more tangible reality for youth
• Closer to the mentees’ ages—more relatable
• Serve as a valuable role model
3. Community/Corporate Mentors
• Provide varied perspectives in life and career experiences
• Often expand youths’ horizons beyond immediate school & neighborhood environment
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Benefits of Multiple Mentors in Each Group
LATM Mentors have shared:
• The team approach feels less intimidating/there is less pressure--allows for mentors to co-mentor and share facilitation responsibilities
• Buddy system--comfort in knowing that if there were an emergency/pressing engagement, that there is another mentor to fall back on
• No bad cop--there is not one disciplinarian in the classroom and mentors can tag team on behavioral issues
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
How “Team/Group” Benefits Mentees
• Less intimidating – students want to make friends and enjoy being with their friends and thus, engage more quickly
• Power of the peer setting – mentees are forming their identities, and that’s why they listen more closely to the opinions and suggestions of peers—and adult mentors can facilitate activities and discussions to move in a positive direction
• Positive influence of multiple mentors/role models—in LATM, from 3 life perspectives
• Curriculum delivery – our lessons give the mentees the opportunity to open up their worlds, learn new skills, and to stay on a positive path
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
LATM Curriculum Areas
• Team Building & Leadership Development
• Self-Awareness & Healthy Relationships
• Health and Wellness
• Conflict Resolution and Anger Management
• Cultural Diversity and Community Service
• Digital Citizenship
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Curriculum Snapshot
Curriculum Example of LATM’S“Self Esteem and Healthy Relationships Phase”
• Week 1 - Students have the opportunity to identify and celebrate
each other’s positive traits
• Week 2 - Students explore the concept of counteracting a negative
emotional cycle to help build resiliency
• Week 3 - Students continue exploring the concept of self esteem
and overcoming negative self-talk
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Group Makeup (AKA “Matching”)
• Matching mentors with mentors
• Matching mentees with mentees
• Matching mentoring teams with groups of mentees
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Mentor Training
• Recruit mentors that will likely be successful in the group setting
• Train mentors on mentoring basics (just like 1:1 mentoring)
• Additionally, train them on “facilitating group mentoring” – Setting group rules and norms
– Conducting sharing exercises
– Facilitating group activities
– Managing discipline problems
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Mentor Training (Cont.)
Practice Curriculum Delivery
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Training Mentors on Mentee Sharing
• “What’s good with you today?”
• Determine upfront if you prefer raised hands or an open group discussion
• Follow up with two open-ended questions for every piece of information shared
• Don’t force shy kids to share
• Participate in the exercise, but not too deeply
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Training Mentors on Group Management
• Be aware group with Storm, Norm, Perform and Mourn
• Prepare them for what could happen (scenarios)
• Provide them with strategies, e.g.: – Remind mentees of group rules
– Physically approach mentees who are acting out
– Give warnings
– Walk the disruptive mentee out of the group
– Be fair and consistent with rules
– Start with a clean slate at every session
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Staff Support is Important!
1. Provide the training and curriculum for mentors that allows them to feel confident while engaging the mentees
2. Conduct session check-ins to ensure mentors are avoiding a task-oriented approach and are focusing on relationship-based mentoring
3. Make sure staff is available during all mentoring sessions to provide support; especially important to step in to mediate any severe discipline problems– this alleviates any “bad-cop” responsibilities from mentors
4. Track attendance throughout the program to ensure mentees and mentors are attending sessions (assures “retention”)
5. Conduct post-session debriefings/ongoing trainings
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
BRIDGE Mentoring Program
• Tommy McClam, YouthBuild Mentoring Coach
• YouthBuild USA - robust network of 260 urban and rural programs in 46 states
• BRIDGE began in 2014, as part of the My Brothers Keeper Initiative
• Focuses on young men of color, ages 16-17
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Hopes & Dreams
• Funded as Part of “My Brother’s Keeper” Initiative Goal: To BRIDGE the opportunity gap for young men of color
• Mentoring is adjunct to other YouthBuild USA program activities & 1:1 Mentoring
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
YouthBuild USA Core Components
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Using Mentoring to BRIDGE The Dream Gap
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
How to Build a BRIDGE
• Belonging
• Responsibility
• Initiative
• Diligence
• Greatness
• Efficacy
(With appreciation to Dr. Ron Ferguson, Senior Lecturer in Education & Public Policy, Harvard Graduate School of Education)
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
BRIDGE Group Mentoring Benefits
Normalize Feelings
Improve Problem-Solving
Receive Support
Raise Career Awareness
Develop Relationship Skills
Build Self-Esteem
Learn to Achieve Goals
Develop Teamwork
Youth Respected as Adults
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
• Typically, all mentors and mentees will first meet in large group
• Later divide into smaller discussion/activity groups of 6 to 8 mentees
• 2 Mentors are assigned to each 6-8 Mentees
• Consistency: Keep same mentees & mentors in same groups
Mentor Ratios/Group Sizes
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Crossing the BRIDGE:
Success includes…
• Youth voice/choice in recruitment, selection, engagement, and closure/transition
• Group mentoring in support of one-on-one relationships
• 1 mentee, many mentors
• Preparing youth for lifetime of mentors
• Community leaders as mentors –placement (and program) champions
• Program leaders that take ownership
• Mentors who are culturally competent is essential (Willing to Learn)
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Using the BRIDGE to Impact Community
• Lifelong relationships
• Co-mentoring opportunities
• The mentored becomes the mentor
• Establishing life-long relationships for long-term BRIDGE maintenance
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
BRIDGE Mentoring Curriculum
No Cost to Utilize (OJJDP-funded)http://youthbuildmentoringalliance.org/guidebooks
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Q&A
Type your questions in the question box:
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Additional Resources
• Review on Group Mentoring at the NMRC site, by Dr. Gabriel Kuperminc, Georgia State University, with Implications for Practice by Mike Garringer, of MENTOR: http://www.nationalmentoringresourcecenter.org/index.php/what-works-in-mentoring/model-and-population-reviews.html?id=121
• Project Arrive, A Group Mentoring Program of San Francisco Unified School District: http://sites.gsu.edu/project-arrive/
• Group Mentoring: A Study of Mentoring Groups in Three Programs http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.113.6269&rep=rep1&type=pdf
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Additional Resources
National Mentoring Resource CenterApply for no-cost help for your mentoring program atwww.nationalmentoringresourcecenter.org, an online resource funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and facilitated in partnership with MENTOR
Mentoring ConnectorRecruit mentors by submitting your program to the Mentoring Connector (previously called the VRS)https://connect.mentoring.org/admin
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Remember…
After the webinar:
• Please help us out by answering survey questions at the end of the webinar.
• Everyone will get an email with information on how to download the slides, recording, and resources on the CMWS webpage on the MENTOR website:
http://www.mentoring.org/program_resources/training_opportunities/collaborative_mentoring_webinar_series/
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Stay Connected
• Email us at [email protected]• Tweet with hashtag #MentoringWebinar• Visit our webpage on the MENTOR website for past and upcoming webinars:
Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series
Reentry MentoringApril 20, 2017
1 - 2:15 pm Eastern
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