LGBTQ Peer Mentor

TrainingMike Ahern, Deb Bishop & Keri Clinton

Salem State University

EDU803B Helping Skills for Student Affairs Professionals

Dr. Randi Korn

Fall 2014

Theoretical

Framework

The theoretical frame for the LGBTQ peer mentor training reflects two central themes: creating a trained and knowledgeable support

network for LGBTQ students, and assisting them to understand the many complexities of identity. As identified by Gordon and Habley

(2000), establishing positive interpersonal relationships, coping with loneliness, and learning to deal with discrimination are among the key

issues for which students in the LGBTQ community require support. This workshop Is created with the intention of providing a safe place in

which students can grow and learn as individuals, as well as learn how to support their peers and be of service to the LGBTQ community on

campus.

The workshop is also created to promote an understanding of “acculturation and identity development” (Pope, Reynolds &

Mueller, 2004, p. 89). The LGBTQ student community faces unique challenges compared to many of their mainstream contemporaries

across campus, especially in the development of identity and self-esteem (Gordon & Habley, 2000). By presenting students the opportunity

to learn about intersectionality of identity and the diversity among LGBTQ, the goal of the workshop is to strengthen both the personal self-

reflection of the participants as well as to support and empower the relationships within the LGBTQ student and ally community support

network.

Agenda8:30-9:00 Registration, Light Breakfast

9:00-9:15 Welcome, Introductions

9:15-10:00 Why We Are Here

10:00-10:45 Working Together & Resources

10:45-11:00 Break

11:00-12:00 Dr. W. E. Coyote, Director of Counseling Services, “Tough Topics”

12:00-1:00 Lunch

1:00-2:30 Keynote speaker, Dr. K. Clinton,

“Diversity Among the LGBTQ Community and Intersectionality”

2:30-2:45 Break

3:00-3:45 M. Ahern, Director of Residential Life,

3:45-4:30 D. Bishop, “Grit & Grace” Activity

4:30-4:45 Confidentiality & Paperwork; Presentation of Certificates

4:45-5:00 Program Wrap-up, Surveys, Announcements

Original Pride Flag, 1978

Welcome!!!

Welcoming Remarks

Introduce the LGBTQ Leader & Staff

Introductions Activity

Name & Share: Who Has Been Your

Mentor?

Transgender Pride Flag

Why we are here...The purpose of the LGBTQ Peer Mentoring Program is toconnect incoming students who may identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, asexual, pansexual and queer students with ‘out’ LGBTQ and ally upper-class students. Our goals are to:

● To foster mentoring relationships between new students and current upper-class students that offer support, guidance and resources at our university

● To provide support for students who are “coming out” in the university community or in their home communities

● To provide support for students who feel that they are currently unable to “come out”

Bisexual Triangles

● To help answer questions LGBTQ students may have on a variety of topics including, but not limited to, finding gender neutral facilities, community events, name changes, roommate concerns and addressing bias in and out of the classrooms

● To create intergenerational links within the University community

● To provide helpful resources to students as they explore issues related to identity

● To provide a safe environment where students can connect to their LGBTQ peers

Bisexual Triangles

Why we are here, continued...

Who?Genderqueer Pride Flag

LGBTQ Peer Mentors…are open LGBTQ or ally students who volunteer to be a support for new students on

campus. They must be a junior or senior in good academic standing. LGBTQ peer

mentors must have a desire to help incoming students.

What mentors do…• Offer guidance and support

• Answer questions about LGBTQ issues

• Be a confidante, a resource and a role model

• Offer access to “community” networks

• Provide information about campus resources

• Listen to their mentees

Mentors are not…Ally Flag

• Therapists

• Offering absolute confidentiality

• A replacement for close, personal friends

• A dating service

• Transportation

• A provider of drugs or alcohol

Activity!

Why we are here…Feather/Drag Pride

Part I - What’s Important?

Write down the 3 most important people to you

Write down your 3 favorite hobbies or activities

Write down your favorite places to be

Activity!

Why We Are

Here…Genderfluidity Flag

Part II – Share and Listen

Find a partner...someone you do not know well…

Each person will have one minute to talk to their partner about themselves.

The other partner does not say anything, just listens!

After a minute, switch!

You CANNOT talk about ANYTHING you wrote down

Part III – Reflections

Working Together &

Knowing Your

ResourcesCampus office resources

LGBTQ Office – (808) 555-1208Multicultural Office – (808) 555-1209

Counseling and Health Center Office – (808) 555-1212Campus Police & Emergency Services - (808) 555-1200Office of Residence Life – (808) 555-1500Campus Security – (808) 555-1000

Other campus resources

Gender-neutral Areas (Bathrooms, Halls, etc.)

LGBTQ Friendly Majors & Minors

Safe Zones

Intersex Pride Flag

15 Minute

Break

“Tough Topics for Mentors”What to do if your mentee shares the following information?

Depression

Self Harm

Suicidal Thoughts/Actions

Assaults/Harm to Others

Dangerous Behavior

● Excessive Drinking

● Illicit Drugs

● Unsafe Sex

Pansexual Flag

Welcome

Dr. W.E. Coyote!

Remember Your Role as a

Mentor!

Know Your Resources!

Never Be the Last to Know!

Lunch

Return by 1pm

Welcome

Dr. Keriann Clinton!“Diversity Among the LGBTQ Community and Intersectionality” ● Respecting all Letters...LGBTQQAAPDI

● Understanding ingredients in the soup that made you

● What is Intersectionality and why is it important?

Infinity Heart, symbol for

polyamory

15 Minute

Break

Welcome

Mike Ahern, M.Ed.!Asexual Pride Flag

“Supporting Respect, Inclusiveness & Empowerment in

Campus Housing”

o Gender Neutral Housing

o RHA and LGBTQ Peer Mentor Partnership

o Resident Assistant Inclusivity programming goals

o Programming space and resources

Activity!

Grit & Grace

Japanese Crane: symbol of peace, hope and fidelity

Intersex Flag

Confidentiality &

Paperwork

Confidentiality

What to keep confidential and why?

What to share and with whom?

Paper Work and Housekeeping

Contract (read together out loud)

The Pink & Yellow Star was used

to symbolize gay Jewish prisoners

in Concentration Camps

Wrapping up... Bear Pride Flag

Award of Certificates

Surveys

Announcements: Upcoming Events....

Multi-cultural Affairs Leadership Retreat

Film Series: Out With Dad

ResourcesLipstick Lesbian Pride Flag

LGBTQ Peer to Peer Mentoring,

http://www.american.edu/ocl/cdi/spectrum.cfm

University of Southern California LGBT Peer Mentoring Program,

http://sait.usc.edu/lgbt/signature-programs/lgbt-peer-mentoring-

program.aspx

University of California Riverside Peer Connections,

http://out.ucr.edu/programs/Pages/PeerConnections.aspx

Yale College Experience Peer Liaison Program,

http://yalecollege.yale.edu/student-services/advising/student-advising-

programs/peer-liaison-program