April 2023 Mentoring News
Published
Training for Programs
Introduction to TMP Services & Elements of Effective Practice
Wednesday, April 19, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
This informational session is intended to introduce mentoring programs to the technical assistance, training, and network services provided by The Mentoring Partnership. The foundation of our services is based on the six Elements of Effective Practice, a collection of research-informed practices for youth mentoring programs, and you will learn those elements as part of this session. Attending this training is also the first step in the Quality Coaching process. Sessions are currently being done virtually. You must be registered to attend. Registration will close 2 days before the scheduled session. Click here to register!
Training for Mentors and Mentees
Virtual Mentoring 101 Training
Saturday, April 8, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, April 26, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
This interactive training program provides participants with an introduction to mentoring and what to expect as a mentor. Topics like the "mentoring lifecycle," communication skills, establishing boundaries, and appreciating diversity will make it easier for mentors to navigate relationships with their mentees. This training is appropriate to introduce new volunteers to the field of mentoring and to refresh current mentors on best practices. Registration will close once the training is full or 2 days before the scheduled session. Click here to register!
Virtual Combatting White Saviorism
Friday, April 21, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Mentoring relationships and programs have the power to reproduce racial inequity. Mentors and mentoring programs have a moral obligation to do no harm to the youth and families engaged in their mentoring relationships and programs. In this workshop, participants explore what white saviorism looks like as well as the harmful impact it has on youth. Participants will develop the ability to recognize white saviorism in mentoring relationships and programs and explore concrete strategies to combat its harmful effects. Space is limited. Registration will close once the training is full or 2 days before the scheduled session. Click here to register!
Virtual Cultural Humility Training
Friday, April 28, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
This workshop is designed to empower mentors with knowledge, skills and an awareness of their role as members of a diverse, mentoring relationship. Every mentor should recognize and embrace the work that they do involving young people and adults who come from diverse social identities that include race, religion, national origin, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and ability. In a community that is always evolving in language, values, culture, beliefs, personalities and life experiences, we want our mentors to be open to this diversity as well as seek opportunities to engage in intentional, focused ways. It is recommended participants attend a Mentoring 101 session before attending Cultural Humility, but not required. Click here for more information.
Program Development
Get no-cost support for your program's match closure practices!
The end of the school year will be here before we know it and that means that some mentoring matches may transition or come to a close either just for the summer or permanently. According to mentoring best practices, closure is a key part of the mentoring relationship and is critical to ensuring positive outcomes for young people. It's never too early to start thinking about and planning closure and transition in your mentoring program, and TMP offers no-cost technical assistance to support closure procedures! Contact Ashley Wineland to learn more and apply!
April LENS: Compassion Fatigue led by Nicole Herman, Partners for Youth with Disabilities (Virtual)
Tuesday, April 18th 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
This virtual session will examine the concept of compassion fatigue as it relates to individuals who work in youth mentoring spaces. We will discuss what compassion fatigue is, how it can manifest, and the effects on the individual, colleagues, and the work environment. We will review important concepts including compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, vicarious trauma, and burnout. Then, we will discuss ways to support individuals who are experiencing compassion fatigue and coping strategies. We will also briefly discuss how to support youth experiencing secondary trauma and compassion fatigue as well as coping strategies for youth. Click here to register.
May LENS: Recruitment Strategies Post Pandemic (Virtual)
Tuesday, May 9th 9:30 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
Mentor Recruitment is the number one challenge reported by programs, especially, post pandemic. The Mentoring Partnership has partnered with Christopher Margadona, Sr. Director of Training & Partnerships from MENTOR Rhode Island, to share some tips and strategies for mentor outreach and onboarding. Christopher is a dynamic facilitator and has a breadth of experience working with programs in his region to implement innovative recruitment strategies. Click here to register.
Community News
We're Hiring: Director of Training and Program Development
This full-time position will work with mentoring programs, school administrators, community leaders and volunteers to ensure that high-quality mentoring is available and provided to youth in Western PA. Key focus areas for this position include expertise and knowledge of best practices and trends in mentoring and youth development, training for staff and volunteers, project management and the ability to deliver services through new and existing programs Please submit a resume with cover letter, and at least (3) references, to resumes@mentoringpittsburgh.org. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2023
Winter 2023 Encouragement Cards for Kids
As caring adults, we can support the young people in our lives and encourage them to do the same for their peers! TMP and Fred Rogers Productions have teamed up to create encouragement cards that make it easy to check in with someone to offer up a smile or word of thanks. These cards can be downloaded and printed to drop in the mail or tuck into lunch boxes and backpacks. Click here to download the encouragement cards for free!
Big Brothers Big Sisters Virtual Informational Sessions
February 1, 2023 - April 19, 2023
Since the beginning of February, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Greater Pittsburgh has been hosting various virtual informational sessions. If you didn't get the chance to attend, you still have the opportunity to participate in April. Each session is a 30-minute presentation. These are the upcoming dates:
April 5 at 12 p.m.
April 19 at 6 p.m.
Visit bbbspgh.org/infosession to learn more and register!
Open Field is Hiring: Coach Mentors
Open Field is hiring coach mentors for their Spring and Summer Programs, with a specific focus on women and people from the international community within Pittsburgh. There are many youth in their programs who speak Swahili, Spanish, and Arabic and want their coach mentors to also speak these languages. In addition to hiring coach mentors, Open Field is currently look to hire a Girls Coach Mentor & Program Associate. Click here to learn more about their open positions. Interested candidates should contact Chloe Kinnahan via email or phone at chloe@openfieldintl.org / 814-777-5509.
Remake Learning Days: April 20 - May 26
Remake Learning Days is an innovative learning festival for families and youth. This year, over 650 events from around the world have been published on their Remake Learning Days website. Be sure to check out their opportunities for educators, virtual events, pop-up events, and Pittsburgh region events.
Summer Camps in the Pittsburgh Region
Summer is around the corner which means it might be time to start looking for a summer camp! Kidsburgh's 2023 Summer Camp Guide is a great resource which consists of over 50 different camps around the Pittsburgh Region. Not to mention it also includes information about camps at non-profit organizations such as Dragon's Den. More free options for out-of-school time programs can be found here!
