May 2023 Mentoring News

Published

Training for Programs


Introduction to TMP Services & Elements of Effective Practice

Wednesday, May 17, 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 - Last Ones Until August!

Saturday, May 13, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, May 24, 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!

 

Fostering Healthy Transitions Training 

As many school-based mentoring programs are coming to an end this month, we would like to encourage you all to schedule a Fostering Healthy Transitions Training for your mentors. This workshop is designed to provide mentors with knowledge and tools they need to properly close out their mentoring relationships with youth. This session will give mentors the opportunity to reflect on the end of relationships in their lives, learn about the consequences of improperly closing a relationship, best practices in transitioning the mentorship, and planning how to do that with the support of their mentoring program. This training can be led in-person or virtually for a minimum of 10 participants. Contact Sophia Duck for more information: sduck@mentoringpittsburgh.org.


Program Development


Get No-Cost Program Development Support with NMRC Technical Assistance!

Do you need support in getting your new mentoring program up and going? Or maybe you're feeling a little stuck and need a boost with your program design and development? TMP is here to help! When you apply for no-cost technical assistance, our mentoring experts can help you determine what you need and ensure that your program aligns with research-based mentoring best practices. Get in touch with us today for support with your program design and development! For more information or to apply for no-cost technical assistance, please contact Ashley Wineland: awineland@mentoringpittsburgh.org.


Community News


We're Hiring: Director of Training and Program Development

TMP is seeking a 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.

 

Welcome Regine Hall!

TMP is growing! We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our team: Regine Hall, Program Assistant. Regine is joining the Programs Team and will focus on supporting and maintaining relationships and increasing engagement with our program partners. If you want to say “hello” she can be reached at rhall@mentoringpittsburgh. org.

 

Mental Flex Forum

Saturday, May 6, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

AD99 Solutions is calling student-athletes, ages 13 to 18, to participate in the annual Mental Flex Forum. This is a free in-person and streaming educational session about mental wellness. Students will have the opportunity to speak with Superbowl Champion Aaron Donald, other athletes, and experts about obtaining and maintaining good mental health. Topics include mental health implications of high-intensity periods, injury, and social media. If you'd like to register, click here.

 

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 the Remake Learning Days website. Be sure to check out the opportunities for educators, virtual events, pop-up events, and Pittsburgh region events which begin May 4th. 

 

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!

 

Brain, Emotions, and Mind-Wandering Study for Adolescents

The Brain, Emotions, and Mind-Wandering (BEAM) study is recruiting adolescents ages 11-13 years old who experience frequent mood swings and have a birth parent or full biological sibling who have ever experienced symptoms of bipolar disorder or depression for a research study. The goal of the study is to better understand how well two different skills-based groups focusing on mood help children manage difficult emotions. Eligible adolescents will be randomly selected to participate in either a weekly mindfulness group intervention or a weekly health and wellness intervention in person for 8 weeks. Additionally, the adolescents will complete online questionnaires, tasks, and brain scans. Compensation up to $750 will be provided. Adolescents who already have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or who wear braces are not eligible for this study. To learn more and see if you and your child might be eligible, please contact Jamie Feldman at 412-527-6231 or complete the online eligibility screening.