1. Peer Mentoring 101:
How to be an
Effective Peer Mentor

2. Cristo Rey Philadelphia’s Mentoring Program
Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School strives to help its students recognize and realize their full potential.  In this pursuit, it provides students specific guidance, support, preparation and training for academic and professional success. 

3. MPRC Building a Quality Mentoring Program
Ground Rules
GROUND RULES
Participation
Respect
Inclusivity
Confidentiality
Shared “Air Space”
Minimize side conversations
Turn phone on silent/put away
Take notes to remember important information

4. The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern PA
SHOUT OUT!
The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern PA
Content from this training was derived from the peer handbook, developed by the Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern PA. It was adapted by the Mentoring Partnership & Resource Center in Philadelphia.

5. WHO MENTORED YOU?

6. MENTOR QUALITIES Committed Respectful Good listener Empathetic
Resourceful
Patient
Persistent
Consistent
Flexible
Open-Minded

7. A MENTOR IS… …a wise and trusted friend and guide.
Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee.
Definition provided by The Mentoring Partnership of SW PA

8. What should I expect? You SHOULD expect… You SHOULD NOT expect…
To be a positive role model
Save your mentee
One directional relationship in the beginning
Your mentee to trust you in the beginning
Some change to happen
Change to happen quickly
Support your mentee in reaching their goals
Your goals to match your mentee’s goals for their life.
To experience some frustration at times
To be best friends right away
To be busy
Your mentee to schedule meetings or develop plans
To make an impact
To know about the impact you’ve made

9. THE B.E.S.T MODEL

10. PHASE 1: Building What you need to know:
Take the initiative to learn more
about what your mentee is
interested in—find common
ground
Trust takes time. Start by asking how to pronounce your mentee’s name and ask questions. Share a little about yourself.
Your mentee may need some time to warm up to you. Be patient, nonjudgmental and have a positive attitude.

11. PHASE 2: Enhancing What happens now?
Explore your mentees interests further
Help your mentee set goals
Remind your mentee that you can help connect them to resources
Fun times together nurtures friendship

12. PHASE 3: Sustaining What you may experience:
A more comfortable, personal relationship
May face some challenges with maintaining the expectations established at the start of the relationship
You may need to re-negotiate the terms of the relationship

13. PHASE 4: Transitioning What to prepare for:
Talk to your mentee about the transition of the relationship
Celebrate your accomplishments
Clarify how you want the relationship to continue in the future

14. BOUNDARIES What are boundaries?
A boundary is a protective barrier that helps keep us safe
Setting boundaries helps ensure the mentor and mentee have realistic expectations of one another

15. BOUNDARIES Examples of boundaries:
Certain conversation topics are off-limits
Language/words that are off-limits
How much money you are willing to spend on your mentee, if any at all
What type of communication is appropriate, what times of day, how frequently
What you can and cannot reasonably do with and for your mentee
Ways to greet one another—handshake, high-five, hug, etc.

16. HANDLING THE TOUGH STUFF
You and your mentee may encounter some difficult issues:
Substance use and abuse
Physical/emotional abuse, violence, bullying
Mental health issues
Peer pressure
Puberty, sexuality, and relationships
Death

17. HANDLING THE TOUGH STUFF
You don’t need to have ALL the answers
Ask for help when you need to
Maintain confidentiality
If your mentee is at risk or in danger, say something
Practice empathy and supportive communication

18. SUPPORTIVE COMMUNICATION
Active Listening
Requires focused,
intentional energy
The
LHS Library Active Listening video on YouTube
3 min

19. TIPS FOR ACTIVE LISTENING
Be aware of your body language: nod, be mindful of your facial expressions, eye contact
Ask open-ended questions
Replay back the fact and feeling
Paraphrase—restate what your mentee is saying to be sure you heard correctly
Listen more than you talk
Avoid interrupting your mentee

20. BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION
Judging the other person for what they’re saying
Interrupting or talking nonstop
Always offering advice
Being inattentive
Prying—pushing others to talk

21. Empathy EMPATHY Is showing another person empathy a challenge?
Why or why not?
How does this relate to mentoring?
How can you work to become a more empathetic person?

22. setting expectations, & being a supportive friend
THOUGHTS TO TAKE AWAY
You have the potential to positively impact the life of a young person by showing up,
setting expectations, &
being a supportive friend