What is a Mentor?

A mentor is defined as a “wise and trusted confidant” or an “influential supporter.” Mentoring is a one-to-one or group relationship that helps a child reach their full potential. Most people can recall a person, in addition to their parents, who had a meaningful and positive impact on them – someone who was their mentor. Mentoring is a powerful way for young people to develop competence and character and plays an important role in a child’s life.

In our organization, our volunteer mentors are called “Big Buddies.”

A Big Buddy is…

• A Friend
• A Positive Role Model
• A Confidant
• Respectful of Parents
• A Nurturer of Possibilities

What are Developmental Assets?

How to use them in a Buddy Relationship
Developmental Assets are healthy building blocks that makes youth successful. This is how you can use them in your Buddy relationship:

• Support: Let your Little Buddy know when you catch him doing something impressive.
• Empowerment: Encourage your Little Buddy to take the initiative to plan half the outings.
• Boundaries and Expectations: Encourage your Little Buddy to follow the rules and expectations set at school and home.
• Constructive use of time: Encourage your Little Buddy to take activities he/she has always done to the next level.
• Commitment to learning: Expose your mentee to other worlds through the importance of learning.
• Social Competencies: Help your Little Buddy learn how to plan ahead and make positive decisions. Talk to your Little Buddy about how to build and maintain friendships.
• Positive Values: Encourage your Little Buddy to value helping other people, telling the truth and taking personal responsibility.
• Positive Identity: See your Little Buddy as a whole person and help your Little Buddy find his/her sense of purpose in life.