START PROGRAM
Interested in launching a youth mentoring program? Mentor Greater Milwaukee is here to guide you every step of the way!
Are you considering initiating a youth mentoring program in your community? At Mentor Greater Milwaukee, we’re here to support you, whether you’re just exploring the concept, conducting a needs assessment, or already in the process of setting up a program. Let us guide you through the essential steps, providing the resources and tools necessary to develop and implement a high-quality mentoring program tailored to your community’s needs.
STEP ONE: Investigate the Need for a New Program in Your Community
Before diving into creating a new mentoring program, it’s crucial to explore existing mentoring initiatives in your community. This preliminary step involves assessing whether similar programs or services are already active in your area. You might discover organizations or service providers that align with your mentoring vision or even potential partners already working with the youth demographic you aim to support.
Utilize the Mentoring Connector tool to identify and understand the scope of current services and their providers. Should your research indicate a gap in mentoring services, or a specific need not yet addressed, the subsequent steps outlined below will guide you in establishing a robust and impactful mentoring program tailored to your community’s needs.
STEP TWO: Check for a Local MENTOR Affiliate
MENTOR Affiliates serve as key catalysts for mentoring at the state and local level. These organizations excel in mobilizing communities towards effective mentoring by providing essential resources such as program management support, mentor training, leadership mobilization, and adherence to national quality standards. If you’re considering starting or enhancing a mentoring program, connect with a nearby MENTOR Affiliate. They are well-equipped to offer you the necessary training and technical assistance, ensuring your program’s success right from its inception.
STEP THREE: Familiarize Yourself with MENTOR’s Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring™
The Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring™ Fourth Edition is a crucial resource for anyone planning to establish a mentoring program. These guidelines, grounded in quality and evidence-based standards, incorporate the latest research and practical insights to enhance the safety, effectiveness, and sustainability of mentoring programs. By aligning your program with these Elements, you significantly boost the likelihood of achieving positive outcomes for the young people who participate in your mentoring initiative.
STEP FOUR: Explore the “Starting a Youth Mentoring Program” E-Learning Modules
Our comprehensive E-Learning experience is specifically designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and tools needed to lay a strong foundation for a quality mentoring program. Each module in this series delves into the best practices for designing, launching, operating, and sustaining an effective youth mentoring program, all aligned with the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring™ Fourth Edition. Alongside other valuable resources provided by the OJJDP National Mentoring Resource Center, these modules will guide you in acquiring the necessary skills and infrastructure to foster positive outcomes for youth through mentoring.
STEP FIVE: Register with MENTOR’s Mentoring Connector
Once your mentoring program is up and running, take the next crucial step by registering it in MENTOR’s Mentoring Connector. This platform is not just a tool for increasing your program’s visibility; it’s a gateway to attracting more mentors. Every month, thousands of potential mentors explore our site searching for opportunities to make a difference in their communities. Additionally, MENTOR collaborates with various partners to promote mentoring opportunities through their volunteer databases. By registering your program, you ensure that it is accessible to a wider audience, benefiting from various promotions and campaigns aimed at engaging volunteers.
