Mentoring Matters

20 WaysTo Be A Great Mentor

   Commit to at least one year with yourmentee

   Demonstrate to your mentee that you areconsistent, dependable, and trustworthy

   Consistently act in ways that areethical to earn trust of your mentee

   Know the mission of your mentoringprovider organization

   Always follow the guidelines of yourmentoring provider organization

   Value the diverse economic, cultural,and religious traits of your mentee

   Maintain regular contact with yourmentoring provider to ensure effective mentoring practices

   Have fun with your mentee and learntogether--- mentoring should NOT be all work and no play

   Do not criticize the staff or facultyof your providing organization in from of your mentee

   Do less talking and more listening soyour mentee can share his/her thoughts

   Do not make inappropriate remarks aboutyour mentee’s family

   Be a positive role model in both wordsand deed

   Never engage in inappropriate physicalcontact with your mentee

   Maintain a cheerful and positiveattitude with your mentee

   Support community efforts to encouragevolunteerism

   Never violate the law or organizationalcode of conduct

   Keep conversations confidential betweenyou and your mentee

   Be an advisor, not a preacher

   Be a sympathetic listener, not apsychologist

   Be a friend, not a surrogate parent

   Talk to a teacher, counselor, ormentoring provider is your mentee has problems you cannot help with

   Refrain from profanity or any other inappropriatespeech

   Know that “thank you” may come in theform of a hug or a smile instead of words.