Moments in Mentoring 
 
Greetings!

Summer is winding down but the activities between mentoring matches is in full swing! On July 30, the HC Mentoring Program had a memorable day on a canoe trip at Lake Geode. A special "thank you" to our mentors for braving the elements and Henry County Conservation for the fun afternoon.
 
This month's issue contains news about an upcoming documentary that highlights the role a supportive adult can have on the youth of today. Check out the trailer by clicking on the link in the article below. A featured article this month involves Dr. Mentor's books on mentoring activities and questions/answers for any mentor. Whether a new mentor or a veteran, these books will be an invaluable resource for you.
 
We hope to see you on August 16th at the GPS outing....otherwise, we wish you a happy and fun-filled mentoring month!
August/2010
In This Issue
Mentoring Activities
Positive Changes
Superman?
Quick Links
iMentor Interactive 
 an online program coming soon to Henry County Mentoring
 Check out the DEMO and learn how you will be emailing your mentee in September!
 
 Books available for free at the ISU Extension Office
 
visit us on Facebook 
Support the Henry County Mentoring Program by saying you "like" our facebook page 
Find us on Facebook 
 the pool is still open
 
take a trip to the Iowa State Fair and support the Henry County projects
 August 12-22
 
Drama Workshop 
The Mt. Pleasant Community Theater is hosting theater and drama workshops for children.
 
Does your mentee express an interest in acting or theater? If so, check out this upcoming three-day workshop.
 
August 16-18th
Mt. P. Civic Center
9 am-noon for 8-14 year olds
1pm-4pm High School students
 
call Martha Johnson at 385-9859 or
Joyce Dennison at 385-4723 for more information
 
 
GPS outings
August 16th 4-6pm
Oakland Mills
Handheld GPS units have dramatically changed outdoors travel, replacing map and compass with moving digital maps, and precise location, elevation, topographic and other data. These handhelds let you enter "waypoints" -- precise locations -- for a favorite fishing spot, safe passage across a stream, a campsite; anything of importance to the user. Handhelds can enhance outdoor safety, as well, making getting lost much less likely, and providing precise position information that can be relayed to rescuers in case of an emergency.

 
 
Join us on August 16th for a group Mentoring GPS outing. Hosted by HCMP and free to all mentoring matches. GPS units provided by Henry County Conservation.
 
Call Cassie 385-8126 to sign up today!

Activity Guides
 What to talk about? What to do next?
 
FOUR NEW BOOKS at the Extension Office!
Call Cassie at 385-8126 to receive your FREE book today.
 
Preparing my Mentor for Me
Questions to Ask Whether you are a 1st time mentor or a seasoned veteran, you will find in these pages invaluable advice to help you unlock the door to positive communication with your mentee.
 
 
 
  
High School, Middle School, or Elementary
We have three activity guides to help mentors plan small outings together. Whether you meet at the school or at the library, these books take you through 36 weeks of mentoring related activities.
 
 My Mentor & Me....for the elementary  school mentee
 My Mentor & Me.... for the middle school mentee
 My Mentor & Me....for the high school mentee
High School mentoring  Middle School mentor bookmiddle school activities book
 
    Books prepared by Dr. Susan Weinberger (Dr. Mentor) who writes, "Your mentee is on the brink of success. Preparing my Mentor will help you achieve that promise"
 
     A mentor entering his fourth year writes, "My colleagues and I have found Dr. Mentor's series of mentoring books to be a tremendous resource in making our mentoring sessions meaningful and successful. Her latest addition is an indispensable guide for any mentor, a reference to be turned to time and again." Laurance Selnick, Senior Vice President, Webster Bank.
Positive Changes in your Mentee
Focusing on strengths 
 
One of the many wonderful things about being a mentor is that you focus primarily on your mentee's strengths and help to develop their positive attributes.
 
Here is a list of factors that contribute to a young person's resiliency:
  • Positive personal connections - That's YOU
  • Constructive Use of Time - Can you encourage your mentee to get involved in positive activities?
  • Involvement in community service - Are there volunteer activities that you can participate in with your mentee? Food bank, senior center?
  • High expectations of success - Have you communicated your belief in your mentee?
  • Social competencies - You can gently make suggestions and guide your mentee
  • Positive values including honesty, respect, and responsibility - A mentor can model these values in what you do and say
 
an exert from Preparing My Mentor for Me writen by Dr. Susan G. Weinberger 
Waiting for "Superman"
Movie Trailer can be viewed by clicking here Waiting For "Superman" 
schools or towns, a youth needs you
locker
 
 
 
 
 Help a School
Great schools don't just happen. They're the result of quality teachers, high expectations, world-class standards, persistence and people like you.
 

Visit the "Take Action" link to find support for our schools, youth, reading, and becoming a mentor.....Learn how to take action. Click Here! 

1)   Start local. See how schools in your area are doing.
2)   Stay local. Get involved in your community. Donate your time to  a classroom or afterschool program.
3)   Not sure what to give? Organizations like DonorsChoose.org will help target your donation where it's most needed. Fund classroom projects
4)   Get your book on. Donate books to your local school, across your state, or around the country.
5)   Know the ingredients of what makes a successful school.
6)   What is a mentor? Simple. It's devoting attention to students when they need it most, whether it's tutoring, support and encouragement, or being a friend. Become a mentor!
 
 
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