Better Together Mentoring Program Aims to Get Even Better
Jolynne* could not hold back her tears. As the workshop concluded, she tearfully told the group that being able to express her true feelings and knowing that she was being heard was overwhelming. What some of us take for granted was a breakthrough for this mentee, who'd grown up a victim of family alcoholism and abuse. She was one of nearly 25 participating in a special workshop on Building More Satisfying Relationships Through Nonviolent Communication on, October 11 for Portlandia mentees and mentors.
During the interactive session by Barbara MacKay of Northstar Facilitators, participants learned some valuable techniques for communicating more powerfully in difficult situations, how to say "no" respectfully and how to motivate others without using fear, guilt or shame.
The workshop got such rave reviews like: "Wonderful presentation that explains basic principles of interpersonal communication." "This is an amazing tool - thanks!" "It was good to be here - even on a sunny Saturday afternoon."
Offering more workshops like this for mentors and mentees is just one goal the Mentorship Committee has set for 2009.
Other plans include:
· Creating a mandatory mentee orientation before assigning a mentee to a mentor to assure a mentee's readiness and commitment before matching her with a mentor.
· Exploring the idea that the first meeting between a mentee and mentor be more like a blind date to see if they are a good fit.
· Making grants available for mentees for items like computers. Raffle funds currently are designated for this purpose but awareness needs to be increased.
· Continuing and/or enlarging scholarships.
· Providing help for mentors to be more effective.
· Allocating time for mentor problem-solving at each mentor committee meeting or possibly before or after monthly luncheons.
· Creating more excitement about the program among Portlandia members.
All Portlandia members are welcome to attend the mentorship committee meetings. Meetings in 2009 will be held 11:30-1 p.m. at Old Wives' Tales, 1300 E. Burnside on the following Thursdays: Jan. 29, April 16, July 16 and October 15.
