The YMN is about to embark on its next challenge - trying to map where other mentoring programs might exist. This is where you can help! Have a look at the YMN Mentoring Database and see if all the programs you work with are listed. If their not, flick them an email or even a copy of this newsletter and encourage them to join the database. (It's free!) Also while you're there have a look at your own details, are they still up to date?
 
In January, the YMN will be conducting a mentor recruitment campaign to assist your programs in their quest for volunteers. If your program information is not up to date you risk missing out on the action. The more programs we have on the database, the easier the search becomes for the potential volunteer. So get emailing.

  

The YMN, in conjunction with the University of Western Sydney, has been conducting research to examine partnerships/associations youth mentoring programs form with other community organisations. The data collected provided a wealth of information which will be invaluable in providing us with information to provide the best way to further the youth mentoring sector's professional development.   Thank you too all those who attended a forum or completed a survey!

 

Look out for the survey results on the Youth Mentoring Network website soon!

 

  
OSAT allows program staff to assess how well they are achieving each benchmark standard via a ratings system. Programs are then able to identify areas of strength and weakness. If an area of weakness is identified, programs can access specific resources to assist with further development in this area to ensure an overall high quality program. Programs can complete the assessment at 1 point in time and compare their results in 6 or 12 months time. They can also anonymously compare their results against all other programs that have completed the tool.
 
As an added incentive to use OSAT, if you login and complete OSAT by 31st October 2008, you will go into a draw to win a gift voucher.  First prize will be a $50 gift voucher from Coles Myer and second prize will be a $20 gift voucher from Dymocks. Winners will be notified in November and will also be announced in the November 2008 newsletter.

 

Click here to start OSAT 

 

If you have misplaced your username and password, please email us at info@youthmentoring.org.au and we will email you your login details. Hurry, you must complete OSAT by 31 October 2008 to be in the draw!  

 

On Thursday, 11 September 2008 at 6am, Jack Sinclair, and his father Brendon, set off on one of the greatest challenges of ultra endurance bike riding across Australia in 30 days.  

 

The ride so far has been exhausting and exhilarating, with temperatures ranging from 3 degrees C to 36 degrees and strong headwind and crosswind! Along the way, Jack and his entourage (he's been joined by his family and friends, including David White from Big Brothers Big Sisters Melbourne), have seen houses being transported, refrigerator mailboxes and the wonderful wildlife in the Australian Outback - including goats, kangaroos and emus!

Click here to visit the Perth to Paradise website and offer your words of support

We will continue to keeping track of Jack and Brendon in our 'What's New' section. Keep an eye on our website for updates!