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Professional Development Opportunities |  Join us for upcoming training workshops and webinars! Increasing Cultural Competency in Mentoring Relationships (Workshop 6834)
August 17th 9:30am - 4:00 pm
Wayne County MSU Extension office
Mentoring relationships often bring together individuals with diverse cultures and backgrounds. It is important to be aware of one's own values and beliefs when entering into a relationship with a young person whose experiences may color his or her world differently in order to move forward with a friendship based on mutual respect. This interactive workshop will begin with activities and discussion related to adultism, stereotypes, poverty, and cultural competency. In the afternoon, we will move into a train-the-trainer format and share resources and curriculum that can be used when training volunteers, participants or staff members.
Interviewing Skills and Mentor Screening (Workshop 7014)
September 20th 9:30 am- 4:00 pm NorthStar Cooperative, Lansing
In this interactive session, participants will learn the importance volunteer screening and some of the tools available to assist programs in meeting Quality Program Standard number three: eligibility screening. Participants will learn and practice techniques for interviewing potential mentors and mentees.
Tips and Tools for Mentoring Policy and Procedure
August 25th 2pm Does your program have an updated policy and procedure manual? If not, then this webinar is for you! A clear and comprehensive policy and procedure manual helps guide all components of a mentoring program. Prior to this session, participants will be provided with a link to download the Generic Mentoring Program Policy and Procedure Manual template. This helpful document from the National Mentoring Center provides a guide for policy development. The webinar will walk participants through the template and answer questions related to specific policy questions. This session is ideal for newer programs and new staff or AmeriCorps members who are responsible for documenting program policy and procedures.
Click here to learn more and register! |
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4-H Mentoring Weekend Recap | |
During the weekend of July 16th to the 18th, 20 mentoring matches and a team of volunteer staff members came together for this year's 4-H Mentoring Weekend. The group of 55 total spent 3 days and 2 nights at Kettunen Center, exploring the grounds and new positive leisure activities, all while strengthening their mentoring relationship during their time spent at the event. Participants were able to experience first-hand some of the new  activities being featured by the 4-H Guided Adventures project, which is focused on engaging mentoring matches in outdoor recreational activities. Workshops from the 4-H Guided Adventures project included fishing, canoeing, kite building, archery, and geocaching. Participants of 4-H Mentoring Weekend were challenged at Kettunen Center's new rock wall climb, The MAX. Other workshops offered included creating crafty containers and explorations in drama and theater. Three hours of the weekend focused on skill building for mentors, utilizing new curriculum from the Michigan 4-H Mentor Training curriculum project, which included discussion about positive and directive feedback, positive youth development, cultural competency issues, and communication across generations. During this time, mentees explored the world of science with a few experiments, and solidified relationships with one another through a series of team building activities. Even the free time between scheduled workshops was full of  different activities for matches to engage in. They spent time working on "Creature Comforts" which was this year's service project, which is benefiting the Capital Area Humane Society in Ingham County. Fleece chew toys were made for dogs in the shelter, and ping pong balls were decorated to function as cat toys. There was a tie dye station for matches to enjoy, a Talent Show on Saturday night for participants and staff alike to demonstrate their hidden talents, and of course, 40 gallons of Jell-O were put to use in a battle to see who could get covered the most, judged by the one and only Julie Chapin! Programs from around the state were represented at the weekend, with matches from the following programs in attendance: Bethany Christian Services Big Brothers Big Sisters Grand Rapids
Big Brothers Big Sister of Monroe
Capital Area Big Brothers Big Sisters
Clinton County 4-H Key Mentoring
Heights of Hope
LEDA
Midland/Isabella DHS
Oscoda County 4-H Peer Mentoring Wayne County 4-H Mentoring Program This event would not have been possible without the incredible support of 4-H Youth Development, the Lansing Jaycees, and the programs that covered registration fees for their matches. A great big "thank you!" goes out to all of those who dedicated time and energy during the weekend as volunteer staff members. Thanks to those who helped promote the event, got their matches registered to attend, and covered registration fees so matches could attend.  Pictures and video of this year's event can be found on the Michigan 4-H Youth Mentoring Facebook page. Stay tuned on Facebook to hear when planning for next year's event starts! |
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Wayne County 4-H Mentoring Annual Recognition Ceremony |
Dr. Tom Coon thanks mentors and mentees. |
The Wayne County 4-H Mentoring Program honored program participants during the Third Annual Mentor Recognition Ceremony. On Saturday, June 26, 2010, attendees gathered at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle to celebrate matches for their relationships from a month to four years in length. Staff members acknowledged the fortitude of adult mentors and the accomplishments of their mentees to an audience of mentors, mentees, and guests. There were two mentors in the Wayne County 4-H Mentoring
Lorraine with Program Associate, Alexandra Boyd | Program whose actions and commitment to their mentees earned them the honor of "Mentor of the Year". The first honoree is Lorraine Moore, she has been matched with her mentee, Tynetta, for three years this September. As Tynetta's mentor, Lorraine has afforded her mentee numerous cultural experiences in performing arts, visual art, and fine dining. Lorraine is passionate about the well-being of her mentee and is vested in seeing her graduate from high school to attend college. Len Gibson is the second "Mentor of the Year." In his match with his mentee Christopher, Len has utilized Chris' natural ability to garner attention by assisting him to channel his creativity in artistic forms such as performing at the Mentor Recognition Ceremony last year. Throughout their 1 ½ year match, Len and Christopher forged a strong bond based on mutual respect, promoting academic success, and becoming personally accountable. Len's peaceful nature is a stabilizing force for his very energetic mentee. Several mentees were recognized for their continued success in the mentoring program. Damon Bowman, Sherron Dorsey-Walker, and Jennifer Thornton were selected based on the strides they have made personally, academically, and behaviorally. As a result of his mentor's encouragement, Damon's improved attitude has provided him the opportunity to play on a basketball team amongst his peers. Also, Damon has become more helpful at home with his younger siblings. Sherron's achievement is his continued success in his academic performance. Sherron is a starting player for the Pershing Doughboys basketball team and he is the captain. Sherron balances his success while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Lastly, Jennifer has demonstrated positive communication skills with her peers. Her mentor has helped her learn healthy ways to express herself. Her behavior has greatly improved in school and at home. Dr. Thomas Coon, MSUE Extension Director was in attendance to personally greet and encourage the mentees towards continued success.  The afternoon was a joyful celebration for the mentors and the mentees to come together and reflect of the fruits of their efforts and be inspired for the months ahead. Mentors and mentees expressed their cheer while dining with each other overlooking the beautiful Detroit River. The Wayne County 4-H Mentoring Program celebrates the men and women who mentor and give generously of themselves to their mentees! |
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MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
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