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Mentoring Young Men MYM The Mentor Program (Mentoring Young Men) aims to increase the self-esteem and social interaction of young men through the development of trusting single or group friendships with adult male mentors. It offers young men the chance to have a one-to-one friendship with an adult male mentor on a regular and on-going basis. By spending time with a responsible adult, doing everyday activities, the young man is open to explore different skills, and have experiences that can increase his self-worth, improve relationships and develop his potential at home, school and in the community. There are two tiers or entrance points to the Mentor Program. The initial tier involves a more informal approach, including group/activity based mentoring projects such as World Game Soccer or the Bicycle Repair Workshop, aimed at young men 12 - 21 years. The second tier is the one-to-one mentoring, aimed at young men 14 - 21 years. What is a mentor? Why be a mentor? Becoming a mentor What is a Mentor? A Menslink mentor is someone who listens and teaches by example how to handle daily life as a man in today's world. You don't have to be heroic - just genuine, responsible and open to learning and sharing your valuable time. 'The mentoring task, as I see it, is to help the young man that I work with to appreciate how capable and skilful he is at dealing with the problems he faces in life.' Len La Flamme, mentor Why be a Mentor? Mentoring is an opportunity to contribute in a real way to the development of a young man's life. In the process, mentors will have to overcome the challenges of relating to a young man who may be isolated or experiencing difficulty in establishing friendships. Mentors will utilise their own strengths and interpersonal qualities, and may need to develop new ones. They will gain a greater understanding of the world of the young man, and hopefully have the opportunity to learn new things and have new experiences attached to that world. Mentors will meet others who are equally excited about working and being with young men. In all likelihood, new friends will be made and mentors will experience the fulfilment of generations coming together for common causes. Becoming a Mentor There are a number of things that have to be done to become a mentor: You will need to have completed: Your signed application form (including references). Your membership form (and nominal payment). Your police check with a photocopy of your driver's licence. Mentor training and procedure: Preliminary interview with Menslink. Training evening A. Training evening B. Residential training weekend with Menslink. Matching evenings. Link-up nights. Debriefs every two months. Other mentor events include: Functions/special events (optional). Acknowledgement Day. The world's greatest Christmas BBQ gathering. Annual General Meeting (optional). |