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Sharing Good Guidance Strategies from Mentors in Challenging Times
BUILDING STRONG CONNECTIONS
- Communication is key. Volunteer your feelings, honestly and make sure that your mentee knows you are a safe person to share theirs with in return.
- Utilize resources like icebreakers and good questioning techniques to forge strong connections with your mentee.
- Use the ‘art of questioning’. Practice questions that progress conversation.
- Listening is the intent, rather than to be heard. Be patient and wait for reflection.
- Be mindful of Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity lenses and Black, Indigenous and People of Colour lenses when making matches.
CREATING COMMUNITY
- Develop a strong online community for times when distance or other factors make in-person meetings impractical.
- Seek out online events that build community: beading, art, tea with Elders.
- Indigenous online events are especially important for Indigenous mentees who are struggling to find connections in their community.
- Increase communication to encourage engagement and retention.
- Increase gratitude.
USING TECHNOLOGY EFFECTIVELY
- Make a Plan on how you’re going to engage with the mentee using tech, especially for mentees without supportive home environments.
- Implement tech in natural ways. Each can go for a walk and virtually connect.
- Find things to do in a virtual setting that aren’t tech focused. This may include playing online games together, chatting via FaceTime/Skype, or playing trivia together on Houseparty.
