Mentor Objectives

Now that we've defined what a successful mentor is and is not, let's look at the five objectives that a mentor should strive to achieve. By accomplishing these objectives, you will help your mentee achieve the program goals we discussed earlier. Take a look at the five objectives below. We've also given you examples of subjects you can discuss and activities you can do with your mentee to meet the goals.

Objective #1: Establish a positive, personal relationship.

• Identify at least three things you have in common
• Share photographs of family, friends and vacations
• Ask the mentee to tell you about his/her interests and favorite subjects
• Work on a journal of subjects you like to discuss and things you like to do together

Objective #2: Help the mentee learn how to build fun, fulfilling relationships.

• Invite your mentee over for popcorn and a movie, or go to the movies
• Catch a Red Sox, Patriots or Bruins game, or watch games on T.V.
• Go on a shopping excursion to local shops or a mall
• Enjoy nature by hanging out in the park or by taking a hike or boat trip
• Join a community group or club together
• Talk with your mentee about your friendships and what it takes to make them work

Objective#3: Help the mentee establish life skills.

• Work on time management skills, e.g. keeping a calendar
• Work on money management, e.g. opening a bank account
• Address conflict resolution through role plays, etc.
• Set a goal for your relationship specific to your mentee's needs

Objective #4: Help the mentee access resources.

• Help your mentee look for a summer job
• Look online & in the paper for free events
• Help your mentee find a tutor when s/he's having trouble with a class
• Research college/vocational school programs
• Help your mentee access disability services at independent living centers, state agencies, local groups, etc.

Objective #5: Increase your mentee's ability to interact with different people, groups and things.

• Attend free cultural events together
• Teach your mentee words in another language
• Visit a new neighborhood together
• Share recipes that your grandmothers cooked
• Talk about and visit museums and other cultural attractions
• Share stories about friends from different backgrounds

Hopefully by now you feel comfortable with the role of "mentor" and you're excited about becoming a mentor or getting your mentoring relationship off to a great start. Use some of the suggestions above to kick off your relationship, and refer back to them when you feel stumped for new ideas.