Additional Program Offerings, Tips and Support

Recreational Events

Mentors and mentees are encouraged to attend mentoring program recreational events, such as sporting events, movie and theater outings, trips to local attractions, community events and fundraising activities. Past activities have included trips to the zoo, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Holiday Revels, as well as a pizza party and a summer excursion on the Charles. Read the latest event information.

Mentor Support

To give you support and guidance, you'll receive individualized online or in-person training once you've been accepted into the program. We also encourage you to attend one of our group mentor training sessions if one is offered in your area. The training sessions are formal, two-hour programs that provide an overview of PYD's mentoring programs. All mentors receive training session handouts and a staff-developed Mentor Match Handbook.

To support you as you look for answers to questions and concerns that may arise as your relationship develops, we encourage you to take part in our online mentor chat groups and in online forums where you can share information with other mentors.

To reward you for your outstanding commitment to youth, we invite you to attend our annual Mentor and Mentee Recognition Evening. You'll be recognized for your hard work, listen to uplifting remarks, and enjoy good food and good company.

Below, you'll find some very useful and important information. We've listed important mentoring points, and given you staff contact information. Please use this information.

Important Mentoring Points

• Confidentiality: know when to and when not to keep it. As a rule, you should tell your mentee's parent(s)/guardian(s) and inform PYD staff if your mentee confides in you about anything that is potentially harmful to your mentee or others. If you have any questions or are uncertain about whether to alert your mentee's parent(s)/guardian(s), call a PYD staff member as soon as possible.
• Persistence is key: understand that it may take some time to establish a trusting relationship with your mentee. Seek out support when needed.
• Commitment is critical: you must be committed to your mentoring relationship in order to have an impact.
• Personal questions: be prepared for your mentee to ask you personal questions. Decide what information you will and will not divulge.
• Money: do not spend a lot of money. Your mentee should pay his/her own way. Be creative and look for free activities to do together.

Remember to contact PYD staff with any questions, concerns, or to notify us if you must end your mentoring relationship. Please contact the Mentor Match Coordinator if you're a mentor in the Mentor Match program, and contact the Partners Online Director or Coordinator if you're a Partners Online mentor.