Video Training Helps Mentors Talk with Mentees

Video Training Helps Mentors Talk with Mentees July 12, 2011: A new online training resource from Education Northwest uses video stories with real mentors, real youth and real situations to illustrate common challenges and proven strategies mentors can use in their interactions and relationship-building with mentees. Titled Talking it Through: Communication Skills for Mentors, this resource is free and requires only that the user sign up to begin training. Education Northwest in Portland, formerly the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, notes that in using this resource, mentors will learn how to: Handle difficult situations and challenges through consistent recommended approaches. Empathize with mentees by noticing verbal and nonverbal cues. Redirect mentee requests that are outside the boundaries of the mentor/mentee relationship and know when to refer them to program staff and/or adhere to mandatory reporting requirements. Help youth identify their options and provide recommendations without judgment or coercion. Talking it Through includes 13 video stories that are between three and seven minutes in length, tips and resources, learning checks and a printable journal feature. To access Talking it Through, go to http://talkingitthrough.educationnorthwest.org/. For more information on youth mentoring, visit www.mentoring.org.