Youth Mentorship Program: Shaping Futures in Halton
Young people are the future, and we all play an active part in shaping them. It takes a village after all.
However, the journey of racialized youth simply does not look the same as it does for their white counterparts.
This is why HEDR is pleased to announce the launch of its Youth Mentorship Program in Spring 2024.
Bringing together racialized youth with racialized mentors, this program is designed to unlock the full potential of our traditionally underserved POC youth through a series of one-on-one coaching sessions.
What is it?
This program will train 15 established POC with an interest in developing their coaching and interpersonal skills and pair them with 15 POC youth who wish to develop both personally and professionally. From successful habits to career advice to navigating the world as a POC, we aim to cultivate Halton region’s young people to become the leaders of tomorrow.
WHY JOIN?
Mentors:
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Enhance leadership and coaching skills: Develop and refine your leadership and interpersonal skills through HEDR’s Mentor training program and apply them to a variety of different roles within your professional life
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Make a Meaningful Impact: Witness the tangible effects of your guidance on a young person's life, influencing their journey and contributing to a stronger community.
Mentees:
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Personalized Support: Receive practical, real-world advice to address your unique needs as a young person of colour, shaping your growth from career development to personal habits and goal-setting to realize your success.
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Network building: Build your professional network, connecting with established POC individuals within your community
EXPECTATIONS
MENTORS
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Commitment to Regular Interaction: Mentors are expected to engage in regular, consistent interactions with their mentees, whether through in-person meetings, phone calls, video chats, or other agreed-upon communication channels for a specified number of weeks
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Active Listening: Mentors should actively listen to their mentees, showing empathy and understanding.
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Encouragement and Support: Provide encouragement and positive reinforcement to foster the mentee's personal and professional growth. Support them in setting and achieving realistic goals.
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Respect for Diversity: Demonstrate an appreciation for diversity and inclusivity. Respect and embrace differences in culture, background, and perspectives.
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Maintain Confidentiality: Uphold the confidentiality of discussions with mentees. Respect the privacy of the mentee and refrain from sharing sensitive information without explicit consent.
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Guidance and Advice: Offer guidance and advice based on personal and professional experiences. Share insights that may help mentees make informed decisions about their goals and aspirations.
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Professional Boundaries: Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with mentees. Be mindful of the mentorship relationship's nature and avoid engaging in activities or discussions that may be perceived as inappropriate.
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Commitment to Growth: Mentors should be open to feedback and willing to adapt their mentoring style based on the needs and preferences of their mentees. Continuous personal and professional growth is encouraged.
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Reliability and Punctuality: Demonstrate reliability by showing up for scheduled meetings and being punctual. Consistency in interactions is crucial for building a trusting relationship.
-
Encourage Independence: Support mentees in developing their independence and decision-making skills. Foster a sense of self-efficacy by encouraging them to take ownership of their goals.
MENTEES
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Commitment to Regular Interaction: Mentors are expected to engage in regular, consistent interactions with their mentees, whether through in-person meetings, phone calls, video chats, or other agreed-upon communication channels for a specified number of weeks
-
Active Listening: Mentors should actively listen to their mentees, showing empathy and understanding.
-
Encouragement and Support: Provide encouragement and positive reinforcement to foster the mentee's personal and professional growth. Support them in setting and achieving realistic goals.
-
Respect for Diversity: Demonstrate an appreciation for diversity and inclusivity. Respect and embrace differences in culture, background, and perspectives.
-
Maintain Confidentiality: Uphold the confidentiality of discussions with mentees. Respect the privacy of the mentee and refrain from sharing sensitive information without explicit consent.
-
Guidance and Advice: Offer guidance and advice based on personal and professional experiences. Share insights that may help mentees make informed decisions about their goals and aspirations.
-
Professional Boundaries: Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with mentees. Be mindful of the mentorship relationship's nature and avoid engaging in activities or discussions that may be perceived as inappropriate.
-
Commitment to Growth: Mentors should be open to feedback and willing to adapt their mentoring style based on the needs and preferences of their mentees. Continuous personal and professional growth is encouraged.
-
Reliability and Punctuality: Demonstrate reliability by showing up for scheduled meetings and being punctual. Consistency in interactions is crucial for building a trusting relationship.
-
Encourage Independence: Support mentees in developing their independence and decision-making skills. Foster a sense of self-efficacy by encouraging them to take ownership of their goals.