Friday Night Live Mentoring

1. “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” ― Benjamin Franklin Friday Night Live Mentoring

2. Statistics and Research • Research confirms that mentoring works. A Research Brief published by Child Trends and titled "Mentoring: A Promising Strategy for Youth Development" found that youth who participate in mentoring relationships experience a number of positive benefits. • In terms of educational achievement, mentored youth have better attendance; a better chance of going on to higher education; and better attitudes toward school. • In terms of health and safety, mentoring appears to help prevent substance abuse and reduce some negative youth behaviors. • On the social and emotional development front, taking part in mentoring promotes positive social attitudes and relationships. Mentored youth tend to trust their parents more and communicate better with them.

3. The FNLM Model • Two lead staff • Site buy-in • Mentor Training • Selection process for protégés • Orientation for protégés and parents • Match mentors and protégés • Weekly mentoring and rap sessions • Closure process • Evaluation

4. Key Components • Standards of Practice • A safe environment • Physical Safety • Emotional Safety • Opportunities for Community Engagement • Knowledge of Community • Interaction/Interface with the Community • Communication with the Community • Contribution to the Community

5. Standards of Practice • Opportunities for Leadership and Advocacy • Decision-Making and Governance • Youth Voice • Action

6. Standards of Practice • Opportunities to Build Caring and Meaningful Relationships with Peers and Adults • Peer Knowledge • Adult Knowledge/Guidance • Emotional Support • Practical Support • Sense of Belonging

7. Standards of Practice • (NCLB Domain) Opportunities to Develop Healthy Personal Attitudes and Behavior • Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) • Violence Prevention • Academic Completion/Fostering Learning

8. Key Components • Roles and Responsibilities • Role-Modeling • Attention and Concern • Accountability • Listening • Unconditional Acceptance and Support • Academic Support • Communication • Leadership

9. Key Components • Planning a Session • Sign-in and Snack • Welcome • Icebreaker • Group Activity • Discussion • One-on-One Time • Drawing • Closing

10. Key Components • Curriculums • FNL Supplemental Lessons • Energizers/Icebreakers • Funding Supported Curriculum

11. FNL Mentoring in a nutshell • Volunteer high school students mentoring specifically referred middle school students • Looks to: • Improve grades • Improve attendance • Decrease violence • Decrease ATOD use or further prevent initial involvement • Help participants identify positive influences and the importance of positive attitudes and involvement

12. Qualitative Highlights What did you like best about FNLM? • Meeting new people and getting to know them by sharing personal experiences and talking about issues as a group. • Spending time with mentors and participating in Shadow Day. • Learning more about alcohol and drugs and ways to make healthy life decisions. • The games and icebreakers. • The safe, judgment free environment of the program where youth can work out their problems.