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Mentor Code of Conduct & Ethics

  • MENTOR & VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES AND CODE OF CONDUCT & ETHICS
  • CONGRATULATIONS! We are thrilled you have decided to become a Mentor or volunteer for TalentDreams. Mentoring can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience. We deeply appreciate your part in supporting the youth of our local community.

  • Mentoring is not easy. Especially if you have never done it before. It will challenge you in new and different ways. But it is also extremely rewarding. It is like most things- you may do it, feel you are not all that good at it, nor are you getting much better, then one day there will be a moment. A moment where you had a glimpse, just for a moment, at the impact you’re making. At how appreciative the member is. There will be small testaments along the way, that you’re doing the right thing. It will likely be one of the most worthwhile experiences you would not have otherwise had.

  • Your interest in becoming a Mentor indicates that you believe in young people. You also agree to engage appropriately with all members you may interact with from TalentDreams, in accordance with the highest ethical standards at all times.

  • To ensure we serve our members as best as we possibly can, please read the following guidelines carefully.
  • Your Role as a Mentor
  • First, just be yourself! That’s why we’re so happy to have you on the team. For you, who you are.
  • Keep in mind, the TalentDreams member may appear to be hesitant, unresponsive, and unappreciative of the mentor relationship.
  • This may or may not be the case. They could simply be uncertain, guarded, intimidated, or any number of other things.
  • Remember- whether they are, or are not, any of these things, is not important or a concern for you.
  • All we ask is that you show up, are authentic, sincere, and professional.
  • Treat this person with respect, the same as you would a good friend or loved one.
  • Be patient, and do your best.
  • More than anything else, you are there to listen, and ask questions. Potentially share a personal experience that ties in with what the member is talking about.
  • Don’t try to be a teacher, parent, disciplinarian, therapist, Santa Claus or babysitter. It is counterproductive to assume roles other than a dependable, consistent friend.
  • Work to present information carefully without distortion and give all points of view a fair hearing. Listen carefully and offer possible solutions without passing judgment. Don’t criticize or preach.
  • Try to think of ways to problem solve together rather than lecturing or telling the member what to do. Refrain from telling the member what they “should have” done.
  • Respect the uniqueness and honor the integrity of the member and work to provide constructive feedback.
  • The best mentors empower others to make good decisions without actually deciding for them.
  • Work to identify the member's interests and take them seriously. Be alert for opportunities and teaching moments. Explore positive and negative consequences.
  • Try to help make the connection between his/her actions of today and the dreams and goals of tomorrow.
  • Don’t get discouraged if the member is going through a challenging time.
  • Also, don’t try to fix things for them. You’re simply providing your time to be a resource, and provide them a momentary role model.
  • Mentors can make a great deal of impact, even in just a short time, and it’s not always immediately evident.
  • Don’t expect anything. Don’t expect the member to express appreciation. Don’t expect they will walk away with something life-changing. Maybe they will. Maybe they won’t. But every conversation and outside perspective helps.
  • Behavior:
  • There may be instances when a member's behavior is unacceptable. Again, remember the parent is responsible for the child’s discipline. In this event, politely and professionally end the call and immediately report the behavior to TalentDreams staff.
  • Work to be supportive of the parent or other role models, even when you may disagree.
  • Don’t take sides or make judgments concerning any family conflict or situation. Leave the parenting to the parent.
  • Know your limitations. If a member shares problems regarding substance abuse, molestation and physical abuse let TalentDreams know immediately.
  • If you have become aware that your member’s safety or the safety of another is in jeopardy through disclosure (e.g., child abuse, sexual abuse), report your concern to the TalentDreams staff immediately
  • If you ever have any concerns whatsoever, contact TalentDreams immediately.
  • DO NOT provide any personal contact information. This is in direct violation of the Mentor Code of Conduct. All correspondence with members needs to go through TalentDreams.
  • As a Mentor, you agree to never:
  • Give an ultimatum.
  • Use abusive or profane language.
  • Use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs when interacting with a member.
  • Have firearms or weapons in any way part of your interaction with a member.
  • Provide money or any kind of compensation of any kind to a member.
  • Basic Rules:
  • Discussions between you and the member are considered confidential. Be careful about sensitive personal issues. The member’s personal or family life may be difficult to discuss.
  • Be open and nonjudgemental. Your member may be ashamed of poor school performance, family culture and religion, financial problems, or any number of other things.
  • You are not there to fix. You are there to support. Be a sounding board. Provide feedback if appropriate. Always work to find ways to be optimistic.
  • Hope is everything. With it, we can achieve anything. Without, it is likely we will achieve nothing.
  • If you have a concern you feel is beyond your ability to handle, notify TalentDreams staff, even if it seems trivial.
  • Impact
  • Success can be hard to measure. But small things add up. And the compounding of conversations across numerous mentors can culminate in many different ways. The cumulative effect of this, is that coming out of any conversation a Member has with a Mentor, he or she may:
  • Improve their grades
  • Develop more respect for others
  • Commit to developing new skills
  • Develop confidence and self-esteem
  • Take attending school more seriously
  • Realize they are a capable young person
  • Realize even more the potential they have
  • Understand the importance of setting goals
  • Begin to change behaviors in a positive way
  • Start to become aware of time management
  • Develop a desire and willingness to help others
  • Cultivate a strong desire to invest in their future
  • Interact better with parents, teachers, and peers
  • Increase their appreciation for education and the learning process
  • Begin planning more for college or some other path they are passionate about
  • Please don’t hesitate to ask questions if you find any part of the guidelines unclear or confusing. TalentDreams staff is available to assist you in any way possible. Your commitment and dedication to this program may be a profound experience. We hope that it is.

  • Remember, your interaction with members can directly influence their life and future. Please exert every effort to maintain professional standards, work on your mentor skills and exercise good judgment.

  • Being a Mentor is not a panacea for all the problems/decisions facing our members. The essence of mentoring at TalentDreams is the one-on-one relationship that shows this person that he/she is valued as a person and is important to society. And has innate talents unique to them that can help them achieve their dreams.

  • YOU ARE A:
  • POSITIVE ROLE MODEL
  • FRIEND
  • COACH
  • ADVISOR
  • SELF-ESTEEM BUILDER
  • CAREER COUNSELOR
  • ADVOCATE
  • CONFIDENTIALITY
  • All the information a member shares with you is confidential and sharing that information with others is prohibited. However, you are required to report certain things. Do not promise a member that you will keep confidential information secret. You are required to report certain things. It is critical, not only for the welfare of the member, but also to protect yourself that you adhere to these exceptions:
  • If a member confides that he or she is the victim of sexual, emotional or physical abuse, you must notify TalentDreams staff immediately.
  • Note on your calendar when this information was reported and to whom it was given.
  • Remember this information is extremely personal and capable of damaging lives, so do not share it with anyone except the appropriate authorities.
  • If a member tells you of his/her involvement in any illegal activity you must tell TalentDreams staff immediately.
  • Again, note on your calendar when this information was reported and to whom it was given.
SUMMARYThese procedures are designed to protect the members from harm and to prevent even the appearance of impropriety on the part of TalentDreams and its participating mentors, volunteers and members.
Please know that we appreciate your participation and we also appreciate your strict adherence to these procedures. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
MENTOR & VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES AND CODE OF CONDUCT & ETHICS
Phone
(805) 270-3055
Communities Served
Central Coast, CA Bay Area, CA
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