Becoming a Better Mentor Monthly Series
The Becoming a Better Mentor monthly training series is designed for mentors, educators, youth workers, program staff, and anyone who supports young people. Developed by MENTOR and leading youth development researchers, this virtual lunchtime series provides practical strategies to help you strengthen relationships with youth and grow in your role.
How to participate:
- Attend the sessions most relevant to your interests and goals.
- Join the full series for a more comprehensive learning experience.
- Sessions build on one another but can also be attended individually.
Whether you mentor one-on-one, facilitate groups, or support youth through your work, you’ll leave with tools and strategies you can put into practice right away.
*Sessions are offered live only and will not be recorded or available for replay.
Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM ET
Strong mentoring relationships begin with how we think about and approach our role. This session introduces the core principles of the mentoring mindset and how it shapes interactions with young people.
Participants will explore what it means to be intentional, supportive, developmental, and communal in their mentoring approach.
This session sets the foundation for the full series and is a great starting point for both new and experienced mentors.
Join us to strengthen your mentoring approach and build a strong foundation for creating meaningful, youth-centered relationships.
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This is part of the Becoming a Better Mentor monthly training series.
Participants are welcome to attend any or all sessions.
Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM ET
Feeling seen, heard, and understood is at the heart of every strong mentoring relationship. This session explores how emotional support and empathy build trust and strengthen connections with young people.
Participants will examine practical ways to listen, respond, and show care, especially during challenging moments, while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Join us to build skills that help you show up with confidence, compassion, and consistency in your mentoring relationships.
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This is part of the Becoming a Better Mentor monthly training series.
Participants are welcome to attend any or all sessions.
Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM ET
Effective mentors are able to recognize and respond to the needs of young people in real time. This session focuses on attunement, or the ability to notice, understand, and respond to both verbal and nonverbal cues.
Participants will explore how attunement begins with self-awareness, including recognizing your own thoughts, emotions, and reactions, so you can better stay present and responsive in mentoring interactions.
Join this session to strengthen your ability to read situations, adjust your approach, and respond with intention in the moment.
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This is part of the Becoming a Better Mentor monthly training series.
Participants are welcome to attend any or all sessions.
Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM ET
Mentoring relationships are shaped by identity, lived experience, and context. This session introduces cultural humility as an ongoing practice of self-reflection, learning, and openness.
Participants will learn how to better understand their own perspectives while remaining curious and respectful of the experiences of young people. This session supports more inclusive, responsive, and meaningful mentoring relationships.
Join this session to deepen your self-awareness, strengthen your ability to connect across differences, and approach mentoring with greater intention.
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This is part of the Becoming a Better Mentor monthly training series.
Participants are welcome to attend any or all sessions.
Thursday, December 10, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM ET
Mentoring does not happen in isolation. This session focuses on the broader network that supports mentoring relationships, including caregivers, program staff, and other trusted adults.
Participants will explore how to communicate effectively, navigate shared roles, and collaborate to provide consistent, supportive experiences for young people.
Join this session to strengthen your ability to partner with others and create a more connected, supportive mentoring experience.
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This is part of the Becoming a Better Mentor monthly training series.
Participants are welcome to attend any or all sessions.
