VA MENTORING

Event Workshops

Following the awards luncheon, VMP will offer workshops on the following topics:

Session I: 1:45-3:15 p.m.

Orientation to Mentoring--Clyde Glasser, VMP Trainer

Participants will discuss the definition of mentoring, communication skills, and the phases of a mentoring relationship in this interactive session. For new mentors or program providers who have not attended an orientation session.

Understanding Poverty: Effects on Mentees-- Ali Thompson, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of socioeconomic class and increase awareness on the challenges of poverty on youth in Richmond. Participants will consider how to cultivate climates that support youth from all backgrounds so they may feel a sense of belonging.

Session II: 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Inside the Teenage Brain: Understanding Adolescent Mentees-- Alease Johnson, RPS Guidance Counselor; Liz Pearce, Parent Education Director, CMOR

This panel will feature a researcher, middle school counselor, and parenting expert. They will entertain questions on adolescent development and behavior. Mentors and program providers are encouraged to come with questions about their middle and high-school aged mentees and how they can connect with and support them.

Preventing, Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse-- Ian Danielsen, Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN); Katherine Bartlett, Big Brothers Big Sisters

This panel will feature professionals from the field of child abuse, advocacy, and mentoring. They will entertain questions on how mentors and mentoring program providers can recognize and report child abuse, advocate for the protection of children in youth-serving programs and how to effectively screen so as to prevent child abusers from volunteering as mentors.