top of page

TRAINING
Mentor Training Course Outline
This comprehensive course is designed to equip mentors with the skills and knowledge necessary to support and empower youth while developing leadership, self-discipline, and conflict resolution capabilities. It also includes practical training in running a 501(c)(3) organization, community violence interruption, and other essential components of community work.
Course Title: Empowering Mentors: Leadership and Community Building
Target Audience: Aspiring mentors, youth leaders, community organizers, and nonprofit professionals.
Duration: 8–10 sessions (2–3 hours per session)
Session 1: Foundations of Mentorship
Topics Covered:
-
The role and responsibilities of a mentor.
-
Building trust and rapport with youth.
-
Active listening and effective communication skills.
Activities: -
Role-playing mentorship scenarios.
-
Discussing challenges mentors may face.
Session 2: Leadership Skills for Mentors
Topics Covered:
-
Characteristics of effective leaders.
-
Decision-making and problem-solving skills.
-
Leading by example.
Activities: -
Leadership style assessment.
-
Group discussion on leadership challenges.
Session 3: Developing Self-Discipline
Topics Covered:
-
The importance of self-discipline for mentors and mentees.
-
Time management and goal-setting.
-
Overcoming procrastination and distractions.
Activities: -
Create a personal action plan for self-discipline.
-
Practice SMART goal-setting techniques.
Session 4: Conflict Resolution
Topics Covered:
-
Understanding the root causes of conflict.
-
Techniques for resolving conflicts peacefully.
-
Managing emotions during disagreements.
Activities: -
Role-playing conflict scenarios.
-
Group discussion on resolving real-life conflicts.
Session 5: Compassion and Self-Awareness
Topics Covered:
-
Practicing empathy and understanding diverse perspectives.
-
Recognizing personal biases and triggers.
-
Building self-awareness as a mentor.
Activities: -
Journaling exercise on personal values and biases.
-
Compassion-building group activities.
Session 6: Running a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Topics Covered:
-
Legal requirements for starting and maintaining a 501(c)(3).
-
Structuring a board of directors and defining roles.
-
Financial management and reporting.
Activities: -
Case study: Successful nonprofit models.
-
Create a sample mission statement and budget.
Session 7: Community Violence Interruption
Topics Covered:
-
Understanding community violence and its impact on youth.
-
Strategies for violence interruption and prevention.
-
Partnering with local organizations for community safety.
Activities: -
Develop a community violence prevention plan.
-
Role-play scenarios for de-escalating conflicts.
Session 8: Parent Leadership and Youth Council Participation
Topics Covered:
-
Engaging parents as partners in youth development.
-
Encouraging youth leadership through councils.
-
Facilitating productive meetings and discussions.
Activities: -
Draft a parent engagement strategy.
-
Create a mock youth council meeting agenda.
Session 9: Grant Writing and Fundraising
Topics Covered:
-
Basics of grant writing and identifying funding opportunities.
-
Structuring a compelling grant proposal.
-
Fundraising strategies for nonprofits.
Activities: -
Write a sample grant application.
-
Brainstorm fundraising ideas in small groups.
Session 10: Final Capstone Project
Project: Participants create a comprehensive mentorship plan, incorporating elements from each session. This includes a strategy for youth engagement, conflict resolution, leadership development, and community violence prevention.
Presentation: Each participant presents their plan to the group for feedback.
Course Materials
-
Handouts and worksheets for each session.
-
Sample templates for 501(c)(3) applications, grant proposals, and meeting agendas.
-
Access to online resources and reading materials.
bottom of page