The following sections outline some basic steps and strategies for putting together a successful mentoring program that addresses the specific needs of schools and communities. Getting started The importance of careful planning cannot be emphasized enough. Be sure to give the planning committee plenty of time to develop program goals, solicit support, and locate staff for the mentoring program before making contact with potential mentors and mentees. This is a good time to review current publications on mentoring and look at how mentoring has been used to benefit students at other schools. See Appendices A and B for lists of guidebooks and internet resources for developing school-based mentoring programs.
Infrastructure Think about program structure and staff needs.
Depending on the size and scope of the program, it may take more than one full-time staff person to recruit mentors and mentees, conduct trainings, facilitate matches, support mentors, solicit funding and oversee daily program operations. Liability Having students and mentors meet on school grounds under the supervision of program staff is the easiest way to limit liability. Ensure that the school, program staff, students, and mentors will be covered in case of accidents, incidents and accusations of abuse, and other emergency situations. Funding Calculate program costs and identify funding sources. After the planning committee has mapped out the mentoring program s basic goals and structure, the next step is to solicit support for the program from parents, teachers, administrators, and the community.