We consistently rely upon our youth to strengthen and guide our youth development opportunities here at Hopeworks ‘N Camden.  Recently, seven of our high school GEB team trainees discussed their experiences with e-Mentoring.  e-Mentoring is mentoring via weekly e-mails.  We’ve had an e-Mentoring program for many years now and are in the process of adding to what is already a strong aspect of our program.  To do this, we asked the youth to tell us about their best experiences and from their feedback, we formulated a statement about e-Mentoring, which the youth then reviewed, edited and approved.  It states:

“Positive supportive friendships through real, consistent communication: that is the energy and life of the e-Mentoring Program for Hopeworks ‘N Camden.  It seeks to be not just weekly electronic communication in an organized fashion, but rather a program through which trainees can really know adults in an open, honest and safe way.  Through it:

• Our trainees get to know adults who may be completely different from them and who they choose.  They learn new things, broaden their understandings of college and careers, and share their life’s interests and difficulties with someone outside of Hopeworks. 

• Our e-Mentors are caring, helpful, respectful, humorous and resourceful.  They share stories of their personal experiences with achievement in the midst of obstacles and talk about their lives.  To connect with the trainees, they write faithfully, with genuine interest and care for the trainees.  They enjoy building a relationship with the trainees, meeting them where they are and always trying to understand them and what they are doing.

Our e-Mentoring program is an opportunity for trainees and e-Mentors to discuss everything and anything that is appropriate and with which both feel comfortable.  It focuses on the present and the future.  It facilitates honest, well-rounded discussions of careers, work readiness, college, leadership and goals.  It provides guidance to both trainees and e-Mentors by giving them weekly discussion topics.  All of this it does so that participation does not seem forced or obligated.  Trainees are able to choose their e-Mentors.”

We are in need of e-Mentors who wanted to join us in this very transformative experience.  If you are interested, please review our online guide at www.hopeworks.org/mentoring.  Following the guide, there is an electronic application and agreement for all those who are interested.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our formation director, Patrick Keenan, at patrick@hopeworks.org.