What is a mentor?

The word mentor is traced back to Greek mythology when Odysseus had to go to war and asked Mentor to guide and look out for his son Telemachus in his absence.  Although the word has Greek origins, most cultures have had and cherished the equivalent of what we now refer to as mentors.  Most recently, the America’s Promise initiative founded and championed by General Colin Powell, identifies five promises that all youth in our society should be entitled to, and one of those five is a caring adult (mentor).

Webster’s dictionary defines mentor as a wise, loyal adviser, a teacher or coach.  Other words used to describe mentors are guide, advocate, and sharer of resources.

Perhaps you can think of a mentor or mentors in your own life and what that has added to your life. Mentors are gifts in the lives of young people. By what they share with youth and how they treat youth, young people are far more apt to fulfill their potential and develop their character and capabilities.

What does an e-Mentor do?

An e-Mentor does many things, but mainly, she or he:

• Agrees to two or more weekly e-mail exchanges with a trainee.
• Assists trainees in developing communication skills.
• Assists trainees in understanding the world of work and career-related skills.
• Holds high expectations for trainees.
• Acts as a role model.
• Fosters career readiness by modeling promptness, reliability and dependability.
• Inspires trainees to achieve the potential and realize their D.R.E.A.M.S.
• Encourages trainees to make their own decisions, claim their own responsibilities, and be accountable to their decisions and for their responsibilities.
• Allows trainees to struggle with their own issues while acting as a supportive, caring ally.
• Is open to different perspectives on life, including those of diverse cultures, beliefs, religions, etc.

What does an e-Mentor NOT do?

Under no circumstances is an e-Mentor to:

• Act like a mother or father to the trainee.
• Become the trainee's counselor, therapist, social worker or medical advisor.
• Involve her or himself directly in the problems of a trainee.
• Try to be a "fixer" of family/personal/academic/social problems.
• Give out a home address or home phone number.
• Meet the trainee in person without the consent of the formation director.
• Give a trainee money or gifts.
• Let the trainee borrow something.
• Make rude, vulgar or disrespectful statements.
• Discuss inappropriate or indecent topics with a trainee, including, but not limited to: violence, sex, drugs, hacking or terrorism.

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