This is a free, virtual workshop and is a requirement for all participants in the mentor/mentee program. We will be holding two mentee training sessions and two mentor training sessions. The workshop dates and times are below. All currently active mentees and mentors will receive confirmation emails with the Zoom information for both sessions. The information presented will be the same for both sessions, and you only need to attend one session.

Are you interested in being a part of NELA's Mentor/Mentee Program? This free workshop is open to any person with an active NELA membership!

Mentees

Tuesday, September 19th, 10:00 am

Tuesday, September 19th, 1:00 pm

The training workshops will be led by Chris Margadonna, Sr. Director of Training & Partnerships at MENTOR Rhode Island. Chris brings his extraordinary expertise to NELA’s new training workshops for mentors and mentees. Chris is responsible for developing MENTOR RI’s partnerships within the community and training mentors, program staff, and those who regularly work with children. His work provides access to quality mentors and mentoring programs for hundreds, if not thousands, of children throughout Rhode Island. Chris has provided training workshops for the Rhode Island Library Association.

The training workshops are an opportunity to learn more about the expectations of mentoring and being mentored. Provided by Chris Margadonna, the following elements will guide the training workshop attendees to connect, focus, and grow as mentors and mentees.

Connect | Focus | Grow

Connect: This content will offer tangible strategies and tactics to help mentors and mentees build trust and rapport. We will integrate a focus on cultural awareness and humility, equipping mentors and mentees with tools and the opportunity to reflect on potential biases that may limit success in mentoring relationships.

Focus: This content will provide mentors and mentees with tools and activities in setting goals and creating action plans to achieve those goals. We will integrate effective coaching techniques, so that mentors are not directing the goal setting process with mentees, but rather creating a safe and structured space to reflect on and prioritize short and long-term goals.

Grow: This content will review effective practices for giving and receiving feedback as well as dealing with common challenges in mentoring relationships. It will equip mentors and mentees with useful strategies for cultivating and practicing a growth mindset.

These training workshops are FREE to NELA members.