By: Tim M. Duffey, M.Ed.
Search Institute Senior Trainer
President, Vision Training Associates
Mentoring has its roots in the Greek word for enduring, an appropriate symbolism for the powerful potential of a mentoring relationship. While one could readily argue that ALL mentoring is asset-based, what we’ve found in our work with mentoring programs across North America is that they’ve benefited immensely from a more intentional grounding of their [existing] program in the principles and philosophy of Developmental Assets and, more recently, sparks.
One specific example of this “value-add” of Developmental Assets and sparks content to an existing mentoring project comes from the state of Maine, where a vibrant community college mentoring project is now active in six communities containing either a public or private institution of higher learning. Modeled on a long-standing and highly regarded program at Colby College (Waterville, ME), the project networks and trains mentor leaders in ways that augment the existing project, but also initiates new projects.
This effort has included training each site in a supplemental two-hour assets/sparks training module. This “Training of Trainers” model empowers site staff to sustain delivery of the module into the future as a way of building an enduring legacy of positive youth development principles within their mentor program.
A recent participant said following the workshop, “[The workshop led to] an epiphany about the application of the Developmental Assets model!”As we join the celebration of National Mentoring Month, we acknowledge the immense contribution mentors continue to make to the healthy development of youth by building enduring relationships over time. Our “hat is off” to each of you for the commitment you make to the life of your mentee(s). It’s our distinct pleasure to support you in that effort!
If you’re interested in how Developmental Assets and/or sparks might enhance your own mentoring program, call Donna Duffey at 800-294-4322 to discuss one of the following options:
- Integrating Assets into Your Mentoring Program: Customized to meet the needs of your specific mentor program, this event ranges from three to six hours in length and explores both general concepts and specific strategies to enrich the good work you’re already doing through your program.
- Mentor Training on Developmental Assets & Sparks; Training of Trainers: This six hour workshop provides participants an opportunity to experience the two-hour supplemental workshop described above (as used in the Maine Community-College Mentoring Program), followed by a thorough de-brief and preparatory discussion for delivery of the workshop. Participants are also provided opportunity for deeper reflection and learning on the science behind the Developmental Assets and Sparks.
