Preparing to End Your Mentor Relationship

AmeriCorps Seminar 4.27.2012

ActivityWrite down 3 reasons you think you should thoughtfully prepare ending your mentor relationship with your cohort?

Why Prepare?The ending of a relationship can be

difficult.Mentee may have been disappointed

and negatively impacted by earlier experiences.

Ending or Transition of relationships must be done carefully and thoughtfully.

You have worked hard on the reationship -- end on a high note.

Mentorship Cycle

Strategies

Have the transition take place gradually.

Give your mentee ample warning of the program closure.

Calendaring the EndBe clear about the date of your last

meeting and be sure to inform your mentee(s) of this ahead of time.

DON’T wait until the last minute to say goodbye.

ActivitiesPlan fun activities together prior to the termination date.

Do something extra special for your last meeting.

How to Discuss the ENDBe honest, candid, and supportive.

EXPRESS YOURSELFEncourage your mentees to express their feelings about the transition.

Model the behavior.Don’t expect young people to reciprocate.

Emotional PrepBe prepared for anger or denial…. Hopefully not!

Help students anticipate these feelings.

Be aware and monitor your own feelings.

Build ConfidenceUse the termination process as a mean to recall your mentees’ strengths and progress.

Reassure your confidence.

Keep In TouchMutually agree on how and when/if you will stay in touch*.

REMEMBER!!!Don’t make promises you cannot or will not keep.

Other ConsiderationsExit surveyTransition Form