Winning Futures – Inspiring and preparing youth to succeed through mentoring.

Archive for December, 2011

Positive role models are important.  They are the individuals who set examples for individuals to observe and pattern positive behaviors from.  As people increase positive behaviors, they increase their feelings of self-worth.  Patterning behaviors from positive role models can help mentees build on their morals and positive values.  These patterns teach the mentees to set attainable goals and provide direction in achieving those goals. 

What Constitutes a Role Model?
Characteristics of positive role models include:

• Feels a since of duty to better “society” working for the common good of the community
• Compassionate
• Has developed powerful and effective habits of the mind and soul
• Can work through challenges
• Committed to what he or she does
• Capacity to achieve goals and obtain self-fulfillment
• Possesses high standards and values
• Admired for courage and strength
• Models forgiveness
• Trustworthy
• Demonstrates humility
• Peaceful
• Wise
• Admits when they are wrong
• Projects genuine love
• Discernment – understands the whole situation

Having students create a coat of arms gives them the opportunity to describe qualities about themselves and to learn more about other group members.  Mentors should encourage the participants to use colors and writing styles that represent their personalities.

In space 1, have students draw something that characterizes a talent they posses. If working on a group coat of arms, each person will include their own  symbol in space 1.

In space 2, have students sketch out a something they are really good at.

In space 3, have students draw a symbol of how they like to spend their spare time (an interest).

In space 4, have students write something that reflects their personal motto.

Have pre-made Coat of Arms, color markers or pencils ready before class begins. You can download the handout at www.WinningFuturesBooks.org. Go to the Online Support
page and locate Coat of Arms. Remember to have your user ID and password.

Did you have a mentor in your life?

Why did you decide to become a mentor?

Share your mentoring story!