This outlines a checklist to guide the startup of a new mentoring program.

Readiness:

• Document program “framework” (why important, vision, success criteria, outcomes)
• Leadership buy-in (Executive Director and possibly Board)
• Mentor Program Leader assigned (could be full or part-time, paid or volunteer)
• Volunteer Coordinator engagement (could be the Mentor Program Leader)
• Implementation strategy (pilot, phases)
• Understanding of Best Practices (see org)
• Understanding of the LSN Toolbox
• Consider the needs of the mentors (time of day, experiences)
• Funding needs and opportunities

Awareness and Communication:

• Logo and branding
• Printed material (flyer, postcard, brochure)
• Website
• Social media plan
• Internal communication
• Newsletter (initial, ongoing, target audiences defined)
• Key “talking points” documented (benefits of mentoring)
• Broadcast/promote mentoring success

Supporting Structure (through documents):

• Operating model (individual vs. group mentoring, benchmark with other organizations)
• Roles and responsibilities (org chart, PACE chart)
• Role descriptions (mentor program leader and mentor, others)
• Mentor and mentee “contracts”
• Coaching Roadmap (empowerment tools – general guidance to mentors, themes defined, theme content created, Dreambook worksheets)
• Skill assessment tool (use LSN tool)

Recruiting and Screening:

• Develop target list of mentors for pilot
• Coordination of plan with Volunteer Coordinator (recruiting strategy)
• Mentor interview/screening questions
• Application templates (for mentors and mentees)
• Background checks

Orientation and Initial Training:

• Orientation (reading, slides, handouts)
• Initial mentor skills training (see LSN Mentoring 101)
• Mentor Guide (Resource Page on web site – ask Tony for example, working with youth/teens, poverty, trauma, setting boundaries, empowerment tools, crisis intervention)
• Mentee Guide (developing skills for success, learn to learn)
• Parent Guide (for youth)
• Expectations and boundaries (organization <> mentor <> mentee <> parents)
• New mentor support (consider pairing experienced mentors with new ones, monthly check-ins)

 Other:

• Program liability – legal, risk assessment, insurance (gifts, safety, transportation, conflicts…)
• Program policy documentation
• Program process documentation
  • Recruiting (strategy)
  • Screening (background check, interview questions, selection team)
  • Training
  • Monitor and support (check points defined, mentor supervision, Dashboard)
  • Matching
  • Closure
  • Ongoing mentor development plan
  • Mentor retention (appreciation, recognition, events)
• Identification of “lead volunteers”
• Best Practices assessment (consider facilitation with LSN tool)
• **Suggested reading (Mentoring 101, Elements of Mentoring, The Heart of Mentoring, +++)
• **Resources (LSN Life Skills Wiki, National Mentoring Resource Center, Mentoring.org +++)
• **Mentoring software (+++)

Get Started:

• Kickoff event (plan agenda, date set, invitations sent)
• Implementation and ongoing monitoring of above Processes
• Ongoing reporting and reviews with stakeholders (Dashboard)