As a mentor in Girls Walk Forward it is essential that kindness and empathy are modeled at the forefront of the mentor’s personalities.

Every mentee deserves to be treated with kindness to help create a safe environment which will allow for everyone to feel supported and comfortable without judgement.

A mentor’s influence on the mentees is strong. The importance of leading by example, and being a leader in the program is extremely important, and will allow the mentors to be more approachable to the mentees.

All mentors need to be excellent listeners. The mentees may talk about subjects in the program which they may not be able to talk about with family or friends. Mentors must be great listeners, while ensuring that they do not talk over the mentees.

Mentors are not therapists, rather, they are there as support and to encourage positive behaviours and wellness.

Mentors are trained in confidentiality before volunteering to ensure that safety of the mentees is the top priority. Mentors are also aware when reporting to the school guidance counselor is needed.