Status: founding-stage draft. This document reflects YDLC's current founding-stage plans and policies. It will be updated as the organisation formalises.
Mentor Handbook
Mentor Handbook
Welcome Mentors
Mentors are central to YDLC's mission. You provide guidance, encouragement, and real-world perspective to young leaders.
1. Role of a Mentor
Mentors:
- —Support youth participants weekly or biweekly
- —Provide guidance on projects and leadership growth
- —Share real-world experience
- —Encourage reflection and confidence
- —Help participants set goals
2. Mentor Expectations
Mentors should:
- —Be consistent in communication
- —Be respectful and supportive
- —Avoid directing personal decisions
- —Focus on guidance, not instruction
- —Maintain professional boundaries
3. Mentorship Model
YDLC uses a "Guided Growth Model."
Meaning:
- —Mentors support thinking, not doing
- —Youth remain decision-makers
- —Mentors act as accountability and reflection partners
4. Safeguarding Requirements
Mandatory:
- —No private unsupervised communication with participants
- —Use official program channels
- —Report concerns immediately
- —Follow all safeguarding policies
5. Meeting Structure
Typical mentorship sessions:
- —Check-in (10 min)
- —Project discussion (20–30 min)
- —Reflection (10 min)
- —Action steps (5 min)
6. Support for Mentors
YDLC provides:
- —Mentor onboarding
- —Session guidance
- —Communication templates
- —Program coordination support
7. Ending Mentorship
Mentorship may end:
- —At program completion
- —By mentor request
- —By program administration if needed
Contact
For mentor support, reach YDLC through the Contact page. For safety concerns, see our Safety & concerns page.