Building Strong Families

Another form of protection for the mentor and the mentee that
is built into the TALKS approach is the expectation of maintaining a
businesslike relationship between the adults and the children. To
introduce this concept, we begin the mentoring relationship with a
“contract-signing ceremony.” (See the following illustrations of sam-
ple contracts.)

MENTOR’SCONTRACT

(To Be Completed and Given to the Student)

I

make this contract with my student

to participate in this program with good intentions.

I will read the chapters and participate in the weekly sessions.

I will genuinely and respectfully consider what my student shares with

me but will also feel free to express my opinions.

I will not share other people’s private information outside

of our cell group.

I also understand that my student has a busy schedule just like mine and

there may be times when it will be necessary to reschedule.

I will be understanding when this happens.

I will view this interaction as an opportunity to share wisdom which will

benefit my student for years to come.

“How much better is wisdom than gold,

and understanding than silver!”

—KINGSOLOMON

Mentor’s Signature

Student’s Signature

Witness

Date

The TALKS Mentoring Curriculum and Approach 165