Agenda - May 29 and 30, 2008 Conference. Thank you for participating.

Below is the schedule for the Tutor/Mentor Leadership and Networking Conference which was held at the Northwestern University School of Law, 375 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL.  All speakers were volunteers who shared their time and talent. We thank you all.

Review detailed descriptions of workshops  here.

 May 29, 2008

Registration - 7:30 to 9:00 am

Keynote and welcome: 9 am - Children & Family Justice Center, Northwestern University School of Law

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First workshops: 9:40 am to 10:50 am - 

Panel of Tutor/Mentor Program Leaders, share strategies, challenges of different programs
Network and learn from each other what are the successes and obstacles in leading tutoring/mentoring programs.  How can we as a community of tutoring/mentoring programs learn from each other? This workshop is intended for program leaders, coordinators and administrators to share ideas and collaborate.  How to recruit volunteers to become leaders in your program. How to retain students/volunteers.  What works and what doesn't in working with students and volunteers.

Stretching Your Creativity, presented by Sporty King, President, R. King & Associates, http://www.sportyking.com
There' a story/poem/speech inside each of us, though not necessarily a story teller, poet, writer or speaker. A fun, interactive workshop for writers and thinkers at all stages... to get students writing and thinking.... So bring blank sheets of paper, it's guaranteed to help you Stretch Your Creativity.

Model-Coach-Fade; How to Teach Anything, presented by Joshua Fulcher, Education Programs Coordinator for Erie Neighborhood House's Youth Options Unlimited Program, http://www.www.eriehouse.org
This session is designed for Tutors, Mentors, and Tutor/Mentor Coordinators. This session trains participants in a teaching methodology designed to increase the understanding of the students they mentor and tutor. This method teaches students to not only complete their homework, but to utilize sustainable strategies, principles, and knowledge. In this way, they can be successful on the tests and quizzes that many of our students struggle with.

Scholarships for Teens Networking Session, hosted by Mark Duhon, Executive Director, Highsight,  http://www.highsight.org
Several organizations in Chicago raise money to provide scholarships to private high schools for inner city youth.  Some provide extensive levels of tutoring and college and career counseling to go along with this.  This session offers and opportunity for organizations in Chicago and other cities who provide scholarships for high school to meet and share ideas, while it also offers tutor/mentor program leaders an opportunity to learn about these resources for their students.  

Issues affecting Non Citizen Youth, presented by Anita Ortiz Maddali,  Children & Family Justice Center, Northwestern University School of Law
Issues to be addressed: non citizen youth in trouble with the law, the Illinois Dream Act and applying for financial aid, mixed status households (i.e. children could be citizens but parents are undocumented), unaccompanied minors fleeing violence in their home countries.  

 

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Second workshops: 11:00 am to 12:15 pm 

Mentoring Pregnant and Parenting Teens, presented by Mark Gesner, Youth Development and Evaluation Director at the Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Wisconsin at Parkside.   http://www.mentorkr.org
How effective is mentoring for pregnant and parenting teens?  This workshop reviews a research study conducted in Racine, Wisconsin that addressed this question by performing a literature review and by interviewing pregnant teens, former teen moms, and program staff.  Once the research is reviewed, workshop participants will be asked to respond to the research and discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in mentoring this population.

Measuring the Success of your Tutor/Mentor Program, presented by Debra Natenshon, CEO, The Center for What Works, http://www.whatworks.org
Participants will experience a short overview of performance measurement and then be guided through the process of attaching outcomes and indicators to their current strategies.  Participants are encouraged to introduce their latest strategic plan, theory of change, and/or logic model during the session. The session will serve as a hands-on, practical workshop in which participants will leave with a specific set of metrics they can begin to actualize within their organization.

Tutoring/Mentoring Networking and Collaboration in South-Southwest Suburbs of Chicago, hosted by Genevieve Boesen, Executive Director, South Metropolitan Higher Education Consortium, http://www.SouthMetroEd.org
There are growing areas of high poverty in the suburbs of Chicago and other major cities, but few resources to support the growth of volunteer-based tutor/mentor programs in this area.  This session serves as a follow up to the November T/MC Conference, held in Olympia Fields and is aimed to draw community, business, faith and university leaders, as well as tutor/mentor program leaders, together for networking, relationship building, and idea-sharing.  If you're from this area, or from another suburb looking to develop a range of tutor/mentor programs, we encourage you to attend.

Using Thinkfinity for Tutoring/Mentoring, presented by Debbie Potts, State Coordinator for Thinkfinity, Verizon Foundation, http://www.ioes.org/thinkfinity.cfm
This workshop will provide an overview of the free resources available to teachers/tutors/mentors to assist student learning using the internet.  Participants will be introduced to the over 50,000 resources available free from the Thinkfinity portal and how they can be used to tutor or mentor students.


Lunch & Networking -
12: 15 pm - 1:30 pm

12:50pm to 1:15 pm - Keynote Speaker  TBD

Mapping Collaborative Strategies. An overview of the way Tutor/Mentor Connection uses maps to draw volunteers and donors to tutor/mentor programs in specific zip codes of the Chicago region. Presented by Daniel Bassill, President of Tutor/Mentor Connection (http://mappingforjustice.blogspot.com).

Bassill will overview the uses of maps to draw volunteers and donors to all poverty neighborhoods of a city, and to all tutor/mentor programs in each neighborhood.  The speaker will show how Google Maps can be used to locate potential business, church and civic partners in the same neighborhood of tutor/mentor programs.

(NOTE: Ms. Pritzker,  Chair of the Zohar Education Project Incorporated and President and Founder of WomenOnCall.org, http://www.womenoncall.org, our originally scheduled speaker, has had to cancell and will be part of a future Tutor/Mentor Leadership and Networking Conference.)

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First Afternoon workshops: 1:45 to 3:00pm - 

One Community's Efforts to Build a Mentoring Movement, presented by Mark Gesner, Youth Development and Evaluation Director at the Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Wisconsin at Parkside.   http://www.mentorkr.org
This workshop is appropriate for any mentoring program leader or community member interested in raising the profile of mentoring in his/her community.  The workshop will be of particular interest to mentoring program leaders who would like to objectively assess the functioning of their program.  The certification assessment tool provided offers guidance about best practices in general organizational well-being, program design and planning, program management and operations, and program evaluation.

Launching and Maintaining a Tutoring Program: Issues and Strategies, presented by Bart Phillips, Kaleen Healey and Darrin Aase of Community Building Tutors, http://www.cbtutors.org
This workshop is intended to present some of the common issues and strategies for beginning a tutoring/mentoring program. Lessons learned from the Community Building Tutors experience will be presented, along with process evaluation strategies and collaborative methods to build ongoing relationships in a variety of settings.

Building a Better Friendship: Using a Structured Journal to Improve Mentoring Relationships, presented by Sarah Kremer, Program Director, Friends for Youth's Mentoring Institute, http://www.friendsforyouth.org
Research shows that successful youth-adult mentoring relationships are influenced by perceived levels of closeness and meaningful activities. Mentors can use therapeutic techniques and creative activities in order to build the relationship successfully. This workshop explores a new Mentoring Journal that combines these concepts in a structured, fun, and engaging tool.

An overview of the grant guidelines for the Lawyers Lend A Hand to Youth Program and information for programs seeking to nominate lawyers for the My Hero Awards, presented by Karina Ayala-Bermejo, Executive Director, Lawyers Lend-A-Hand Program,   http://www.lawyerslendahand.org


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Second Afternoon workshops:  3:15:pm to 4:30pm 

Engaging Athletes and Celebrities as Advocates for Volunteer Based Tutor/Mentor Programs, panel discussion
Many athletes have had mentors and coaches who helped them build their skills, stay in school, and become successful.  Some have gained great fame in professional sports.  Some have escaped poverty through the college and career opportunities sports provided.  In this panel discussion current and former college and professional athletes will lead a discussion of ways athletes can draw attention and support to charities,  and ways that they might work together to build more consistent year-round support of all tutor/mentor programs in their host city.  College and professional athletes and coaches are encouraged to attend. Panel includes:

  • Kurt Kittner, University of Illinois and NFL quarterback
  • El Da'Sheon Nix, Northwestern University and current Admninistrative Coordinator of Cabrini Connections
  • Steven Miller, President of Legacy Mortgage (panel moderator)

Starting A School Age Program That Works, presented by Vivian Taylor, Executive Director, Southside Educational Center, Chicago, Il.
Learn effective techniques on how to motivate and inspire youth while providing a unique afterschool environment.   This workshop is intended to serve leaders, volunteers, parents, youth and individuals who are planning to start a youth program. One lesson participants will take away is how to implement a three component program. Another lesson will be a better understanding of how to effectively work with youth.

How to Plan a Successful Training Event about Preparing for College Life, presented by Tracey Stuckey Mickell and Willie R. Mickell Jr. http://www.worthyonepromotions.com  
The purpose of this session is to introduce attendees to the planning and preparation activities involved with developing a College Preparation Workshop in their community. Attendees will participate in interactive lectures and hands-on activities (such as brainstorming and role-play) designed to help them to:
 
1) Define the need and market for a College Preparation Workshop,
 
2) Find necessary resources through building a network of professionals, community members, and parents, and
 
3) Determine appropriate programming/activities for the event.
 

Networking Session for Programs working with Latino Youth.  Connect on-line at http://chicacobraziltmconnection.ning.com/
This is a networking session for programs serving Hispanic youth in Chicago and other cities and is the result of a month long series of interviews  done to profile organizations in Chicago offering support to Latino  youth. This information is being shared, via the Internet with people in Brazil and other South American countries.  Come and learn what others are doing and become part of a year-round network connected via the Internet and common purposes.

May 30, 2008

Registration - 7:30 to 9:00 am

Welcome and Conference Overview: 8:45 am

May 30, 2008 - 9:00 am to 9:20 am - Keynote Speaker
Marilyn King, Two-Time Olympic Pentathlete and founder of Beyond Sports, http://www.waybeyondsports.com

Topic: Accessing the Olympian In You
Most extraordinary things in the world are done by ordinary people who have three things in common. In this presentation you will be introduced to the most important mental practice common to all high achievers that aligns these key elements and sets the stage for exceptional human performance.

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First workshops: 9:40 am to 10:50 am - 

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Strategies: Panel of Tutor/Mentor Program Leaders 
 Bring your own recruitment and volunteer support strategies and share with others.  Tutor/Mentor program leaders are encouraged to bring handouts to share with others.  If you are thinking of starting a tutor/mentor program,  your first step should be to learn how others operate and how they have structured their programs.  This workshop is an opportunity for leaders to connect and learn from others in the field.

School Based Mentoring: Leveraging Community and School Resources to Foster Positive Partnerships. Presented by, David Ginsburg, Chief Academic Officer, and  Bob Szybist, After-School Director, Community Education Alliance of West Philadelphia, http://www.cea-philly.org
In this discussion based workshop, participants will be introduced to the "mentoring landscape" in Philadelphia as well as strategies for forming partnerships with community organizations.  Also discussed will be collaboration strategies for school based mentoring that allow the mentor/mentee relationship to receive the greatest support and resources.
 
Discussion of Mentoring and Tutoring Strategies within a YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, or Youth Center, led by Mary Jon Girard, Director of Project SOAR, McGaw YMCA, Evanston, Il., http://www.mcgawymca.org
This workshop is intended to be a networking session for leaders and volunteers who operate programs within the structure of a larger youth and adult services organization, such as a YMCA. The speaker will share some of the strategies that are being used in Project SOAR, and will encourage workshop participants to share their own program strategies, as well as challenges and possible solutions.  We hope YMCA and Boys & Girls Club leaders from Milwaukee, Rockford, Gary, Indianapolis and other cities will attend.

Double Session Workshop: 9:40 am to 12:15 pm -
Where's the Evidence? A Practical Guide to Using Evaluation to Improve Program Quality, presented by Dr. David DuBois, School of Public Health at the University of Illinois at Chicago, http://www.cade.uic.edu/sphapps/faculty_profile/facultyprofile.asp?i=dldubois
This workshop will take place over the two morning sessions. In the first portion of the workshop, participants will learn a set of steps for evidence-based decision-making that can be used to ask and answer questions about the effectiveness and efficiency of program practices.  In the second half, participants will work in small groups to practice applying the steps to both hypothetical scenarios and examples from their own programs. 

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Second workshops: 11:00 am to 12:15 pm 


Olympian Thinking™ for Everyday Life, presented by Marilyn King, Two-Time Olympic Pentathlete and founder of Beyond Sports, http://www.waybeyondsports.com
We all have moments when we tap into a higher level of performance. High achievers have daily mental and physical practices that become habits.  Apply the Olympian Thinking™ framework to your own life and engage with tools to assist those you work with in making their dreams come true.

The School as a Mentoring Agent: Changing the Culture, presented by Michael McGrone, Sr.,  Dean of Students at Ace Tech Charter High School and the President of MTL Educational Consulting, Inc.  http://www.mentoringleaders.info/
This workshop will focus on a mentoring program that was first introduced at a charter school this past year with a multicultural population. It will deal with how a school culture can be a catalyst for change through the engagement of teachers, staff, parents, the community surrounding the school, street organizations and the students themselves.


Volunteer Involvement in a Tutoring and/or Mentoring Program,
presented by Jenne Meyers, Executive Director of Working in the Schools (WITS). http://www.witsontheweb.org
Volunteers are priceless – treat them as such. Learn about Working In The Schools (WITS) a 16 year old tutoring and mentoring organization that has recruited and managed thousands of volunteers and continues to find ways to recruit, train and cultivate dedicated community members. From individuals to corporate volunteers each person that gives of their time does so to make an impact. Find ways to be more resourceful and how to provide a meaningful experience for your volunteer.


Gateway to Quality Career & Workforce Information, presented by LaMarr Johnson, Labor Market Outreach Specialist,
IL Dept. of Employment Security
The Illinois Department of Employment Security's (IDES) Career Information System is for anyone searching for in-depth career information including programs of study, financial aid, job search and tips on writing a resume.  The workshop consists of a live internet demonstration of how to navigate the website and highlight major features.


Beyond the Background Check: Incorporating SAFE Practices into Your Program,
presented by Sarah Kremer, Program Director, Friends for Youth's Mentoring Institute, http://www.friendsforyouth.org
You know about risks involved in placing adult volunteers with youth and you have a process, but do you know if you're assessing information appropriately to screen out potential child molesters? This workshop covers recommended tools, red flags, and monitoring processes to increase the safety of youth in your program.


Lunch & Networking - 12: 15 pm - 1:30 pm

12:50pm to 1:15 pm - Keynote Speaker
Glen "Max" McGee, Ph.D., President, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, http://www.imsa.edu

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Friday Afternoon workshops: 1:45 to 3:00pm - 


Collaboration of National Service Volunteers, a discussion facilitated by AmeriCorps Volunteers serving in programs such as, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Working In the Schools http://www.witsontheweb.org, and City Year
This workshop is intended to bring together national service volunteers from different tutoring and/or mentoring programs in Chicago and other cities so that we can collaborate and discuss efficient ways to reach our goals. The session will be an opportunity for  service volunteers to see what tasks each service volunteer is doing and gives service volunteers an opportunity to unite and discuss different strategies to generate and promote the message of community involvement.


What Brains Do When They Learn: Reach Them to Teach Them, presented by Sara Sawtelle, Ph.D., Director of Scientific Affairs, Learning Enhancement Corporation and Betsy Hill, President & COO, Learning Enhancement Corporation, http://www.MyBrainWare.com
This highly interactive seminar covers the latest learning regarding the functioning of the brain and converts that into practical strategies to propel engagement and learning.  Included in the presentation will be approaches to developing underlying cognitive skills (attention, memory, thinking, etc.) to build learning capacity.

Handouts and reference materials are provided.  In addition, attendees will receive a complimentary copy of BrainWare Safari, the revolutionary software program that develops cognitive skills in an engaging video-game format, and three free user accounts.

Creating a Program Website Using Free Online Tools, presented by Dan Hogan, Mentoring Program Coordinator at Circle Urban Ministries in the Austin community, http://circlerockmentoring.googlepages.com
Do you want to create a website for your program but lack the software, budget, and technical expertise to make it a reality? This workshop is intended to serve tutor/mentor program leaders who desire to begin developing a program website but lack either the money to pay a web designer and/or hosting fees or the technical expertise to know where to begin.


Engaging Talent Volunteers from the Business Community.
Panel of Tutor/Mentor Program Leaders will describe ways they use volunteers in non tutoring/mentoring roles.

On  February 13, 2008 a CEO Summit was held in New York City, with a goal of unleashing $1 billion in pro bono talent from the business community, in support of the non profit sector.  Read about this at the Tutor/Mentor Connection web site.  This workshop is intended to showcase ways some tutor/mentor programs engage the talent of business volunteers.  It is intended for volunteer managers in business and professional groups as well as the volunteer recruitment managers in volunteer-based non profits.


Conference closing networking - 3:15:pm to 4:00pm 

Workshop Tracks:

There will be 4 to 5 workshops available during each time slot with time between each for networking and information sharing among participants.  The T/MC invites participants to think of the conference as a meeting place where they can bring a group who are interested in creating more tutor/mentor programs in a specific area, or in a specific focus area, such as health careers, technology, arts, etc.  Thus, if you'd like to organize a single workshop, or a conference within the conference, please contact us online or call 312-492-9614