Lunch & Learn with MMP Series - Mentor Matching Grant Info Session
2025-03-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
March 18th 2025: Mentor Matching Grant (MMG) Info Session It is about the time for the RFP for the Mass Mentoring’s Mentor Matching Grant to go out. During this Lunch & Learn, we will share information about all things MMG; from who can apply, what it means to be in the MMG cohort, as well as timelines and pertinent information.

REGISTER

Mentoring Mindset For Beginner Mentors
2025-03-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
This training will introduce mentors to the framework of the “Mentoring Mindset.” Intended for those who are just starting out on their mentoring relationship journey, or any mentor who is curious, each participant will leave with knowledge of the four core components of Mentoring Mindset and how they influence our role as mentors. We will also explore how these core components can be shared with our mentees and partners to create shared understanding of our work. The goal for the Mentoring Mindset framework is to shift the way that mentoring relationships are created, sustained, and leveraged to deepen the shared responsibility of realizing each person’s full potential and their capacity to influence their communities.

REGISTER

Social and Emotional Learning in Mentoring Relationships
2025-04-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
At this training you’ll gain valuable insights into how SEL can help young people develop skills essential for success in school, career, and life. At the heart of this training is the understanding that building strong, supportive relationships with students is key to promoting their social and emotional wellbeing. Our trainer will provide you with a framework for understanding SEL and share practical suggestions for implementing SEL practices in out-of-school-time (OST) settings. By focusing on our own social and emotional skills, we can model and support SEL growth in young people, helping them become thriving and engaged adults.

REGISTER

Mentoring Black & Latine Youth Info Session
2025-04-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Mass Mentoring Partnership (MMP) is launching a new initiative focused on strengthening relationships that support Black and Latine youth. We believe that mentoring and supportive relationships are key to unlocking opportunities and driving positive change. To ensure that this work is impactful and meaningful, we are bringing together trusted community leaders—like you—to help shape our approach and hopefully serve as ambassadors for this vision.
Please join us!
📅 April 10th | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Zoom
🎯 Purpose: Learn about MMP’s vision, share your insights, and help shape how we collectively strengthen support systems for Black and Latine youth in your communities. This is not just an (re)introduction to MMP’s work—it’s an opportunity for collaboration, where your input will help guide how we build stronger connections for young people.

REGISTER

Centering Youth Voice: Strategies for Leadership, Peer Mentoring & Authenticity
2025-04-15 10:30 - 12:30 | 1350 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 1350 Main Street, Springfield, MA, 01103, United States
This training explores how to authentically center the voices of young people in your programs and organizational practices. Youth voice encompasses the ideas, experiences, and actions of young people, yet adults often struggle to meaningfully integrate that voice into decision-making. Participants will gain practical tools and techniques for embedding youth input at both programmatic and organizational levels. The session also dives into models of youth leadership and peer mentoring, offering actionable strategies to elevate youth as active partners and changemakers in your work.

REGISTER

Lunch & Learn with MMP Series - Emotion Coaching
2025-04-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Have you ever worked with someone who seemed to have a natural ability to connect with young people’s feelings and soothe them? Have you noticed that as we age, we tend to be less emotionally expressive, and sometimes dismissive of displays of emotion from youth? If you’re looking to learn another tool for your toolbox in building strong mentoring relationships, join us for this session on emotion coaching: a four-part skill to validate, empathize, and problem solve with youth, leading them to feel better supported and heard by the adults in their lives. Whether you mentor, run an after school program, train volunteers, or care for young people in your life, here is one more research-based strategy for making connections to support YOU in your impactful work.

REGISTER

60th Anniversary of the 1965 Freedom Rally with Embrace Boston
2025-04-26 12:00 - 14:30 | The Embrace on Boston Common, Boston Common, Boston, MA, 02108, United States
Join Mass Mentoring Partnership, with Embrace Boston, as one of 10,000 voices, united in infinite hope and collective participation at the 60th Anniversary of the 1965 Freedom Rally on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 12-2:30pm at The Embrace in Boston Common.

This rally is a call to action to transform commemoration into a renewed purpose of moving FORWARD. TOGETHER.

Mass Mentoring is partnering with Embrace Boston in being part of the 10,000 voices, in bringing together 100 mentoring matches to join us in the movement. All ages are welcome, with MMP program partners to include staff, volunteers, mentors, mentees, young people, and families! All who register through Mass Mentoring Partnership will receive an MMP bandana to wear the day of the event as we move forward together.
When: Saturday Apr 26, 2025 ⋅ 12pm – 2:30pm

Location: The Embrace, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108, USA

REGISTER

MMP Connects Spring 2025 Regional Meetings: Community Care - Boston/Greater Boston
2025-04-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Rapid7, 120 Causeway, 4th floor, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
MMP Connect Regional Meetings: Community Care
Community care has been around for generations, understanding that the well-being of the individual is intrinsically tied to the well-being of others, the larger community. Going beyond self care, community care focuses on the connections, intentional actions, and efforts to mobilize individuals to support one another. During this MMP Connects event, we will learn what community care is, how we are already doing this, and deepen our understanding how to continue to do our work in our communities as we deepen our connections with each other through networking. Beyond providing a platform for networking and fostering professional development, this event offers an exclusive sneak peek into Mass Mentoring Partnership’s upcoming calendar. Unveiling a wealth of valuable opportunities and resources tailored to advance your professional journey and enhance your services, this preview is not to be missed. Additionally, organizations will have ample chances for face-to-face networking and collaboration.
Boston/Greater Boston April 29 (Tues,), 10am-12pm
Rapid7, 120 Causeway, Boston, 4th floor
BUILD hosting: note folks will need to check in with their IDs at security
Western/Central Mass, April 30 (Wed.), 10am-12pm (250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA 01040)
Northern Mass, May 1 (Thurs.), 10am-12pm at (Girls, Inc. of Lynn – 50 High Street, Lynn, MA 01901)
Southern Mass, May 1 (Thurs.), 10am-12pm at (Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South, Brockton Clubhouse, 233 Warren Ave | Brockton, MA 02301)

REGISTER

MMP Connects Spring 2025 Regional Meetings: Community Care - Western/Central Mass
2025-04-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
MMP Connect Regional Meetings: Community Care
Community care has been around for generations, understanding that the well-being of the individual is intrinsically tied to the well-being of others, the larger community. Going beyond self care, community care focuses on the connections, intentional actions, and efforts to mobilize individuals to support one another. During this MMP Connects event, we will learn what community care is, how we are already doing this, and deepen our understanding how to continue to do our work in our communities as we deepen our connections with each other through networking. Beyond providing a platform for networking and fostering professional development, this event offers an exclusive sneak peek into Mass Mentoring Partnership’s upcoming calendar. Unveiling a wealth of valuable opportunities and resources tailored to advance your professional journey and enhance your services, this preview is not to be missed. Additionally, organizations will have ample chances for face-to-face networking and collaboration.
Boston/Greater Boston April 29 (Tues,), 10am-12pm (Rapid7, 120 Causeway, Boston, 4th floor, BUILD hosting: note folks will need to check in with their IDs at security)
Western/Central Mass, April 30 (Wed.), 10am-12pm (250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA 01040)
Northern Mass, May 1 (Thurs.), 10am-12pm at (Girls, Inc. of Lynn – 50 High Street, Lynn, MA 01901)
Southern Mass, May 1 (Thurs.), 10am-12pm at (Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South, Brockton Clubhouse, 233 Warren Ave | Brockton, MA 02301)

REGISTER

MMP Connects Spring 2025 Regional Meetings: Community Care - Northern Mass
2025-05-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Girls Inc. of Lynn, 50 High Street, Lynn, MA, 01901, United States
MMP Connect Regional Meetings: Community Care
Community care has been around for generations, understanding that the well-being of the individual is intrinsically tied to the well-being of others, the larger community. Going beyond self care, community care focuses on the connections, intentional actions, and efforts to mobilize individuals to support one another. During this MMP Connects event, we will learn what community care is, how we are already doing this, and deepen our understanding how to continue to do our work in our communities as we deepen our connections with each other through networking. Beyond providing a platform for networking and fostering professional development, this event offers an exclusive sneak peek into Mass Mentoring Partnership’s upcoming calendar. Unveiling a wealth of valuable opportunities and resources tailored to advance your professional journey and enhance your services, this preview is not to be missed. Additionally, organizations will have ample chances for face-to-face networking and collaboration.
Boston/Greater Boston April 29 (Tues,), 10am-12pm (Rapid7, 120 Causeway, Boston, 4th floor, BUILD hosting: note folks will need to check in with their IDs at security)
Western/Central Mass, April 30 (Wed.), 10am-12pm (250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA 01040)
Northern Mass, May 1 (Thurs.), 10am-12pm at (Girls, Inc. of Lynn – 50 High Street, Lynn, MA 01901)
Southern Mass, May 1 (Thurs.), 10am-12pm at (Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South, Brockton Clubhouse, 233 Warren Ave | Brockton, MA 02301)

REGISTRATION COMING SOON

MMP Connects Spring 2025 Regional Meetings: Community Care - Southern Mass
2025-05-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Boys and Girls Club of Metro South, 233 Warren Ave, Brockton, MA, 02301, United States

Postponed: Effective Org Practices for Mentoring: Leadership & Community Engagement
2025-05-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Are you running a mentoring program and need to keep up with the newest research on Program Leadership, Staffing, and Community Engagement? Join us for a 90 minute virtual training on the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring (EEPM) 5th Edition, Elements 13 and 14. We’ll discuss the importance of staffing capacity, board involvement, incorporating community voices, and making meaningful partnerships with other organizations. This is a great opportunity for folks like mentoring/youth program Executive Directors, Development Directors, Grant Writers, Marketing and Operations staff! Are you a one-person mentoring show? You should come too! Join our supportive learning environment, bring your expertise, and leave with a few new tools for your toolbox.

REGISTER

Postponed: Effective Org Practices for Mentoring: Infrastructure and Evaluation
2025-05-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Are you running a mentoring program and need to keep up with the newest research on Program Infrastructure, Sustainability, and Evaluation? Join us for a 90 minute virtual training on the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring (EEPM) 5th Edition, Elements 15 and 16. We’ll discuss the importance of resource development, marketing and communications, and perhaps most importantly, collecting and using program data to improve. This is a great opportunity for folks like mentoring/youth program Executive Directors, Development Directors, Grant Writers, Marketing and Operations staff! Are you a one-person mentoring show? You should come too! Join our supportive learning environment, bring your expertise, and leave with a few new tools for your toolbox.

REGISTER

Postponed: Healing Happens
2025-05-14 09:30 - 12:00 | MMP office, 75 Kneeland Street, 11th Floor, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
Many youth in our communities have experienced trauma, the effects of which can be long-lasting and significant and can create barriers to forming relationships with supportive adults. This training includes a review of key terms and language and shares trauma-informed care practices and methods which can be employed to promote both resiliency and self-care. With a better understanding of trauma and its impact on youth, staff can structure programming that leverages the resilience possessed by youth and promotes healing environments.

REGISTER

Lunch & Learn with MMP Series - Funding for Capacity Building
2025-05-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Has your organization thought about applying for funding for capacity building? What does this mean, and how does an organization do this? What does it mean to partner with other organizations for capacity building? These are all questions we will explore with MMP’s own Chief Advancement Officer, Amanda Doyle-Bouvier. Lunch & Learn Sessions – meet the third Tuesday of each month (mostly). These events are used for a time for folks to tune in, while eating lunch, to learn more about a topic: time to go deeper in subjects that value and support mentoring relationships or these sessions may offer short spurts of information on updated research, happenings and/or tools. We welcome you as often as you can join us.

REGISTER

MMP Legislative Briefing 2025
2025-06-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133, United States

Mentor Training Series: Emotion Coaching Strategies for Mentors
2025-06-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual
Sometimes folks have a natural ability to connect with young people’s feelings and soothe them. Luckily, this is also a skill we can build! Have you noticed that as we age, we tend to be less emotionally expressive, and sometimes dismissive of displays of emotion from youth? If you’re looking for another strategy to add to your toolbox for building strong mentoring relationships, join us for this session on emotion coaching: a four-part skill to validate, empathize, and problem solve with youth, leading them to feel better supported and heard by the adults in their lives. The target audience for this special evening session is mentors! However, whether you mentor, run an after school program, train volunteers, or care for any young people in your life, here is one more research-based strategy for making connections to support YOU in your impactful work.

REGISTER

Supporting Black and Latine Girls & Femmes
2025-06-17 09:00 - 2025-06-18 15:00 | Greater Holyoke YMCA, 171 Pine Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
This immersive, two-day workshop equips mentors and mentoring program practitioners to address many of the challenges Black and Latina girls and young women face today and provide them with the tools to help girls grow their community, build their confidence, and live the life they want.

The workshop explores questions like:
Why focus on this population of young people?
What challenges do Black and Latina girls/femmes face?
How do we take special care in establishing mentoring relationships with Black and Latina girls?
How do shared/disparate cultural experiences impact our mentoring relationships?

June 17th 9am-3pm & June 18th 9am-3pm

This training is for anyone who is in mentoring relationships with self-identified Black and Latina girls/femmes or the staff of organizations who support these mentoring relationships. Participants that attend both workshop days will receive a training certificate from MMP.

REGISTER

Lunch & Learn With MMP Series - Building a Mentoring Movement Fireside Chat with MMP's CEO
2025-06-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Mass Mentoring Partnership’s President & CEO, Dr. Cynthia K. Orellana, recently celebrated her one year anniversary with MMP. On June 17 (12-1pm), please join us for our June Lunch & Learn where we will have a fireside chat style conversation with Dr. Orellana on what she has learned her first year at MMP, how she envisions building a mentoring movement, and what her hopes are moving forward in her next year. There will be room for dialogue with attendees. This will be an engaging conversation you won’t want to miss!
Lunch & Learn Sessions – meet the third Tuesday of each month (mostly). These events are used for a time for folks to tune in, while eating lunch, to learn more about a topic: time to go deeper in subjects that value and support mentoring relationships or these sessions may offer short spurts of information on updated research, happenings and/or tools. We welcome you as often as you can join us.

REGISTER

The Essentials: Training for People Who Mentor & Support Black Boys & Young Men
2025-06-24 10:00 - 2025-06-25 15:30
This training aims to provide adults with the skills and knowledge needed to be effective mentors for Black young men and boys. The training consists of three modules: Examination of cultural competencies, including an exploration of personal views on privilege and race, providing tools for building ethnic/racial pride. Identification of social capital and related empowerment of mentee and family, and the importance of racial identity. Exploration of research-based strategies and approaches that can assist mentors as they embrace a critical consciousness in their work with young Black males.
June 24th, 10:00am – 3:30pm
June 25th, 10:00am – 3:30pm

EEPM5: Foundations of Quality Mentoring Programs (Part 1 of 4)
2025-09-15 12:30 - 14:30 | Virtual
Join us for a deep dive into the Fifth Edition of the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring, just published recently with updated research and guidelines to ensure your mentoring program is high quality. We’ll meet four times virtually for two hours each according to the following schedule. If you attend all four, you will receive a certificate of completion from MMP. If there is just one session that interests you, feel free to attend any number of them, based on what you need. Bring your questions and your expertise to share and grow with other program partners in this interactive learning environment.
Bonus! There is an additional fifth session for those interested in organizational practices to help ensure your program is functioning well operationally and has the leadership, staffing, and financial sustainability to thrive over time.
Read each session description below and sign up for any or all of the workshops:

Part One Sept.15 12:30-2:30pm Foundations of Quality Mentoring Programs

In our first session, we will explore Elements 1 and 2, focusing on your program’s values and design, laying a strong foundation for program success. Identifying and clarifying your values first then helps to consider your program’s mission, vision, and ultimately your theory of change. Learn about theories of changes and logic models, and hear about opportunities for technical assistance, if you’d like support in creating or amending yours.

Part Two Effective Mentoring Services (Recruitment, Screening, and Enrollment)

In this second session, we will explore Elements 3-6, which begins looking at program services starting with the first step: recruiting and enrolling mentors and youth. Building targeted recruitment plans and setting up realistic expectations for program participants will help matches succeed and grow their relationships. Of course we’ll talk safety and screening, as well as communications on program eligibility.

Part Three Effective Mentoring Services (Training and Establishing Mentoring Relationships)

In our third session, we will explore Elements 8 and 9 on the best practices for training mentors, youth, and caregivers. We will engage in activities to support you thinking critically about your matching process and criteria, and hold space for those interesting conversations about training and matching. As always, we will share opportunities for how your program can access consultation or training from MMP on these topics as well.

Part Four Effective Mentoring Services (Ongoing Support, Relationship Celebration and Exit)

In this final programmatic session, we’ll explore Elements 10-12 to discuss ongoing support for mentors, youth, and caregivers, as well as relationship celebration/closure and program exits. The right time to talk about the end of a program cycle is right from the beginning; we will discuss why that is and how it can help prevent harm and encourage deep relationships.
Bonus Part Five Organizational Health for Mentoring Programs (Leadership, Partnerships, Sustainability, and Evaluation)
New to the Elements of Effective Practice 5th Edition are four Elements that focus specifically on Organizational Health and Infrastructure. Join us in this special bonus session for a high level overview on Elements 13-16, including: Program Leadership and Staffing (How do we understand our capacity?) Community Engagement (What is our partnership landscape like?) Program Infrastructure and Sustainability (Do we have a strong resource development plan?) Program Evaluation (Are we measuring progress toward continuous improvement?) This session will highlight the standards of practice in these areas and offer a jumping off point for additional consultation or training from MMP. We hope this session provides a place for additional program staff to attend and hear from peers. We recommend all types of roles consider joining us for this session including: mentoring/youth program Executive Directors, Development Directors, Grant Writers, Marketing and Operations staff! (Are you a one-person mentoring show? You should come too!)

The 5th Edition of this resource includes a renewed focus and commitment in the following areas: Promoting a sense of belonging Understanding organizational capacity Flexibility and how these standards support all different program models How to access technical assistance Highlighting the role of the Youth/Caregiver/Family in your policy and procedures And much more.

EEPM5: Effective Mentoring Services (Recruitment, Screening) (Part 2 of 4)
2025-09-22 12:30 - 14:30 | Virtual
Join us for a deep dive into the Fifth Edition of the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring, just published recently with updated research and guidelines to ensure your mentoring program is high quality. We’ll meet four times virtually for two hours each according to the following schedule. If you attend all four, you will receive a certificate of completion from MMP. If there is just one session that interests you, feel free to attend any number of them, based on what you need. Bring your questions and your expertise to share and grow with other program partners in this interactive learning environment.
Bonus! There is an additional fifth session for those interested in organizational practices to help ensure your program is functioning well operationally and has the leadership, staffing, and financial sustainability to thrive over time.
Read each session description below and sign up for any or all of the workshops:

Part One Foundations of Quality Mentoring Programs

In our first session, we will explore Elements 1 and 2, focusing on your program’s values and design, laying a strong foundation for program success. Identifying and clarifying your values first then helps to consider your program’s mission, vision, and ultimately your theory of change. Learn about theories of changes and logic models, and hear about opportunities for technical assistance, if you’d like support in creating or amending yours.

Part Two Sept.22 12:30-2:30pm Effective Mentoring Services (Recruitment, Screening, and Enrollment)

In this second session, we will explore Elements 3-6, which begins looking at program services starting with the first step: recruiting and enrolling mentors and youth. Building targeted recruitment plans and setting up realistic expectations for program participants will help matches succeed and grow their relationships. Of course we’ll talk safety and screening, as well as communications on program eligibility.

Part Three Effective Mentoring Services (Training and Establishing Mentoring Relationships)

In our third session, we will explore Elements 8 and 9 on the best practices for training mentors, youth, and caregivers. We will engage in activities to support you thinking critically about your matching process and criteria, and hold space for those interesting conversations about training and matching. As always, we will share opportunities for how your program can access consultation or training from MMP on these topics as well.

Part Four Effective Mentoring Services (Ongoing Support, Relationship Celebration and Exit)

In this final programmatic session, we’ll explore Elements 10-12 to discuss ongoing support for mentors, youth, and caregivers, as well as relationship celebration/closure and program exits. The right time to talk about the end of a program cycle is right from the beginning; we will discuss why that is and how it can help prevent harm and encourage deep relationships.
Bonus Part Five Organizational Health for Mentoring Programs (Leadership, Partnerships, Sustainability, and Evaluation)
New to the Elements of Effective Practice 5th Edition are four Elements that focus specifically on Organizational Health and Infrastructure. Join us in this special bonus session for a high level overview on Elements 13-16, including: Program Leadership and Staffing (How do we understand our capacity?) Community Engagement (What is our partnership landscape like?) Program Infrastructure and Sustainability (Do we have a strong resource development plan?) Program Evaluation (Are we measuring progress toward continuous improvement?) This session will highlight the standards of practice in these areas and offer a jumping off point for additional consultation or training from MMP. We hope this session provides a place for additional program staff to attend and hear from peers. We recommend all types of roles consider joining us for this session including: mentoring/youth program Executive Directors, Development Directors, Grant Writers, Marketing and Operations staff! (Are you a one-person mentoring show? You should come too!)

The 5th Edition of this resource includes a renewed focus and commitment in the following areas: Promoting a sense of belonging Understanding organizational capacity Flexibility and how these standards support all different program models How to access technical assistance Highlighting the role of the Youth/Caregiver/Family in your policy and procedures And much more.

EEPM5: Effective Mentoring Services (Training, Matching) (Part 3 of 4)
2025-09-29 12:30 - 14:30 | Virtual
Join us for a deep dive into the Fifth Edition of the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring, just published recently with updated research and guidelines to ensure your mentoring program is high quality. We’ll meet four times virtually for two hours each according to the following schedule. If you attend all four, you will receive a certificate of completion from MMP. If there is just one session that interests you, feel free to attend any number of them, based on what you need. Bring your questions and your expertise to share and grow with other program partners in this interactive learning environment.
Bonus! There is an additional fifth session for those interested in organizational practices to help ensure your program is functioning well operationally and has the leadership, staffing, and financial sustainability to thrive over time.
Read each session description below and sign up for any or all of the workshops:

Part One Foundations of Quality Mentoring Programs

In our first session, we will explore Elements 1 and 2, focusing on your program’s values and design, laying a strong foundation for program success. Identifying and clarifying your values first then helps to consider your program’s mission, vision, and ultimately your theory of change. Learn about theories of changes and logic models, and hear about opportunities for technical assistance, if you’d like support in creating or amending yours.

Part Two Effective Mentoring Services (Recruitment, Screening, and Enrollment)

In this second session, we will explore Elements 3-6, which begins looking at program services starting with the first step: recruiting and enrolling mentors and youth. Building targeted recruitment plans and setting up realistic expectations for program participants will help matches succeed and grow their relationships. Of course we’ll talk safety and screening, as well as communications on program eligibility.

Part Three Sept.29 12:30-2:30pm Effective Mentoring Services (Training and Establishing Mentoring Relationships)

In our third session, we will explore Elements 8 and 9 on the best practices for training mentors, youth, and caregivers. We will engage in activities to support you thinking critically about your matching process and criteria, and hold space for those interesting conversations about training and matching. As always, we will share opportunities for how your program can access consultation or training from MMP on these topics as well.

Part Four Effective Mentoring Services (Ongoing Support, Relationship Celebration and Exit)

In this final programmatic session, we’ll explore Elements 10-12 to discuss ongoing support for mentors, youth, and caregivers, as well as relationship celebration/closure and program exits. The right time to talk about the end of a program cycle is right from the beginning; we will discuss why that is and how it can help prevent harm and encourage deep relationships.
Bonus Part Five Organizational Health for Mentoring Programs (Leadership, Partnerships, Sustainability, and Evaluation)
New to the Elements of Effective Practice 5th Edition are four Elements that focus specifically on Organizational Health and Infrastructure. Join us in this special bonus session for a high level overview on Elements 13-16, including: Program Leadership and Staffing (How do we understand our capacity?) Community Engagement (What is our partnership landscape like?) Program Infrastructure and Sustainability (Do we have a strong resource development plan?) Program Evaluation (Are we measuring progress toward continuous improvement?) This session will highlight the standards of practice in these areas and offer a jumping off point for additional consultation or training from MMP. We hope this session provides a place for additional program staff to attend and hear from peers. We recommend all types of roles consider joining us for this session including: mentoring/youth program Executive Directors, Development Directors, Grant Writers, Marketing and Operations staff! (Are you a one-person mentoring show? You should come too!)

The 5th Edition of this resource includes a renewed focus and commitment in the following areas: Promoting a sense of belonging Understanding organizational capacity Flexibility and how these standards support all different program models How to access technical assistance Highlighting the role of the Youth/Caregiver/Family in your policy and procedures And much more.

FY26 MMG Kick Off
2025-09-30 09:00 - 14:00 | African Community Education (ACE), 51 Gage Street, Worcester, 01605, United States
Event Details
📅 Date: September 30, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: African Community Education (ACE)
✨ Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Welcome to the 2025 MMG Kickoff! We’re thrilled to bring our MMG community together as we launch a new two-year grant cycle. This annual gathering is a chance to reconnect, welcome new colleagues, and set the stage for the important work ahead. This year’s theme, From Connection to Impact, reminds us that mentoring is more than building relationships—it’s about transforming those connections into meaningful outcomes that change the lives of young people and strengthen our communities.
To start, we’ll host a required orientation from 9:00–10:00 AM for all new MMG-funded organizations, as well as returning organizations with new staff engaged in the grant. This session will ensure everyone is aligned on requirements, resources, and opportunities for success. From 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, all grantees will come together for an interactive program agenda designed to spotlight innovation, amplify collaboration, and generate strategies that drive results. Using engaging formats such as World Café or Open Space (depending on the location), the day will put your voices and priorities at the center—helping us move from meaningful connections to real, lasting impact.
What to Expect
Grant Orientation (9–10 AM): Required for new organizations and returning organizations with new grant staff.
Collaborative Conversations (10–2): Explore what’s working, where challenges remain, and how mentoring can adapt to create deeper impact.
Peer Learning & Networking: Build relationships, share insights, and exchange strategies with colleagues across Massachusetts.
Actionable Takeaways: Leave with new tools, perspectives, and energy to strengthen mentoring outcomes in your community.
Who Should Attend
Attendance is required for all MMG-funded organizations. At least one representative must be present, but we strongly encourage additional staff to join and contribute.

Together, let’s ensure that mentoring not only creates connection but also delivers meaningful, measurable impact for youth across the Commonwealth.

EEPM5: Effective Mentoring Services (Support, Closure) (Part 4 of 4)
2025-10-06 12:30 - 14:30 | Virtual
Join us for a deep dive into the Fifth Edition of the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring, just published recently with updated research and guidelines to ensure your mentoring program is high quality. We’ll meet four times virtually for two hours each according to the following schedule. If you attend all four, you will receive a certificate of completion from MMP. If there is just one session that interests you, feel free to attend any number of them, based on what you need. Bring your questions and your expertise to share and grow with other program partners in this interactive learning environment.
Bonus! There is an additional fifth session for those interested in organizational practices to help ensure your program is functioning well operationally and has the leadership, staffing, and financial sustainability to thrive over time.
Read each session description below and sign up for any or all of the workshops:

Part One Foundations of Quality Mentoring Programs

In our first session, we will explore Elements 1 and 2, focusing on your program’s values and design, laying a strong foundation for program success. Identifying and clarifying your values first then helps to consider your program’s mission, vision, and ultimately your theory of change. Learn about theories of changes and logic models, and hear about opportunities for technical assistance, if you’d like support in creating or amending yours.

Part Two Effective Mentoring Services (Recruitment, Screening, and Enrollment)

In this second session, we will explore Elements 3-6, which begins looking at program services starting with the first step: recruiting and enrolling mentors and youth. Building targeted recruitment plans and setting up realistic expectations for program participants will help matches succeed and grow their relationships. Of course we’ll talk safety and screening, as well as communications on program eligibility.

Part Three Effective Mentoring Services (Training and Establishing Mentoring Relationships)

In our third session, we will explore Elements 8 and 9 on the best practices for training mentors, youth, and caregivers. We will engage in activities to support you thinking critically about your matching process and criteria, and hold space for those interesting conversations about training and matching. As always, we will share opportunities for how your program can access consultation or training from MMP on these topics as well.

Part Four Oct.6 12:30-2:30pm Effective Mentoring Services (Ongoing Support, Relationship Celebration and Exit)

In this final programmatic session, we’ll explore Elements 10-12 to discuss ongoing support for mentors, youth, and caregivers, as well as relationship celebration/closure and program exits. The right time to talk about the end of a program cycle is right from the beginning; we will discuss why that is and how it can help prevent harm and encourage deep relationships.
Bonus Part Five Organizational Health for Mentoring Programs (Leadership, Partnerships, Sustainability, and Evaluation)
New to the Elements of Effective Practice 5th Edition are four Elements that focus specifically on Organizational Health and Infrastructure. Join us in this special bonus session for a high level overview on Elements 13-16, including: Program Leadership and Staffing (How do we understand our capacity?) Community Engagement (What is our partnership landscape like?) Program Infrastructure and Sustainability (Do we have a strong resource development plan?) Program Evaluation (Are we measuring progress toward continuous improvement?) This session will highlight the standards of practice in these areas and offer a jumping off point for additional consultation or training from MMP. We hope this session provides a place for additional program staff to attend and hear from peers. We recommend all types of roles consider joining us for this session including: mentoring/youth program Executive Directors, Development Directors, Grant Writers, Marketing and Operations staff! (Are you a one-person mentoring show? You should come too!)

The 5th Edition of this resource includes a renewed focus and commitment in the following areas: Promoting a sense of belonging Understanding organizational capacity Flexibility and how these standards support all different program models How to access technical assistance Highlighting the role of the Youth/Caregiver/Family in your policy and procedures And much more.

EEPM5: Organizational Health for Mentoring Programs (Bonus Session 5)
2025-10-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Join us for a deep dive into the Fifth Edition of the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring, just published recently with updated research and guidelines to ensure your mentoring program is high quality. We’ll meet four times virtually for two hours each according to the following schedule. If you attend all four, you will receive a certificate of completion from MMP. If there is just one session that interests you, feel free to attend any number of them, based on what you need. Bring your questions and your expertise to share and grow with other program partners in this interactive learning environment.
Bonus! There is an additional fifth session for those interested in organizational practices to help ensure your program is functioning well operationally and has the leadership, staffing, and financial sustainability to thrive over time.
Read each session description below and sign up for any or all of the workshops:

Part One Foundations of Quality Mentoring Programs

In our first session, we will explore Elements 1 and 2, focusing on your program’s values and design, laying a strong foundation for program success. Identifying and clarifying your values first then helps to consider your program’s mission, vision, and ultimately your theory of change. Learn about theories of changes and logic models, and hear about opportunities for technical assistance, if you’d like support in creating or amending yours.

Part Two Effective Mentoring Services (Recruitment, Screening, and Enrollment)

In this second session, we will explore Elements 3-6, which begins looking at program services starting with the first step: recruiting and enrolling mentors and youth. Building targeted recruitment plans and setting up realistic expectations for program participants will help matches succeed and grow their relationships. Of course we’ll talk safety and screening, as well as communications on program eligibility.

Part Three Sept.29 12:30-2:30pm Effective Mentoring Services (Training and Establishing Mentoring Relationships)

In our third session, we will explore Elements 8 and 9 on the best practices for training mentors, youth, and caregivers. We will engage in activities to support you thinking critically about your matching process and criteria, and hold space for those interesting conversations about training and matching. As always, we will share opportunities for how your program can access consultation or training from MMP on these topics as well.

Part Four Effective Mentoring Services (Ongoing Support, Relationship Celebration and Exit)

In this final programmatic session, we’ll explore Elements 10-12 to discuss ongoing support for mentors, youth, and caregivers, as well as relationship celebration/closure and program exits. The right time to talk about the end of a program cycle is right from the beginning; we will discuss why that is and how it can help prevent harm and encourage deep relationships.

Bonus Part Five Oct.16 10:00am-12:00pm Organizational Health for Mentoring Programs (Leadership, Partnerships, Sustainability, and Evaluation)

New to the Elements of Effective Practice 5th Edition are four Elements that focus specifically on Organizational Health and Infrastructure. Join us in this special bonus session for a high level overview on Elements 13-16, including: Program Leadership and Staffing (How do we understand our capacity?) Community Engagement (What is our partnership landscape like?) Program Infrastructure and Sustainability (Do we have a strong resource development plan?) Program Evaluation (Are we measuring progress toward continuous improvement?) This session will highlight the standards of practice in these areas and offer a jumping off point for additional consultation or training from MMP. We hope this session provides a place for additional program staff to attend and hear from peers. We recommend all types of roles consider joining us for this session including: mentoring/youth program Executive Directors, Development Directors, Grant Writers, Marketing and Operations staff! (Are you a one-person mentoring show? You should come too!)

The 5th Edition of this resource includes a renewed focus and commitment in the following areas: Promoting a sense of belonging Understanding organizational capacity Flexibility and how these standards support all different program models How to access technical assistance Highlighting the role of the Youth/Caregiver/Family in your policy and procedures And much more.

Mentor Circles: Mentoring Mindset
2025-10-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual
Join us for a brand new offering from Mass Mentoring Partnership: Mentor Circles will run every third Thursday evening of most months (dates will be adjusted if holidays interfere.) Mentor Circles are virtual, off-hours opportunities to connect with other mentors, build knowledge, and practice skills related to being the best mentor you can be. Topics will vary, and all levels of experience with mentoring are encouraged to participate. You are welcome as often as you can join us.
October 2025 Mentor Circles: Mentoring Mindset
This training will introduce mentors to the framework of the “Mentoring Mindset.” Each participant will leave with knowledge of the four core components of Mentoring Mindset and how they influence our role as mentors. We will also explore how these core components can be shared with our mentees and partners to create shared understanding of our work. The goal for the Mentoring Mindset framework is to shift the way that mentoring relationships are created, sustained, and leveraged to deepen the shared responsibility of realizing each person’s full potential and their capacity to influence their communities.

REGISTER

October Lunch & Learn 2025: Updates on Mass Mentoring Counts
2025-10-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Lunch & Learn Sessions meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 12-1pm. This is a time for folks to tune in while eating lunch. Join us to learn more about best practices, stay connected, and keep up with recent research, happenings, and tools. We welcome you as often as you can join us!

October 2025
Join us for an update on this year’s Mass Mentoring Counts, our data from the MENTOR National Survey of the Mentoring Field. We send our warmest gratitude to each and every mentoring program staff member who completed this survey earlier in the year. Because we got such a comprehensive response, we’re able to share back some state-specific findings. We’re pleased to report back on what the data showed us about: – the status of mentoring professionals: challenges, needs, and strengths – national trends and their implications – how Massachusetts and the Northeast region generally compared to the national data – check out the realities and needs of local mentoring professionals Join us to learn more!

REGISTER

MMP Connects Eastern MA (North, Boston, South) - Fall 2025
2025-11-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Pao Arts Center, 99 Albany Street, Boston, 02111, United States
Join us for this fall’s MMP Connects!
All of our partners on the Eastern half of the state, including North and South shores/coast, will meet at the Pao Arts Center in Boston to discuss the theme of Community Assets. Join us for this in-person networking opportunity, where we will map what is strongest about the mentoring movement in our local contexts and lift up the wonderful, hard work you all contribute to. We will discuss promotion of partnerships, and gather insight into desired match activities for 2026.
Agenda:
10 – 10:30 Breakfast Networking
10:30 – 11 Opening Context and our Mentoring Movement
11 – 11:45 Open Discussion
11:45 – 12 Debrief and Close

If you have any questions, email Lauren at lmccabe@massmentors.org.

REGISTER

MMP Connects Western and Central MA - Fall 2025
2025-11-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Join us for this fall’s MMP Connects! Both our Western MA region and Central MA regional partners will meet at the Holyoke Public Library to discuss the theme of Community Assets. Join us for this in-person networking opportunity, where we will map what is strongest about the mentoring movement in our local contexts and lift up the wonderful, hard work you all contribute to. We will discuss promotion of partnerships, and gather insight into desired match activities for 2026.
Agenda:
10 – 10:30 Breakfast Networking
10:30 – 11 Opening Context and our Mentoring Movement
11 – 11:45 Open Discussion
11:45 – 12 Debrief and Close

If you have any questions, email Lauren at lmccabe@massmentors.org.

REGISTER
