HIV Call to Action.pdfPeer Mentoring
While "mentoring" or "coaching" is a fairly recent term, particularly within Christian circles, what it seeks to describe are the types of relationships within Christian communities that are promoted throughout the Bible. They are relationships that are based on encouragement, and the sharing of experiences and resources with each other.
A mentor or coach makes her or his personal strengths, experiences, resources and networks available to help another reach her or his potential. This can be done informally or formally, at regular times or occasionally when needed. It can take place in person, over the phone or by fax or email.
As relief, development and justice practitioners, the nature of our work means we are dependent on God and need wisdom, resilience, patience and love as we seek to bring about transformation of individuals and communities. Mentoring or coaching is one tool that can help sustain us.
There is enormous potential for the Micah Network to build on the strength within its membership to create an environment that allows peer mentoring or coaching based on mutual trust, to develop.
In order to facilitate this process, we have put together a list of resources that could be used by members who would like to develop their mentoring or coaching skills. The list below includes resources that look at how coaching can be used in situations of internal tension, on the Barnabas Trust’s approach to mentoring leaders of HIV/AIDS programs, and how the addiction of autocracy can be broken, plus more. This list will continue to be developed as new resources come to light. If you know of particular resources that could be included on this list: e.g. websites, books, training programs, speakers, please contact Linda Livingstone at lindalivingstone@bigpond.com