Sacramento County Office of Education Recruiting Adult Mentors for Youth Leadership Program Mentoring doesn’t require a unique skill. It just takes a willingness to listen, offer encouragement, and share knowledge of what you've learned about life. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) would like to hear from you.  SCOE is seeking adult mentors to serve as positive role models for one hour a week as part of the LINKS Mentoring Program for high school students for the 2011-12 school year. The target start date for the LINKS Mentoring Program is the week of September 5, 2011.  Qualifying mentors may commit to a semester or the school year. Group mentoring sessions and activities center on themes including: Planning for the Future Interpersonal/Life Skills Financial Savvy and Money Management Career Exploration/Job Seeking Skills Community Service/Service Learning Projects Health and Wellness The format of mentoring sessions includes individual and team mentoring in a group setting. Weekly mentoring sessions occur on a set meeting day and time determined by each participating school. SCOE staff members facilitate mentor sessions, organize activities, and provide materials and support. Meeting days and times for each site will be determined before sessions begin. Prospective mentors will be provided orientation and training before beginning group mentoring sessions. Several orientation and training events are available during July and August, 2011. Orientation and training include: an overview of the program's mission and goals; summary of program policies; a description of the screening process, suitability requirements; qualities of successful mentors; the stages of the mentoring relationship; the level of commitment desired; benefits and rewards of participation in the program; communication tips and tools; and an opportunity to hear from returning mentors about their experiences...