INTENSIVE MENTORSHIP

The Mentor - Fellow relationship is the cornerstone of the Movement4Life program and essential to program success.

MOTIVATIONAL MENTORS

Motivational Mentors (MM) are typically longtime residents of the same neighborhoods as their fellows. Often well known, perhaps even considered neighborhood legends, MM are chosen for their intimate knowledge and past experience in their community’s gun violence culture. Through healing strategies and transformational relationships, Motivational Mentors have demonstrated ability to transform their own lives, and generally possess valuable skillsets (i.e. de-escalation, conflict resolution, and mediation).

Motivational Mentors are all formerly incarcerated and from rival neighborhoods. Their incredible commitment to ending cyclical and retaliatory gun violence is reflected in the solid brotherhood they’ve formed; excellent examples for the Fellows they mentor.

MENTORING AND BEYOND

TRANSFORMATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

The Mentor-Fellow relationship is intense and immersive, often considered by the fellows to be the most significant adult relationship in their lives at the time. Motivational Mentors engage their fellows on a daily basis, often multiple times a day, from simple check-ins, to mediating potentially volatile community conflicts. Motivational Mentors demonstrate consistent care towards their fellows, even as they struggle to care about themselves. Leveraging shared life experiences, Motivational Mentors cultivate trusting, healing, nourishing relationships with their fellows, which prove to be foundational in helping them transform their lives.

FORGING NEW PATHWAYS

Intense Case Management is an essential part of the Motivational Mentors' work with their Fellows. Mentors guide their Fellows through an ongoing process of self evaluation and goal setting. Mentors help their Fellows map out action plans for achieving their goals.