Strength Based Approach
Mentoring for MOC should be approached from a strengths-based perspective. The challenges encountered by MOC have been well documented but much less attention has been paid to the strengths of these individuals and their communities. A strengths-based approach to mentoring can positively affect a significant proportion of MOC whose life contexts, societal and academic perceptions and experiences are different from their White male counterpart. Through strong relationships with mentors, the impact of the challenges encountered by MOC can be mitigated, so the strengths of their communities, families, and cultures can be drawn on to bolster their potential for success. Identifying, respecting, and building upon the strengths of mentees’ communities and social networks, can go a long way toward supporting mentoring relationships.
Critical Mentoring
Critical mentoring yields more extensive conversations about race, gender, class, sexuality). Critical mentoring is focused on the development of a critical consciousness in mentors and mentees. Critical consciousness is the ability to perceive and understand social, political, and economic oppression; to be able to deal with such issues; and to be ready to take action against oppressive elements of society. Beginning with an understanding of youth context, critical mentoring allows the mentoring relationship to focus on providing mentees with opportunities to reflect, discuss, as well as challenge systems of inequity., ableism, etc. and offers ways for both mentor and mentee to address how these issues permeate our society and adversely affect MOC (Weiston-Serdan, 2015). The power of this approach is that it can help youth avoid being undermined by these forces, and instead help them thrive in the face of adverse circumstances through personal development and supports that build perseverance. For example, MOC who are empowered through an understanding of racism and its impact on their lives have the capacity to engage with individuals and institutions with an expectation of being treated respectfully. They have an understanding of their own strengths and a respect for the achievements of their culture, both of which help them persevere through the challenges they encounter
As mentors enter into the mentoring relationship, they need to develop an awareness of critical consciousness. Developing critical consciousness requires an understanding of the unique challenges each males faces, which are specific to his culture and environment. The development of this consciousness requires an examination of race, ethnicity, class, and gender issues. This is facilitated through an understanding and development of “cultural competence” or “cultural humility.” The term “cultural competence” has been used to describe an individual’s competency in understanding race and understanding one’s own biases. The term “cultural humility” highlights the notion that one is never done when it comes to cultural understanding. One does not reach a level of competence and become an expert. Cultural humility supports the notion that we should always be listening, learning, and reflecting. Finally, as mentioned previously, critical mentoring champions a strengths-based approach to mentoring. Each mentee has specific strengths, just as each culture and environment in which the mentee lives has particular strengths. The ability to recognize, drawing on, and develop these strengths are key components of the critical mentoring approach.
