What is a Peer Mentoring Circle?

A ‘Peer Mentoring Circle’ is a model of structured support for youth designed to foster strengths and promote resiliency through developing authentic connection with peers and adults in their community, build skills, counter trends toward self-doubt, and allow for genuine self-expression through verbal sharing and creative activity. 

Each week, a group of participants who identify with others of similar age and development will meet with a facilitator for one hour or two hours. The circle consists of simple rituals and a six-step format to provide predictability, safety, and facilitate healthy communication and development of strengths in target areas, as identified by the individual youth within the group, as a group. 

During this time the participants take turns talking and listening to one another about their concerns and interests. They express themselves further through creative or focused activities such as role playing, drama, journaling, poetry, movement, drawing, collage, clay, advocacy efforts, etc. Each session, themes are introduced which relate to the participants lives – such as being a person of character, trusting ourselves, friendships, body image, goals, competition, communication, conflict, stereotypes, personal boundaries, and decision-making. 

To participate, youth need only have the desire, make a commitment to attend the meetings, and agree to follow the circle guidelines: no put-downs or interruptions, offer experiences – not advice; keep the focus on oneself; and keep what’s said in the group confidential. 

Participants are free to share at their own pace. Through listening and respect for themselves and others, participants can reflect on and express their own thoughts and feelings with peers. The ‘Peer Mentoring Circle’ does not aim to provide advice, but encourages participants to critically think about their own lives, behavior, and choices, and share experiences that may be helpful to one another. 

By voicing their ideas and opinions in a safe environment, participants strengthen their confidence and mutually encourage one another to express themselves more authentically. By examining cultural expectations in a safe and supportive setting, participants gain greater awareness of their options and strengthen their ability to make choices that are consistent with their own values, needs, talents, and goals.