Plans for providing supportive accountability are created collaboratively. Mentors and mentees should work together closely to determine challenges, goals, and a plan for support. Check out our examples of supportive accountability plans below for some ideas.
Struggling with math
Damian is in 4th grade and has been struggling to keep up with his virtual math class. He has a hard time paying attention and doesn’t always keep up with his homework. Damian endorsed problems with academics on his Mood Ring, and his mentor, Miles, asked him what was going on. Damian said that he’s having trouble with math, and noticed that MentorHub suggested trying out Khan Academy. Damian and Miles talked a little more, and decided to come up with a plan.
Step 1: Identify a challenge
Damian identified academics as a challenge.
Step 2: Identify a goal
Damian and Miles talked about using Khan Academy, and Damian was interested. The two downloaded the app onto Damian’s device, and logged in. Damian chose 4th grade math for his lesson plan in the app, and saw that there are lots of different lessons to try! Damian and Miles decided a good goal was to try to do complete one unit per week. Each unit includes lots of videos and quizzes, and allows Damian to collect points. Damian decided to start with the unit on place values to start. Because Damian doesn’t really like math, he and Miles agree to celebrate with ice cream every time Damian finishes two units.
Step 3: Provide supportive accountability
Now that Damian has a goal, it’s time for Miles to provide supportive accountability. Damian and Miles usually meet once a week, but use MentorHub to securely chat about what’s going on throughout the week. Miles decides to use MentorHub to see when Damian opens the Khan Academy app. The first time Miles notices that Damian opens the app, he sends him a quick message – “Great job for starting Khan Academy, Damian! How did it go? How many points did you earn?” This shows Damian that Miles cares about how he’s doing, and gives him a gentle nudge to keep up the good work. If Miles ever notices that Damian hasn’t opened the app in a few days, he can also ask him if there are any problems or issues going on. Once Damian finishes his first set of two units, Miles takes him out for ice cream as promised and the two celebrate Damian’s accomplishment.
Feeling anxious
Ava is in her first year of college and is really feeling anxious. She is a first-generation college student and feels a little out of place. She’s been struggling to keep up in virtual classes and doesn’t like to leave her dorm room. She’s anxious about getting good grades, but also putting off her work because she is in really challenging classes. Her resident advisor, Mia, lives down the hall and is connected with all of her residents in MentorHub. Mia doesn’t see Ava very often (because Ava doesn’t like to leave her room), but Ava always responds to the secure chats through the MentorHub app. This week, Ava indicates on the Mood Ring that she’s struggling with worries, and Mia reaches out to see how she’s doing. Ava admits to struggling with anxiety, and notices that the MentorHub app recommended both Smiling Mind and MindTrails. Mia asks Ava if she’s interested in being referred to the college counseling center, and Mia says that she’s not comfortable talking to a therapist at this point. Ava and Mia decide it might be a good start to create a plan for using the recommended apps and go from there.
Step 1: Identify a challenge
Ava is struggling with worries.
Step 2: Identify a goal
Ava and Mia look at Smiling Mind and MindTrails and notice that the apps teach very different skills. Smiling Mind allows users to learn how to practice mindfulness, a helpful skills for calming anxious thoughts. On the other hand, MindTrails teaches users how to think more flexibly in anxiety-provoking situations. Ava thinks that both sound good, and she’s willing to try both each week. Ava and Mia come up with a plan for Ava to use MindTrails once per week and Smiling Mind every night before bed.
Step 3: Provide supportive accountability
Mia uses her MentorHub app to check in on Ava’s use of MindTrails and Smiling Mind. When she notices that Ava hasn’t opened her Smiling Mind app in a few days, she reaches out through the MentorHub app – “Hi Ava – I noticed you haven’t opened Smiling Mind in a while. I know you were really excited to try it every night. Is there something going on?” In this situation, Mia is providing gentle accountability for following through on agreed upon goals. Over time, Ava may find that she likes one app more than the other, or may find that she wants to change how frequently she uses each app. Over the course of the semester, Ava and Mia continue to collaborate on app usage so that Ava can feel her very best.
Summary
Each plan for supportive accountability is created collaboratively and is flexible! Mentors and mentees should identify a challenge, set goals, and work together through the MentorHub app.