Okay, I know usually people don't pay all that much attention to me on here, but I really think what I have to say right now is a good idea, so please listen up!

I think we should start a "mentor program" on DT. It would pair up people at goal weight with someone currently losing. The person at goal weight would VERY ACTIVELY encourage/make suggestions to/support the person they're "mentoring". I'm not talking just a message posted in their journal every couple days...I mean REALLY being there for them to ask questions, voice concerns, and generally lean on. The "mentors" would get support, too, because we all know losing all the weight isn't the end of the journey. If they start to "slip" and gain weight, or slack on exercise, or just feel discouraged and are struggling, the mentoree would be there to remind them how far they came and that they are a role model that the mentoree needs.

I know no one will be interested, or it will get some "that's a nice idea" kind of replies, and then this thread will fall by the wayside, but I REALLY think this would be a good thing to happen. Even if someone could just "mentor" ME...PM me...I would love for more people to get something out of this though...

becca,

This sounds very much like what the site's "buddy" system is meant to facilitate.

Yes, sites such as this one try encouraging mentoring from time to time, and it generally peters out.

Perhaps some form of contest would help maintain interest. Like earning brownie points for how many members you're mentoring, plus bonus points for their reporting that they actually are finding it helpful.

I kinda think it's the kind of concept, that needs an 'activities director' (like on a cruise ship), to keep the ball rolling.

rD

I would be interested in mentoring someone, but only someone who is serious about weight loss. And it would be nice to get the added support in return.

Okay Becca, when you get some responses, are you gonna be in charge of pairing people up? I understand your concept, but someone does kind of need to be in charge of the mentoring. Maybe you already have the whole concept figured out in your head. :D

Hmm, I'm thinking the idea is probably too complex for DT. I don't mean that in a negative way, I just mean that a forum isn't set up for it. rD and Mel, your input made think about how complicated it would really be...maybe someone has something like this out there that I can find online and sign up for. I'd imagine it would be a pay site, because mentors would probably need monetary compensation to guarantee they'd come back. So, yes, too complicated for a forum set-up. I just thought it would be an interesting thing to do.

I didn't mean to sound negative about it, Becca. I did think it sounded interesting, as I'm sure it would have a benefit to me too. And I don't think a mentor would necessarily have to be paid, either.

I'm sure some of the match-ups wouldn't work out well, but I'm sure a few of them might stick. Think about it - it could possibly work here.

Sorry - I wasn't trying to talk you out of it.

I think this would be great count me in. Linda

Mel - I didn't take your input negatively, I just thought about it more and realized how hard it would to have people really commit to the program. I know DT has a lot of people that come and go for months at a time, and that would be a problem with a program like this.

Okay, I know usually people don't pay all that much attention to me on here, but I really think what I have to say right now is a good idea, so please listen up!

Well, Rac, you got people to listen to you, lol. See, we do hear.

RAC,

I've thought of a mentoring program but out in the real world not online.

It might work especially if the right match was made but getting that chemistry is tough. Nothing ventored nothing gained, maybe I should of said lost :D

I think you'd need a coordinator and some grounds rules along with resources for the mentors.. Good idea but it could be big investment to set up.

Ummm..Nancy it was not Mel who said that it was Becca...and actually I read this thread ..it does sound like a great idea...
I have a tape on mentoring..and the benfets of it..Many people have mentors.or have had mentors at some point in their lives...Those are some very successful people.

I may be interested myself but I would want to mentor someone serious about weight loss too...I would not mentor someone who has lost 5 lbs in 5 years..maybe cruel but that is how I am...

Thanks for pointing that out Lulu, I fixed it.

I did want to say Rac, that some chats have tried to connect people up with a buddy/mentoring system but one thing that was hard is to connect them according to personality. It is almost something that people have to do as they get to know someone and feel they connect somehow.

I think it is a great idea, and very nice of you to want to get something going.

I think that kind of "mentoring" lends itself more to chats and face-to-face interactions as well. There are limitations on forums, that posting every day just can't get around. Text responses can be so dry, and read out of context too easily. I like the idea, though.

CFJ
My Journal (http://www.diettalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55018)

http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/3;8;72;0;0/c/-181/t/-181/k/f0fe/weight.png
(http://www.TickerFactory.com/)

Rac, we have a good group going on Tuesday evenings and we all report in about how we did that week with things like our food plan, exercise, water intake, and our attitude. It is pretty encouraging, and we would love you to join us.

Or you might find that you would enjoy leading a chat yourself, and it could be everyday, or every other day or just once a week. I think there are alot of people who would like to have an organized chat more often in the week.

There is a poll in the chat forum about when people would be available to chat. Check it out and see if there is a time that works for you.

Then just contact John and let him know what you would like to do.

Hmm I think I'm going to refer John to this thread and see what he thinks. I would love to host a chat, though, and I know people have been looking for more chat times. We'll see what happens :)

Would anyone on maintenance like to co-host a chat with me that centers around the whole mentoring concept? I ran it past John and he said okay but I need to come up with the details and I would like to have someone that reached their goal to co-host, and then when I find that person we can talk about title of the chat , day, and time. Please PM me if you are interested.