Burning Life This Week

For those who have not heard Burning Life (previously Burning Man) is going on thru October 5th. http://burninglife.secondlife.com/
This a long time SL tradition. It is interesting and shows more talent in one place than you can shake a stick at.
List of Events
http://burninglife.secondlife.com/events/list

Enjoy your Second Life.

Monthly Mentor Meeting Friday

Make sure you make it to one of the Monthly Mentor meetings Friday.
If you have never been to a Monthly Mentor meeting now is a good time to start.

Times are 10 am and 5 pm SLT respectively.

Come Join us at SLVI http://slurl.com/secondlife/SL%20Volunteer%20Island%20W/232/24/0

Got Fleebies?

Do you have something that Mentors can give to new residents? A freebie item that you want to share at the Mentor Fleebie Market?
Vteam has put out a call for items. See http://vteamblog.com/2008/09/15/slvi-freebie-store-needs-new-showcase-items/
Drop by the Fleebie Market at SLVI and take a look
http://slurl.com/secondlife/SL%20Volunteer%20Island%20S/212/42/22
Fleebies is a pay it forward, long standing SL tradition. Let's help keep that tradition alive.

On Disagreeing with Other Mentors

Recently it was brought to my attention that another Mentor disagreed with how some Mentors were actually mentoring, acting, behaving, talking.
One of the things that ensures that we all are on the same page is the Tao http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Tao_of_Volunteers as well as the TOS/CS.
As long as someone adheres to the Tao and is polite and respectful to others; we as Mentors should agree to disagree aka acknowledge each others styles and preferences.

My SL is all about Mentor education and training. I have spent the majority of my SL time helping, assisting, instructing and teaching. Your SL time might not be the same as mine, therefore your results may vary as to your participation or degree of commitment to whatever project you get involved with.

There should never be competition in the Mentor group. It is not necessary and I personally frown upon this behavior. It is not necessary. You can be a part the same as anyone else, volunteer for committees, be a Coach or Buddy, Greet or jump on any HI at any time just like any other mentor. The formula for Mentor success is participation not competition.

If you see a more active Mentor that you want to emulate, why not just ask them to allow you to join in their committees or activities? Everyone can be a part there is so much to do as a Mentor in SL. I spend a great amount of time recruiting Mentors to join this committee or that project and there is always room for more people to help out.
If you want to suggest a project or have an idea about the Mentor program why not take a trip to SLVEC and drop it in the suggestion box? http://slurl.com/secondlife/SLVEC/185/171/22
The Vteam reads all suggestions.

To walk around exclaiming how others are at fault or are involved in things you do not agree with is just not the right way. It is negative and creates animosity.

If you have a problem with the Vteam or if another Mentor is not following the Tao you should follow the process and talk to the Vteam. If the person(s) you are not happy with due to creative differences are not breaking the Tao/TOS/CS in any way, then you need to walk away and go live your SL your own way. You will not agree with everyone. They might not agree with you.
The Mentor program has room for everyone no matter what their style of Mentoring is.
But, if you cannot agree to disagree, I think the Mentor program is not for everyone and it may not be for you. You may want to start your own Help Group and make your own rules. It is a free grid.

Happy Mentoring!

The Week of Learning Sept 12-18

Starting today is the "Week" of Learning. A whole week so that Mentors and students who can't make it on weekends have the opportunity to take part.
Take a look at https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Mainland_Mentor_Coaches_Class_Schedule

Also, Check out http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Weekend_of_Learning

See Simon Kline if you need any direction or have any questions.

Been on the new Help Islands? Do a survey!

Been to a new Help Island?

Please fill out this survey to help Vteam with Help Island feedback.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=fIOeG4YbRpUj1hsMlWR_2fig_3d_3d

Let's share our experiences.

I Dig Image and Text Generators

The rumors are true. I got on the cover of Wired.
You can get your own cover as well.

http://www.magafake.com/

I think it is as funny as a bigfoot sighting. Someone call Leonard Nimoy.

Have some fun with it!

Mentor Projects Currently Going On

Here is a list of new and recent projects which you mind want to browse at your leisure.

https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Second_Life_Mentor_Membership_Renewal

https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Second_Life_Mentor_Inventor_Convention

https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Mentor_Greeter_Infohub_Test

https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Community_Translation_Project

https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Second_Life_Success_Story_Reports

https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Second_Life_Mentor_Group_Pipeline_and_Potential_Plans

Once I get focused again, after a nice relaxing weekend, I will talk about a few of them in more detail.