The Sharpening Project — Mentor Rules & Protocols Quick Reference

Section 1

Big Picture

This is a Christ-centered mentoring program.
Parents are the primary leaders of their sons.
Safety > convenience every time.
Tennessee law: everyone is a mandatory reporter of suspected abuse or neglect.

Section 2

Before You Meet

You may only mentor if:

You are an approved mentor (application, signed waiver).
The student's parent has turned in a signed Consent form.
Parents know: who, where, when, and how long.

Location Rules

Public place (park, coffee shop, restaurant), OR
Private home only with written parent consent + another adult present.
No closed bedrooms, locked rooms, or isolated spaces.

Transportation

Only with written parent permission.
Valid driver's license + insurance required.
Seatbelts always. Advance permission for multiple students.

Section 3

Communication Rules

Assume everything can be read by parents and leadership.
Respectful, appropriate, Christ-honoring — always.
No romantic or flirty messages.
No late-night conversations (aim for 7 AM – 10 PM).
Use group chats with parents when possible.

If They Ask for Secrecy

"I care about you too much to keep anything that could hurt you or someone else a secret."

Section 4

Social Media & Photos

No photos of students without signed media consent.
No social media DMs with students — treat same as texting.
Never share a student's story or private messages publicly.
Do not tag students under 18 without explicit parent permission.

Section 5

Spiritual Standards

Walk with Jesus consistently in biblical faith.
Avoid profanity, pornography, drunkenness, drug use, illegal activity.
If personally struggling with something affecting your mentoring — tell leadership.
Keep phones away during meetings; come prayed up.

Dating & Sexuality Topics

Listen → Point to Scripture → Encourage talking to parents → Involve leadership if unsafe.

Section 6

Hard Topics (Non-Emergency)

Tell leadership immediately if a student shares:

Porn or sexual addiction
Ongoing anxiety, depression, or disordered eating
Substance use
Serious family crisis
Identity struggles or intense shame
Anything that feels too big for you

How to Share

Short and factual: what they said, when, any obvious risk.
Avoid gossip. Protect dignity. Don't hide real issues.

Section 7

Self-Harm & Suicide

Immediate Steps

Stay calm. Listen.
"I am really glad you told me. You are not alone in this."
Ask: How often? Have you made a plan? What makes it worse? Do your parents know?
You may read Psalm 139 and pray with them.

Reporting

Inform parents as soon as possible.
Inform Program Director and Head Advisor.
If immediate danger → call 911.
Complete a written incident report within 24 hours.

Section 8

Mandatory Reporting

Report immediately if you suspect:

Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
Neglect (basic needs not met)
Child witnessing abuse/domestic violence
Self-harm or suicidal intent
Serious threats to harm someone else

TN Child Abuse Hotline

1-877-237-0004

Telling leadership does NOT replace your legal duty to report to civil authorities.

Section 9

Never Do These

Sexual contact, comments, or romantic behavior toward a student

Emotionally dependent or "exclusive" relationship

Physical discipline of any kind

Share sexual stories, explicit jokes, or pornography

Use or provide drugs, alcohol, or vapes near students

Harass, bully, or verbally attack students

Section 10

Events & Documentation

Events Must Have

Clear start and end times
Adequate adult supervision
Open, public spaces when possible
Attendance record (mentors + students)

Required Forms

Students: Signed Parent Consent form
Mentors: Application + Credibility Statement + Commitment Waiver

Incident Reports Required For

Suspected abuse or neglect
Self-harm or suicidal talk
Major behavioral incidents

Section 11 — Final Reminder

If You Are Ever Unsure

You are not expected to handle things alone. Contact the Program Director, Head Advisor, or Lead Mentor Coordinator. When in doubt about safety, report. You are not expected to be a counselor. You are expected to be honest, humble, careful, and obedient to God and to the law.

Mentor Rules &Protocols