These illustrated essays share the T/MI vision

Tutor/Mentor Institute, LLC archive of ideas and strategies.  Apply in any city.

This page shares strategies developed since 1990s by Dan Bassill, founder of Tutor/Mentor Connection (1993-present) and Tutor/Mentor Institute, LLC (2011-present).  In other sections of this website you can find ideas of others, which we host in this library and this list of Chicago tutor/mentor programs.

These ideas focus on ways to build and sustain volunteer-based tutor/mentor programs reaching K-12 youth in high poverty areas of Chicago and other cities.  They show what an ideal tutor/mentor program might look like, and what industry and philanthropy leaders, and individuals from all parts of the country, need to do to help such programs be in all places where they are needed.

Please read these, share them with people in your own networks, and use them in actions that help tutor/mentor programs grow in Chicago and other cities. You are invited to help us improve these, create your own versions, and write new articles that we have not yet even thought of.  Visit this page and view visualizations created between 2006 and 2015 by Interns working with T/MC and T/MI.

Read new 2024 long essay showing Dan Bassill's 1993-present efforts to engage universities. click here.  Engage your own students in studying this and other presentations shown on this page, and then in creating similar visualizations and create a page like this on your own website to share your ideas. Share how your are using these. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your comments.   

Show your support with a contribution. 

View Introductions of Tutor/Mentor Institute, LLC

Intro for 3-25-2017 meeting - click here
Intro to T/MI - version 1 -  click here
Intro to T/MI - version 2- click here
Tutor/Mentor Learning Network - click here

Note: many of these PDFs still show a Merchandise Mart PO Box address. Since 2021 that has been closed. Find contact info on this page.

NEW 2024. You can now find many of these PDF visual essays on this page.

Definition of Problem - Why and Where Volunteer-Based Tutor/Mentor Programs are Most Needed

  1. Tutor/Mentor Connection Network of Purpose - Why and where tutor/mentor programs are needed, and how we support the growth of volunteer based programs in high poverty neighborhoods
  2. Tutor/Mentor, Same Words, Different Meaning - defining the terms - understand the difference between tutoring and mentoring
  3. Shoppers Guide - What Would you want to see on a tutor/mentor program web site to convince you to donate or volunteer?
  4. Tutor/Mentor Connection 4-Part Strategy-Essay;   Tutor/Mentor Connection strategy map (video of flash animation)
  6. Role of Volunteer-Based Tutor/Mentor Program – We’re all in the TO WORK Business
  7. Mentor Role in Larger Youth Development Strategy - essay on Scribd
  8. Education to Careers Blueprint shows support youth require from first grade through first job
  9. Think of Tutor/Mentor Programs as retail store delivering needed services in a neighborhood
  10. Could this be a Jobs Creating strategy to help overcome current unemployment, not just build future workers.

Understanding Availability and Distribution of Volunteer-Based Tutor/Mentor Programs in Chicago

  1. Using Internet to find resources that help support growth of volunteer-based tutor/mentor programs - T/MC On-line Resources
  2. Planning Cycle - War On  Poverty pdf
  3. No General would go to a war without a map - Understanding T/MC use of maps; 
  4. Use of maps and data to show where tutor/mentor programs are most needed
  5. Use of maps by elected leaders. Example: Illinois 7th Congressional District
  6. Use of maps: Example, Illinois 14th Senate District.
  7. Mapping high dropout schools and political districts as strategy for mobilizing votes 
  8. Instructions for using Tutor/Mentor Program Locator web site
  9. Help collect and organize information about tutor/mentor programs in Chicago area
  10. Intern, volunteer opportunity - Rest Of The Story PDF
  11. Building Tutor/Mentor Connection on college campus pdf

Case for Strategic Business Investment and Employee Involvement

    1. The Tutor/Mentor Connection Logic Model
    2. Tutor/Mentor Connection’s Theory of Change
    3. Tipping Points - actions that could dramatically change the availability of volunteer-based tutor/mentor programs
    4. Value Tutor/Mentor Connection and Tutor/Mentor Institute offer to business and Non-Profits 
    5. What will it take to assure that all youth now living in poverty are entering careers by age 25? A Workforce Development Strategy
    6. Virtual Corporate Office supporting growth of Tutor/Mentor Programs, role of corporate teams. 

 

 

Collaboration and Capacity Building

 

 

Volunteer Recruitment Strategies

 

 

How to Start and Sustain a Volunteer Based Tutor/Mentor Program

 

 

Vision and History of Tutor/Mentor Connection and Tutor/Mentor Institute, LLC

 

 

Building greater understanding of Tutor/Mentor Connection
These are PDF versions of graphics created between 1995 and 2005 to illustrate T/MC ideas. Up till July 2011 these have not been published  on-line.

1.  Tutor/Mentor Connection 4-part strategy - PDF  1995 version

2.  Tutor/Mentor Institute, LLC, Tutor/Mentor Connection 4-part strategy

3.  View visualizations by IIT Interns showing 4-part strategy

 

 

How do We Evaluate Impact?

 

 

Research and Recommended Reading

 

 

Presentations from past Tutor/Mentor Leadership and Networking Conferences

  1. Introduction to Tutor/Mentor Connection, Jan 5, 2012 to Rotary Club members in Chicago
  2. Building Support - Strategies of Tutor/Mentor Connection, Oct. 4,2011  Loyola University
  3. Introduction to Tutor/Mentor Connection,  Drop Out Prevention Conference workshop, 10/10/2011
  4. Tutor/Mentor Connection, April 8, 2010 presentation in Lafayette County, IN
  6. Lawyers Lend A Hand 2005 strategy presentation - http://www.tutormentorexchange.net/images/PDF/corboy-presentation2.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many of these can be found on Scribd.com

Many are also available on Slideshare.com/tutormentor)