Who can participate? Volunteers may be high school junior or senior, or an adult volunteer (18 years of age or older) who provides a positive mentoring relationship for a youth.
Process to become a mentor
Screening Process: A face to face interview with the Mentoring Coordinator takes place after orientation materials have been reviewed. Submission of completed volunteer application and authorization to access criminal records, child abuse registry check, sex offender check, driving record check, and four character references are mandatory for all potential mentors.
**Satisfactory reports on these references must be received before a volunteer will be matched.
Training: Mentors are trained after screenings have taken place. This in-depth training session can be done on an individual basis or in groups. They can also be done on location for students or businesses participating in the project.
Primary Responsibilities
- Pairs will meet for at least 4 hours per month during the school year. Summer meetings are recommended, but optional.
- Establish a relationship that encourages a positive lifestyle.
- Be dependable and on time for all scheduled appointments together. If you need to cancel, please make sure you notify the other party (mentee/parents/school or the mentor).
- Always maintain confidentiality in accordance with established One On One program policy.
- Immediately notify One On One project staff of any problems with the assigned match.
Support
Introductions of Mentor and Mentee
Meeting new people can sometimes be a bit scary for everyone. That is why we set up an introduction meeting with the mentor, mentee, parents, and mentoring coordinator. At this meeting we will all get to know each other better and we will go over important information: meeting guidelines, scheduling, and contact information will be exchanged.
Support & Activities
The Mentoring Coordinator provides monthly check-ins to support mentors and mentees. This provides mentors a chance to communicate how things are going with the match. Activity ideas, additional training, or event passes may also be shared.
Time Requirements
Application process
- Orientation, interview, and completion of forms, & training: 2 hours
Once matched
- Meetings with mentee: Minimum of 4 hours per month.
- Ongoing training/support/special activities: On a periodic basis.
- Complete end of the year evaluation of the program (all participants).
- Mentors only: Required reporting: keep track of date and amount of time spent with mentee, and turn in quarterly to the Mentoring Coordinator.
