How Do I Become a Mentor? It's Easy!
So, the idea of being a positive role model to a young man or woman is exciting and now you are wondering, "How do I do this anyway?"
If you have heard enough about this opportunity and want to take your interest further, we will set up an interview with you. It gives us time to find out more about you and your interests in mentoring. You can also learn more about how the program works and its requirements.
First, you will be asked to complete an application, and then we will call you to set up an interview. A typical interview lasts about 30 minutes and is conducted at our local offices. Please See Contacts/Locations page.
Following the interview, your application and interview will be evaluated. If everything looks good, we will register you with SafetyNET, for a statewide criminal record check. A Motor Vehicle Record from the DMV is also required. Several other forms such as a liability waiver must be signed.
As you would guess, the screening process for anyone working with children is thorough. The safety of our mentees is paramount.
Ok, the paperwork is done, now what?
If you have passed all of the necessary record checks, the next step is training. Training schedules are posted by location on our calendar. This mandatory training session, led by a qualified instructor from The Virginia Mentoring Partnership, will cover the important aspects of mentoring from that "icebreaker" on the first day to planning to a list of activities for you and your mentee. It's a great way to learn about the program and meet the other mentors.
I've interviewed, screened and trained, what's next?
The most exciting part of all - you get to meet your mentee!
We will have a special "Mentor-Mentee Match Kick-off Party" where all of the mentors will meet that boy or girl who was matched with them. You will get to "break the ice" with your mentee, talk, play games, register for door prizes and eat pizza! You will also meet the parent or guardian of your mentee and learn more about their family life.
The party's over, now...
You will be meeting with your mentee for two hours each week during the next year. It''s just the start of sharing memorable times together. Just remember: We will be supporting you each week along the way, assuring that you and your mentee get the encouragement and guidance that you need.
That's the bottom line!
