Be a mentor! Refugee Youth Mentoring, Austin TX

We are seeking 50 mentors to connect with Afghan youths, ages 15-24 who need extra support academically, socially or emotionally. Many need a kind and patient guide to help them learn simple but essential skills.

Do you know how to compose an email and include an attachment? That's a skill!

This is a hybrid opportunity with both in-person and online sessions.

Imagine leaving your cash-only village, where you grew your own food and could get a fifteen-cent haircut on the street corner, to start life in a city where almost everything requires card payment and every service requires an appointment.

Our program serves young men and women who were evacuated by the US Government after the fall of Kabul. Many were evacuated with their families during that period, some came later. All have legal immigration status and are ORR-eligible for services provided by the Afghan Supplemental Appropriations Act. The act provided funding for various agencies, including the Department of State and the Department of Defense, to support Operation Allies Welcome and related efforts, such as relocating individuals at risk due to the situation in Afghanistan.

In most cases, they or their parents aided US Military in Afghanistan in many ways, including acting as translators, security and paramilitary support. Afghan refugees arrive with limited English and are generally unprepared for our highly structured, fast-paced American lifestyle.

Mentors build confidence by spending time with their mentee and teaching life skills. Basic computer instruction, English conversation practice, and guidance on how to search online for entry-level jobs are all wonderful ways to share your time. Tutoring in English and Math will be important for younger people who are still in high school, preparing for important exams.

This is a very flexible opportunity, and anyone who has knowledge to share can mentor!

Mentorship Needs and Activity Examples

• Academic Tutoring
• English Conversation practice, in-person and online
• Computer Skills (Emails, Documents, Slides, Translation tools)
• College Application Prep: Prepping for TSI test, SAT test, applying at ACC
• Vocational schools - how to find and apply (Example: Skillpoint Alliance)
• Assistance looking for part-time jobs that work with a high school schedule
• Fun Activities - Bowling, Halal pizza, picnics
• How to use a public library - how to join, use public computers, print services, etc
• Public transportation instruction - Planning a trip and practice riding CapMetro together (Example take the Pick Up service to the Kramer Metro station and ride to ACC Highland)

Enrollment is ongoing, we have many youth waiting to be matched.

Expectation Summary

• Six month commitment
• Six hours per month
• Provide 3 references
• Volunteer Background Check required
• Tx Dept Family Protective Svcs training required
• Get matched with Afghan youths ages 15-24
• Online and In-person Mentor Orientations available
• Ongoing Gii program supervision
• In-home visits and mentee transportation to/from outings, as necessary for activities

Please plan to meet with your mentee once in-person, at minimum, with a goal of six in-person meetings. A minimum of six online check-ins helps you stay connected. In total, you will need about 6 hours per month to get to know your mentee and help them with their goals.

Mentors are a precious figure in a young person's life. Your gift of time and care helps young people gain the confidence they need to integrate and succeed. This age-group is often responsible for aiding their non-English speaking parents, so your mentorship could impact an entire family.

Private Group Details:

• Mentor visits can be held at a public location or at the mentee's home
• Group outings may be organized by mentors and Gii Staff
• Mentor visits can be held virtually
• Volunteers may provide gifts as appropriate