Seeking Former Middle Schoolers- join our mentor team!

The Youth Group Mentoring Program is a space where young people, in partnership with supportive adults and with each other, build on their inherent strengths and capacity for leadership. Adult volunteers commit to being in relationship with a small group of young people in order to support their learning, exploration, and development. Mentors become part of these young people’s network of support as they pursue personal and collective goals and grow into active participants in civic and community life.

Mentor Role

Mentors will work in pairs with a small group of 3-5 young people between the ages of 12 and 18, with whom they will attend weekly programming. Exact programming dates are to be determined; however, mentors commit to a relationship with their group September–June.

Mentors work together to support young people in the following ways:

• Build an ongoing supportive relationship by participating in both small- and large-group activities with 3-5 young people in grades 7-12.
• Facilitate conversations and activities with their mentees.
• Manage group dynamics to ensure that each young person has opportunities for growth and connection in a safe and supportive environment.
• Act as guide, cheerleader, and sounding board during projects, empowering young people to take the lead in their own learning.
• Serve as a positive role model and friend.
• Recognize and focus on the unique strengths of each mentee.
• Attend bi-monthly outings.
• Provide transportation to field trips and group meetings.
• Take the lead on communicating with young people’s parents/guardians in order to coordinate schedules and logistics related to programming.

Time Commitment

• Attend weekly 90-minute sessions with a small group of adolescents, September–June; mentors work in pairs and each mentor commits to missing no more than three meetings in the program year.
• Participate in at least 4 of the 6 outings.
• Agree to attend mentor trainings as required, including but not limited to a three-hour program orientation and at least one anti-racism training throughout the year.
• Communicate with mentees weekly.
• Communicate regularly with the program coordinator, including monthly check-ins and email or phone communication as needed.

Mentor Eligibility Requirements

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Be willing to adhere to all Simpson Mentoring Program policies and procedures.
• Commit to all Simpson values, including a commitment to personal and systemic anti-racist work.
• Complete and pass the screening procedure.
• Be willing to communicate regularly with the program coordinator and submit monthly meeting and activity information.
• Have access to an automobile or reliable transportation.
• Have a current driver’s license, auto insurance with acceptable level of coverage, and a good driving record.
• Have a clean criminal history.
• Have never been accused, arrested, charged, or convicted of child abuse or molestation

Qualifications

• Willing listener.
• Ability to notice strengths and maintain an attitude of hope in the midst of challenges.
• Encouraging and supportive.
• Patient and flexible; willing to try new things and make and learn from mistakes.
• Open and respectful of individual differences.
• Reliable and consistent.

Benefits

• Opportunity to build authentic connections with community and individuals.
• Enjoyment and learning that comes with building a relationship with young people.
• Training around positive youth work, homelessness issues, anti-racism, and more.
• Mentor/mentee group activities, complimentary tickets to community events, participation in group celebration of time in the program.
• Personal ongoing support and supervision to help the match succeed.