MALE MENTORS NEEDED

The M.E.N. Incorporated Mentoring Program of Houston helps to empower young men in our community to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their potential. The mentoring program uses adult volunteers to commit to supporting, guiding, and being a friend to a young man for a period of at least one year. By becoming part of the social network of adults and community members who care about the youth, the mentor can help youth develop and reach positive academic, career, and personal goals.

Mentor Role

• Take the lead in supporting a young man through an ongoing, one-to-one relationship
• Serve as a positive role model and friend
• Build the relationship by planning and participating in activities together
• Strive for mutual respect
• Build self-esteem and motivation
• Help set goals and work toward accomplishing them

Time Commitment

• Make a one-year commitment
• Spend a minimum of six hours per month one-to-one with a mentee
• Communicate with the mentee weekly
• Attend an initial training session and additional training sessions during each year of participation in the program
• Attend optional mentor/mentee group events, mentor support groups, and program recognition events

Participation Requirements

• Be at least 25 years old
• Reside in Houston metro area
• Be interested in working with young men, Be willing to adhere to all program policies and procedures, Be willing to complete the application and screening process
• Be dependable and consistent in meeting the time commitments
• Attend mentor training sessions
• Be willing to communicate regularly with program staff, submit activity information, and take constructive feedback regarding mentoring activities
• Have access to an automobile, auto insurance, and a good driving record
• Have a clean criminal history, No use of illicit drugs
• No use of alcohol or controlled substances in an inappropriate manner
• Not currently in treatment for substance abuse and have a non-addictive period of at least five years, Not currently in treatment for a mental disorder or hospitalized for such in the past three years

Desirable Qualities

• Willing listener
• Encouraging and supportive
• Patient and flexible
• Tolerant and respectful of individual differences

Benefits

• Personal fulfillment through contribution to the community and individuals
• Satisfaction in helping someone mature, progress, and achieve goals
• Training sessions and group activities
• Participation in a mentor support group
• Mileage and expenses are tax deductible
• Personal ongoing support, supervision to help the match succeed
• Mentee/mentor group activities, complimentary tickets to community events, participant recognition events

Application and Screening Process

• Written/typewritten application
• Criminal history check: state, child abuse and neglect registry, sexual offender registry
• Personal interview, Provide two personal references, Attend mentor training