2026-2027 Drawing & Truth (DAT) Mentor Volunteer

What is DAT?

DAT is a trauma-informed, creative arts-based group mentorship program focused on emotional healing, creative expression, and identity development for youth ages 13 to 18. The group aims to support young survivors of gender-based violence and other forms of harm to engage in introspective work and develop restorative dynamics. Leveraging the mentor-mentee relationship, we utilize 1-1 mentoring and group activities focused on relationship building and identity development to increase:

• Self-Awareness: Helping mentees understand their emotions, strengths, and areas for growth.
• Resilience: Building coping strategies and resilience to navigate challenges.
• Healthy Relationships: Encouraging positive interactions and communication skills.
• Empowerment: Fostering a sense of agency and confidence in mentees.
• Community Engagement: Promoting involvement in community activities and support networks. Engage in community storytelling and artistic expression.

Key components of the DAT Program:

• Art as Healing: Creative activities as tools for reflection and empowerment
• Mentorship: Diverse adult mentors providing support, modeling, and guidance
• Community: Inclusive, culturally sensitive space fostering authentic relationships
• Developmentally Responsive: Addresses the unique emotional and social challenges of high school-aged teens

Key Responsibilities

• Mentors will serve as consistent and caring role models to foster intentional and meaningful relationships one-on-one with high school-aged teens.
• Mentors will listen and engage in sensitive conversations using a mature, empathetic, and judgment-free approach (conversations relating to mentee identity, relationships, family boundaries, safety, mental health, and personal experiences may come up). Mentors should practice confidentiality, cultural humility, and trauma-informed care.
• Mentors may have to navigate conversations that may be uncomfortable, emotional, or different from their own experiences and beliefs. Mentors are responsible for providing supportive and consistent care through actively listening, validating the mentees' experiences, respecting their identity and boundaries, and helping maintain a safe and respectful environment. During these conversations, mentors should be mindful about their own reactions and biases.
• Mentees should maintain appropriate mentor-mentee boundaries, respecting confidentiality and privacy.
• Mentors will use check-in prompts, group drawing, affirmations, and/or grounding games to foster deep reflection and relationship building one-on-one. Check-ins may include grabbing coffee, going on a walk, making vision boards, journaling, drawing, making playlists, etc. Guides, prompts, and activity ideas will be provided to mentors and mentees for group and one-on-one engagement.
• Mentors will also co-lead group activities and participate in weekly mentor debriefs.
• DAT staff are available to support mentors, help navigate challenging conversations, and step in whenever additional support is needed.

Time Commitment

• Duration: Mid-October 2026 to mid-May 2027
• Weekly Meetings: Every Saturday 12-4/4:15 pm (excludes DOE and national holidays; a schedule will be shared ahead of time)
• Group Outings: Occasional group outings including a roller skate trip and the DAT graduation ceremony

Location

• Womankind Queens Community Office: 36-36 33rd St, Suite #306, Long Island City, NY 11106 (accessible by the E, F, N, R, and W trains)

Requirements

• 18+ years of age
• Deep commitment to Womankind’s mission
• Basic understanding of gender-based violence (GBV) and care for working with children
• Interview with Womankind staff
• New volunteer onboarding before starting role (background checks, confidentiality forms, etc.)
• Be:
  • Respectful, open, approachable, and non-judgmental
  • Consistent, reliable, empathetic, and caring
  • Comfortable with creativity, even if not “artistic”
  • Grounded, calm, mature, and present, especially during serious and emotional conversations
  • Mindful of one's own reactions, biases, and privileges
• Attend:
  • ALL sessions and outings, and show up on time
  • Virtual New Womankind Volunteer Orientation on September 14th from 6-8 pm
  • In-person DAT Mentor Orientation + Meet and Greet on October 3rd from 11 am-2 pm

How to Apply

Please complete the following by Friday, September 4th:

• Submit a DAT Mentor application at Womankind's Drawing and Truth (DAT) Mentor Application 2026 – Fill out form.
• Email your resume to volunteer@iamwk.org with the email subject line that includes your full name and “DAT Mentor Application Resume”

Applicants will be screened and connected to the Children and Youth Specialist to schedule an interview.