Volunteer Opportunity – Mentor
A Mentor is a positive role model who meets the same Dreamer on
a one-to-one basis for an extended period of time. Under the supervision
of a Project Coordinator, the Mentor/Dreamer relationship begins
with an initial matching either at the student’s home or in
a location in the Dreamer’s community. The Project Coordinator,
Mentor, and Dreamer will review and evaluate the relationship on
an on-going basis thereafter.
Mentor Responsibilities:
- To establish a relationship with one Dreamer for one year
- To act as a positive role model, providing guidance, support
and encouragement
- To participate in IHAD regular or special events, as feasible
- To provide Dreamer with exposure to professional work situations
whenever possible
- To expose Dreamer to new ideas and concepts
- Monthly oral and written contact with the Project Coordinator
- To plan and schedule age-appropriate activities with Dreamer
- To document any pertinent information regarding interactions
with the Dreamer related to his/her growth
- To follow the guideline for Mentors as discussed at the training
sessions
- To present a positive role model to dreamer at all times.
- To respect confidentiality of any information learned regarding
the student and/or the student’s family.
- To make every effort to attend all meetings and in-service
trainings offered by IHAD.
- To comply with all policies and procedures set forth by IHAD
through the volunteer manual and code of ethics.
- To notify Project Coordinator of any issues, changes in availability
for volunteer service or resignation as a volunteer.
Time Commitment:
- To contact and meet with your Dreamer on a regular basis. This
means a minimum of phone/email contact once every two weeks and
visits once a month
- To participate in at least six special trips/activities each
year. These can include or incorporate the following: IHAD field
trips, workplace exploration, mutual hobbies/interests, etcSpend
at least four hours a month in person with Dreamer
- A minimum of a one year commitment (renewable annually)
Goals:
- To keep Dreamers in school
- To help Dreamers progress academically
- To expand Dreamer’s horizons through exposure to new
experiences
Reporting:
- Mentor will complete a brief written summary of what occurred
during each personal contact made with the Dreamer; these should
be given to the Project Coordinator or filled out online on a
monthly basis
- Project Coordinator will make contact with the Mentor from
time to time to discuss the progress of the relationship
Training and Support Plan:
- Mentor will attend a three-hour orientation and training session,
to familiarise them with IHAD policies and discuss the various
stages involved in developing a relationship with the Dreamer
- Mentor will be provided with information by the Project Coordinator
on the Dreamer’s background and resources
- Mentor will be provided with ongoing support from the Project
Coordinator
Qualifications:
- Mentor must be 18 years old
- Mentor must have transportation with proof of insurance and
valid driver’s license
- Mentor should be willing to work with children from different
backgrounds than his/her own
- Mentor should be patient, empathetic, and be willing to promote
the social and educational success of youth
Benefits:
- Attain the self satisfaction of assisting a child to succeed
- Time spent with Dreamer may be applied to meeting community
service hours
- This may improve or develop professional skills that may be
included on a resume, such as oral and written communication and
leadership skills
Mentor Placement Process
Mentorship is an important role in the life of a child. To ensure
that this placement is a good one we will spend a good deal of time
interviewing and training you. We hope that the energy put into
this will make the match with a dreamer a good one and you and your
dreamer will both enjoy the new mentorship. Below is the detailed
process. (This process can take 2-6 weeks, on average 4 weeks.)
The Selection Process Includes the Following Steps:
1. Fill out and sign the volunteer application form in full (including
at least two referees)
2. Include a photocopy of your drivers licence and car insurance
(if applicable)
3. Sign the Police Background Check Consent Form
4. Sign the Code of Ethics
5. Complete a mandatory 3 hour orientation and mentor training session
6. Complete a Personal Interview Questionnaire.
7. Complete a 1-2 hour extensive personal interview with the IHAD
Project Co-ordinator
8. Approval of volunteer placement by the Project Co-ordinator after
a screening of the above documents
9. Meet the dreamer, his/her family and sign mentor agreement committing
to 1 year of mentorship
To get started, complete a Volunteer
Application Pack, or request a pack via email at info@ihaveadream.org.nz
, or call +64 9 620-5411.
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