Children from the I Have a Dream program walking up Rangitoto Island.
 
 

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Volunteer - Mentor

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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.