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Frequently Asked Questions
What
is a Mentor?
A mentor is someone who, along with parents, provides young people
with support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement and constructive
example. Mentors are good listeners, people who care, people who
want to help young people bring out strengths that are already there.
What does a Mentor do?
A mentor helps connect children and youth with resources, safe places
and structured activities. As well, mentors provide a positive role
model, assistance in obtaining a marketable skill through support
of education, and an opportunity to give back through community
service.
Why being a Mentor is important?
Young people are looking for someone to listen and support them.
Things that may seem easy to you are often mysterious to young people.
Providing guidance and structure to a young person allows them an
opportunity to develop self-esteem and self-confidence.
Who needs Mentors?
All children can benefit from positive role models. However, some
children need mentors more than others. These young people do not
have positive adults or peers in their families and need to reach
outside their home for positive guidance. These children may exhibit
one or more of these signs: negative family or peer relationships,
problems in school performance, substance abuse, or legal concerns.
What are some things I should consider if I want to be a
Mentor?
There are a variety of things for you to consider, including the
age and number of youth you want to work with elementary, middle
school, or high school age children; one youth or several. (There
is a difference between mentoring one child one-on-one versus coaching
a group of young people). Also, consider the setting that you may
want to mentor in school, community, or business.
How much time is required to be a Mentor?
The time commitment can vary depending upon the program that you
become involved with, however it is highly recommended that a mentor
and mentee have meetings on a weekly basis for one hour, lasting
at least nine months to a year. This time commitment provides the
opportunity for a positive consistent relationship to develop.