Mentor Iowa mentors are one of the most diverse group of volunteers that you will ever be a part of. Mentors range in age from 20 – 72. Some are professionals, others are homemakers, retirees, or students. While some volunteers are married, many others are single. Married couples or good friends can mentor a child as a team, or they can each be matched individually.
All volunteer mentors inherently possess the 2 most significant mentor requirements:
– The ability to become a friend
– The desire to make a difference in the life of a child
Starting a friendship with a child can be challenging but can be built by:
– Time and commitment
– Giving freely of time
– Accepting the child “as they are”
Mentors are loyal friends and wise advisors, however; to do so you must first gain the child’s trust. Earning trust takes weeks and sometimes months to achieve. That is why maintaining regular and consistent contact with your match is one key to success.
Mentor Requirements
Due to the unique population we serve, Mentor Iowa has a thorough screening and training process that all prospective mentors must complete before being matched:
– Interview/Application process
– Background Checks
– Reference Checks
– Orientation/Training Class
Please note: The children in our program are used to instability and uncertainty in their lives, for that reason, we ask that our mentors are able to make a 1 year commitment once becoming matched with their mentee.
Other Volunteer Opportunities Available with Mentor Iowa
Group Volunteers: Volunteers who are not available to provide one-on-one time to a child. These volunteers are assigned a child from the waiting list to take to a group activity, they are also called upon if a regular mentor is unavailable and their mentee wants to attend a group activity. In essence, group volunteers are “mentors for a day.” Group Volunteers must complete the regular Mentor Iowa requirements/training for mentors.
Event Volunteers: Mentor Iowa needs volunteers to help with a variety of different special events throughout the year. Examples where volunteers are needed include: holiday parties, fundraising events, and group activities.
Board Members: Board members are individuals interested in the administration of the organization and helping the children we serve. Board meetings are held over the lunch hour on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month.. Mentor Iowa Board members serve 3 year terms.
Call the Mentor Iowa office at 515-277-9797 to start the process of becoming a volunteer with our organization.