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Me? A Mentor? Yes,
you! It's really simple. All you need to do is have fun with a young person doing stuff you already do or want to do - play
games, go swimming, see a movie, attend a festival, bake cookies, make crafts, listen to music. Whatever. You decide! Share
something old or discover something new together.
What's in it for me? For
3-4 hours a week you get to feel like a kid again! The new perspective you gain as a mentor will brighten your world. Even
better, you'll make a big difference in your community and in the life of a child. You'll enjoy the satisfaction of helping
a young person improve their social skills, self-confidence, academic performance and interactions with peers, parents and
teachers. Kids matched with mentors are more likely to finish high school and less likely to use drugs/alcohol or become involved
in crime.
People who volunteer tend to be better able to handle stress with a positive outlook. They usually feel energized
when they return to other responsibilities after volunteering. Volunteers develop new interpersonal skills which enhance communication,
teamwork and cross-functional relationships. They experience higher morale, renewed enthusiasm and meaningful improvements
in their own mental and physical health.
How do I know I'll get along with this kid? We get to know
you first so we can find the best match for you. We do our best to match you with a child or youth based on your common interests,
personality, time considerations and geography.
Can I really do this? I don't know much about kids, is that okay? Yes!
If you can be a good friend, you can be a great Mentor. Your enthusiasm and interest will more than compensate if you
feel you lack experience working with kids. Behind the scenes, you'll have staff cheering you on and helping you out if you
need it.
Can my spouse and I be matched with 1 kid? Yes, we have
Big Couples matched with Little Brothers and Little Sisters.
How much is this going
to cost me? Being a Mentor is absolutely free - other than providing your enthusiasm and sharing a little time.
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