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Big Brother/Big Sister (Mentor)

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Volunteer opportunity name

Big Brother/Big Sister (Mentor)

Intended job posting audience

General public

Language

Languages

  • En

Volunteer Opportunity Title

Big Brother/Big Sister (Mentor)

Areas of Interest

  • Education And Child Care
  • Other
  • Volunteer Opportunity

Task description

Mentoring young people, either in a one-to-one or group setting, either as part of our In-School programming, or as part of our Community based programming based on your realistic availability,

Minimum Age

18

Skills needed

A clean criminal record & vulnerable sector check is required, some additional skills for successful mentorship include:
-Active Listening
-Empathy
-Communication Skills, verbal & non-verbal
-Patience
-Problem-Solving
-Motivational Skills
-Adaptability
-Cultural Competence
-Networking Skills
-Goal-Setting Guidance
-Feedback and Validation
-Conflict Resolution
-Role Modelling
-Commitment and Reliability
-Knowledge and Expertise

Suitabilities (Ideal For)

  • Entry level

Responsibilities

-Guidance: Mentors provide direction & advice based on their own experiences, helping Mentees navigate challenges, make informed decisions related to their personal growth & advocacy.
-Support: They offer emotional & practical support, encouraging Mentees to pursue their goals, providing reassurance during difficult times.
-Knowledge Sharing: Mentors share their expertise & insights, helping Mentees develop new skills, expanding their understanding from academics to artwork & environmental awareness.
-Feedback: Constructive feedback is vital for growth. Mentors should offer honest assessments of the Mentee's, helping them recognize strengths & areas for improvement in positive ways.
-Teamwork: Mentors may introduce Mentees to vocational skills, providing opportunities that can create job opportunities, or collaborative projects.
-Goal Setting: They assist Mentees in setting realistic & achievable goals, helping them create a road map for personal development.
-Accountability: A Mentor encourages accountability, checking in on the Mentee's progress toward their goals, helping them stay motivated & focused.
-Role Modelling: By demonstrating positive behaviours & attitudes, mentors serve as role models, giving Mentees someone to look up to.
-Listening: Mentors must be good listeners, providing a safe space for Mentees to express their thoughts & concerns without fear of judgment.
-Encouragement of Independence: While providing support, mentors also encourage Mentees to think independently, make their own decisions, develop confidence in their abilities & advocate for themselves.

Overall, a Mentor's role is to foster a trusting relationship that empowers Mentees to grow, learn & succeed in their endeavours.

Durations

Time commitment

-For our One-to-One community based mentors, we normally ask for a minimum one year commitment, evenings & weekends are normally when the "Big's & Little's" meet based on availability & will be reassessed at one year, to decide if both parties wish to stay matched.
-For our One-to-One In-School mentors, we normally ask for a commitment of a minimum of one school year, lunch hours or spare periods are normally when the "Big's & Little's" meet, these matches do not leave the school grounds, or meet off the property & do not meet during the summer break & will be reassessed at the beginning of the school year, to decide if both parties wish to stay matched. .
-For our Group In-School mentors, we normally ask for a commitment of a minimum of one school year, lunch hours are normally when the group meets, the group does not leave the school grounds, or meet off the property & do not meet during the summer break or statutory holidays.

Incentive for the volunteer

Being a mentor offers a variety of benefits for the Mentor's, Here are some examples of how rewarding it can be:
-Personal Satisfaction: Mentoring provides a sense of fulfillment & purpose. Helping someone navigate life, personal challenges or overcoming hardships can be deeply rewarding, as mentors witness the growth and progress of their Mentees.
-Developing Leadership Skills: Mentoring allows individuals to enhance their leadership & coaching abilities. It encourages active listening, empathy & effective communication, which are valuable skills in any setting.
-Personal Growth Opportunities: Mentors often expand their own growth through their relationships with Mentees. As Mentees grow together, they may introduce Mentors to new opportunities for development and growth they had not previously considered.
-Learning from Mentees: Mentorship is a two-way street. Mentors can learn new perspectives, skills & ideas from their mentees, which can lead to personal & professional growth.
-Reinforcement of Knowledge: Teaching others can solidify a mentor's own knowledge & expertise in certain ares. Explaining concepts & sharing experiences can deepen their understanding.
-Legacy & Influence: Mentors have the opportunity to shape the next generation of successful individuals. This influence can be a source of pride, as mentors contribute to the development of future leaders.
-Boosting Confidence: Supporting & guiding someone else can boost a mentor's own self-confidence. Seeing the positive impact they have on another’s life & career can reinforce their belief in their abilities.
-Emotional Rewards: The Mentor-Mentee relationship often fosters a deep bond. Mentors can experience emotional rewards from supporting someone & celebrating their achievements together.
-Skill Diversification: Mentoring can introduce Mentors to new ideas & areas of expertise, allowing them to diversify their skills & knowledge base.
-Contribution to the Community: Many mentors feel a sense of responsibility to give back to their community. Mentoring is a way to make a positive impact and support others in their journeys.

Overall, the mentoring experience can be enriching and transformative, providing mentors with both professional growth and personal satisfaction.