Thanks for your interest in becoming a Volunteer Mentor to a young person in New Zealand. To complete the online form, you can click here.
Before you do continue to complete the online form, we'd like to make sure you know what your'e signing up for.
Young people who are looking for Mentors need a Mentor that:
- Is reliable and is ALWAYS going to turn up when agreed.
- Is committed to being a Mentor and is not going to pull-out when other priorities come along.
- Can commit to at least 12 months as a Mentor, with face to face visits at least once a fortnight.
The preferred duration and frequency of contact is once a week, and a
one hour face to face meeting - once a fortnight.
What else is required of you:
Before completing the on-line registration form you need to be aware that we will need to screen you for safety reasons. This screening includes checking for criminal history, a telephone interview, character reference, employment reference and a face to face interview. The information you provide is held in the strictest confidence.
- We can not accept anyone with past or current criminal convictions
- Most matches will be made by same gender only.
Thanks for making this important investment in New Zealand's young people. Please click here to complete the online form.
Moving alongside a young person and encouraging them to reach their potential is one of the most satisfying experiences a volunteer adult, who is genuinely interested in young people and their development, can experience.
Most adults have had older, more experienced people guiding them at different stages of their lives. The sports coach, employer, teacher, youth leader, uncle or aunt, for example, took on different roles. They might have been advocates, cheerleaders, motivators, confidants or loyal friends. A mentor takes on similar roles.
Mentors of young people encourage them to make sensible choices and to reach their personal and academic or workforce potential by being positive, non-judgmental role models themselves.
As these young people begin to feel more competent and capable, they develop confidence and will be better able to cope with the challenges they will face on the journey through adolescence to adulthood.
While the mentor's focus is always on the young person, mentorsalso benefit from the relationship. Not only do they learn more about themselves, but they also improve their knowledge and skills in:
- Planning
- Patience
- Mentoring and counselling
- Understanding young people's issues
- Understanding other cultures
- Listening
At the same time they can gain:
- Improved self-confidence
- Feelings of personal accomplishment
- Recognition from peers
- Enriched family lives
- More effective communication skills
- A greater sense of caring, enjoyment and friendship
- Increased networks as they bond with other mentors
- Improved interpersonal skills
Mentors of young people are making a positive, invaluable investment in the future of local and wider communities, yet having fun at the same time!
