Information for mentors
Have you thought about volunteering to be a mentor to a young person? There are a number of organisations working in our communities looking for volunteers to mentor the young people they work with to provide the support, guidance, and positive role models they need to thrive.
The mentoring role
Walking 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.
FAQs
What is a mentor?
Mentoring aims to provide a purposeful, structured and trusting relationship, that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement. A mentor is not a replacement for a parent, nor are they a counsellor or teacher. They are a sounding board and confidant to the young person.
While every mentoring programme has a different role description for their mentors they all have one common goal and that is to help a young person fulfil their own potential and discover their strengths.
What is the role of a mentor?
While every mentoring programme has a different role description for their mentors they all have one common goal and that is to help a young person fulfil their own potential and discover their strengths.
Who can become a mentor?
Any caring adult can become a mentor no matter their life experiences. Characteristics they should possess include good listening and communications skills, patience and being willing to provide support and encouragement to their young person.
How can I find a mentoring programme near me?
Search the list of mentoring providers on this website
Check your local Citizens Advice Bureau
Check the Family Services Directory
What can I expect in the recruitment process?
As with any role, becoming a mentor will require you to complete a recruitment process. Expect to be asked to:
complete a written application form
take part in an interview
provide a minimum of two referees
Permit a police check to to be carried out
provide proof of identity and place of residence
Will I receive training?
Any organisation for which you volunteer should provide you with an orientation session and some form of training before you start mentoring. In some programmes this training is provided in-house while other programs utilise the NZ Youth Mentoring Networks training programmes. The training helps you become more confident in the role and understand the programme that they're joining.
How long do I need to commit to a programme?
Most programmes require a minimum of 12 months commitment to the programme and includes meeting with your mentee once a week for 1-2 hours.
How does mentoring help?
There has been a great deal of international research carried out on the benefits of mentoring to a young person. Research by Tierney and Grossman1 and Dubois et al2 has shown that young mentees are less likely to become involved in criminal activity, drug and alcohol abuse or to leave school early. Instead they are more likely to have improved academic performance and have better relationships with their teachers and family compared to their peers who are not mentored.
Mentoring stories
Check out our blog for stories from around the motu about mentoring, mentoring programmes, success stories and inspiration.
