How to Become a Mentor for Kids

Mentors often choose a variety of activities to engage a child's interest.

Making a difference in a child's life only takes a few hours a week. During this time, mentors motivate and guide a child through the academic, personal and social aspects of their lives. Mentors play a pivotal role in developing a child's already existing talents and helping kids maximize their potential in a variety of areas, whether it's athletic, academic, artistic or musical. Becoming a mentor requires a sincere desire to commit time and energy to a child's life.

Instructions

1. Find an organization. Research the Internet for local organizations or nonprofit groups that match mentors with children in your area.

2. Verify that you meet the minimum qualifications. Often these organizations post requirements online or in their brochures.

3. Attend an informational meeting. This informs mentors of specific program details and expectations. The meeting often explains a mentor's responsibilities and hourly requirements.

4. Clear your schedule. Insure an appropriate amount of quality time is available.

5. Register with the organization. Fill out the appropriate paperwork necessary to interview with the mentor coordinator.

6. Complete the background clearance. Many organizations require that volunteers pass a background check prior to even meeting the organization's staff or child. This screening process helps safeguard the child's physical and emotional well-being.

7. Schedule an interview with the mentor coordinator. During this interview the coordinator evaluates your paperwork and assesses whether or not you're a good candidate for this particular organization.

8. Attend a training session. Those selected often attend a more detailed orientation welcoming mentors to the program and informing them of program guidelines. In addition, the training session also coaches individuals on how to be a mentor and gives tips as how to handle the first meeting with the child.

9. Plan for your first meeting. Select an engaging activity that will allow both of you to get to know each other and that both of you may enjoy.

References

• Mentoring.org
• Beamentor.org
• Friendsforyouth.org