How to Become a Mentor in North Carolina
The North Carolina Mentoring Partnership defines mentors as adults providing young people with friendship, support and counsel. There are other examples of mentors in North Carolina as well, including veteran employees serving as mentors for less-experienced workers. However, many community organizations in North Carolina focus on helping adults mentor young people. The mentor is expected to be a friend and confidant, but isn't expect to act as a foster parent or a therapist.
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Instructions
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Confirm that you have the time to commit to mentoring. The North Carolina Commission On Volunteerism and Community Service reports that some people commit to assignments as mentors for six months or longer, although shorter arrangements are possible.
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Make a list of personal qualities and skills that would make you a good mentor in North Carolina. You are likely to be asked about this when you formally apply to become a mentor. Superior listening skills could be a valuable trait. Or, your experience growing up on public assistance in North Carolina could help you relate to young people currently in that situation.
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Find a community organization in North Carolina seeking mentors. Visit the website for The National Mentoring Partnership to search for opportunities. Nonprofit and community organizations post mentoring opportunities in the national database. Visit the website and enter a North Carolina zip code to search. A search in December 2010 showed opportunities for mentoring young people from a variety of backgrounds, including young people who were pregnant, in foster care or who were the children of a parent serving in the military.
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Apply to become a mentor at a North Carolina nonprofit or community organization. Select the organization of your choice -- from the National Mentoring Partnership database or from your own local research.
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Contact local organizations looking for mentors by seeking referrals from community organizations in North Carolina such as the United Way, Urban League or Salvation Army. Or contact local churches. Call the organization and ask for information on volunteering to become a mentor. Each organization will have its own application process. Generally, to be approved you must visit the organization for an interview, during which you will be asked to discuss your background and interest in mentoring. You may be asked for a resume and references, and will be required to pass a criminal background and fingerprint check. You are also usually required to complete a mentor-training program offered by the agency.
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