How to Market an After School Mentoring Program
Mentoring programs give young people the tools they need to develop into leaders. Mentors are role models who encourage and support students at your school. Strive to market a long-term mentoring program and emphasize the need for dedicated mentors. According the article, "Recruiting Mentors in Out of School Time Programs: What's Involved?" long-term relationships between mentors and students at your school can have positive results; however, programs that last for three months or shorter may yield negative results.
Instructions
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Send a letter home to parents. Introduce the mentoring program, discuss the need for volunteers and include contact information so potential volunteers can call or e-mail.
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Announce the mentoring program during a PTA meeting. Discuss the mentoring program benefits and explain how the program will help students. Ask parents, friends and business associates to volunteer. Explain the time commitment and invite PTA members to sign up. Bring a sign-up list.
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Organize an orientation session and advertise it in your local newspaper and online. Many newspapers offer free advertisements for non-profit organizations. Submit your advertisement at least two weeks before the orientation session. Contact the newspaper to request advertising guidelines and submit it for inclusion in the community calendar of events.
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Send letters to community organizations. Describe the mentoring program and request volunteers. Offer to speak about the program during a meeting. There are many potential members in your local chamber of commerce and civic organizations like Rotary International and the Kiwanis Club.
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Post the need for volunteers on the school website. Write a short message and include contact information. Respond quickly to all inquiries.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit school sign image by sonya etchison from Fotolia.com
