WHY MENTOR?

“I always tell people that [my mentee and her family] do more for me than I could ever do for them. Through them I’ve learned and practiced resiliency, empathy, patience, and commitment. I would encourage others to get involved because it truly opens up your worldview. It will allow you to see outside yourself and also inside yourself in new ways. It will challenge you to be a better you. And it will give you the opportunity to make a real difference in a child’s life." 
- Brittany G., Volunteer Mentor
INTERESTED IN MENTORING?

We are expanding and accepting volunteers.

Complete our online application to express your interest and receive a followup from our staff.

Read on to learn about application requirements, enrollment process, and more. 

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Explore the various volunteer roles available with the

Youth Mentoring Program to find your best fit.

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Virtual Mentor

OVERVIEW

Virtual Mentors are matched one on one with students and connect twice a week for 40 minutes at a time over Zoom. Virtual mentors have access to view student’s online learning portal and are responsible for guiding and supporting students through their weekly learning assignments and learning goals. Virtual mentors provide consistent and reliable support to students as they navigate the new online learning environment, while also offering a personalized human connection to meet student’s social-emotional needs through this time

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about role requirements

Learning Lab Mentor

OVERVIEW

Mentors at the Learning Lab will provide support to students who are referred to the learning lab for additional in-person support once a week for a 2 hour shift, with staff on site to assist. Learning Lab Mentors may be paired with an individual student for intensive intervention, asked to lead small group activities, or simply float between students as needed to foster a supportive and productive learning space. The Refugee Response Learning Lab is scheduled to open in October 2020 in Cleveland’s Ohio City.


Learn more about safety standards and protocols at the Learning Lab here.

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about role requirements

Transport Volunteers

OVERVIEW

Transport Volunteers commit to transporting students and their families between home and the Learning Lab in their personal vehicle following proper safety guidelines for a set shift each week. 

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The transport hours will align with the Learning Lab hours of operation. Individuals may apply exclusively for this role or pair it with Learning Lab Mentor role to receive a transport shift that immediately precedes or follows with their mentoring at the Lab.

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about role requirements

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STRONG MENTOR CANDIDATES

  • Are reliable and able to maintain a consistent schedule. 

  • Are comfortable facilitating student learning in a variety of subjects.

  • Remain committed and resilient despite challenges.

  • Are willing to maintain the relationship even when things don’t go as planned. 

  • Are able to commit to the program through June 2021. 

  • Are flexible and creative problem solvers

  • Put the student’s perspectives and needs before their own ambitions

  • Are willing to communicate with program staff, comply with program requirements, and take advantage of training and resource opportunities to provide quality mentoring.

New Mentor Enrollment Timeline

I.
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APPLY
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Fill out an Application to express your interest in volunteering for the 2020-2021 cycle. You will see a confirmation upon submission to verify it was received by our team.

II.
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INTERVIEW WITH A MEMBER OF OUR STAFF

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Our staff will invite you to schedule an interview with us over video chat, using Zoom. This will provide an opportunity for us to get to know you better, provide you with more information about the program, and address any questions you may have.

 

Individuals who clear this step will be asked to proceed with providing additional documentation relevant to their desired volunteer role, including program waivers, policy agreements, driver’s license (if applicable) and authorization to conduct a background check. These can all be completed though a simple online form.

III.
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COMPLETE OUR ONLINE TRAINING COURSE
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All program volunteers will need to complete a series of short trainings to prepare them for their selected role. These trainings will introduce volunteers to program policies, safety protocols, best practices, and the many support resources available during their time with the program. Trainings will be available online and can be completed on volunteer’s own time within 1-2 weeks.

IV.
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STUDENT MATCHING AND PROGRAM START
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Mentors who have cleared all stages of the onboarding process will receive finalized schedules and student match information at least a week before they begin. Mentors will receive access to the Mentoring Communication Platform to connect with other program volunteers and easily communicate with program staff throughout their assignment.

 
ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Expand your horizons in Cleveland's own backyard. Become a mentor to a
resettled refugee youth.

 
QUESTIONS?

We're here to help.

If you have any questions about the Mentor enrollment process or requirements, please reach out to Alexandra for guidance.

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Alexandra Magearu

Mentor Support Coordinator II

Alexandra@RefugeeResponse.org