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What is a Mentor?
For the purpose of the Youth Mentoring Network, mentoring aims to provide a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement.
(Adapted from Mentor/National Mentoring Partnership and Robyn Hartley?s ?Young people and mentoring: towards a national strategy? 2004 Report)
The 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.
What is the role of a mentor?
While every mentoring program has a different job description for their mentors they all have one common goal and that is to help a young person fulfil his or her 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 be willing to provide support and encouragement to their young mentee.
Where does mentoring take place?
Mentoring can take place in a number of settings these include, within the community; at schools; in the work place, through a faith based organisation or virtually by using email.
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TYPES OF MENTORING |
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Community Based Mentoring
Community based mentoring is usually one to one mentoring where the mentor shows the mentee different social experiences with their local community. These activities can include, going to the movies, parks, playing sport, career exploration, assisting with their homework and teaching them life skills.
School Based Mentoring
School based mentoring takes place at the mentee's school either during school hours or immediately after. School based programs usually target students at risk of leaving school early, though some schools do open the program to anyone wanting to participate. The activities the mentoring pair partakes in can include tutoring, career exploration, playing games and sports.
Faith Based
Faith based programs are usually attached to a religious organisation or place of worship. The values of the religion are reflected in the programs mission and purpose. The activities that take place in these programs are those similar to community based programs. While the programs may be affiliated with a religious organisation most will include participants from the whole community and not only form within their congregation.
Business mentoring
Business mentoring programs work with companies who want to give something back to the local community in which they are working in. The programs usually take place in the work place and include activities such as tutoring, job shadowing, and career exploration.
E-Mentoring
Electronic mentoring uses technology to connect the mentor and the mentee. These programs are used in situations were the mentees are in isolated areas or where there are time constraints. The mentors and mentees communicate through messages using a system similar to email. Messages are monitored by the program. |
How can you find a mentoring program in your area?
By clicking on the 'How to be a Mentor' section at the top of this page you will be able to locate a program in your local area.
What can I expect in the recruitment process?
As with any job, becoming a mentor will require you to complete a recruitment process. Expect to be asked to:
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complete a written application form |
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take part in an interview |
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provide a minimum of two character references |
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Permit a criminal record check (national police check) to be carried out. |
What is Criminal Record Check?
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a check of relevant criminal records; |
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a check of relevant Apprehended Violence Orders; and |
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a check of relevant employment proceedings |
Do you receive training?
Any organisation for which you volunteer should provide you with an orientation session and some form of training before you starting mentoring. In some programs this training is provided in-house while other programs utilise the TAFE system and have their mentors complete an 8-week accredited course. The training helps you become more confident in the role and understand the program that they're joining.
How long do you need to commit to a program?
Most programs require a minimum of 12 months commitment to the program and includes meeting with your mentee once a week for 1-2 hours. If you are in a community based program you can be asked to spend up to 4 hours a week with your mentee.
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. | 
