MENTORING VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION
REACH Ministries is seeking Christian men and women called by God to be spiritual examples and leaders to young people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. We ask that you actively walk with Jesus Christ and be open to developing a personal relationship with a young person dealing with a life-threatening illness. Mentors must be willing to share life experiences, to commit, listen, offer support and share the hope one can have through Jesus Christ.
COMMITMENT REQUIRED
- Complete the REACH mentoring application.
- Attend two portions of training: The 2-hour Mentor Training (offered in the spring or fall), and the 5.5-hour REACH Camp training in the summer.
- Be interviewed by REACH staff.
- Spend at least 2 hours every other week with the teen/child. Talk on the phone in the "off" week.
- Commit to being a mentor for a minimum of one year. If the mentor is out of town for an extended period of time, he/she will stay in contact through letters or phone calls.
- Establish a relationship with the parent(s) to build trust.
- Attend periodic mentor support meetings.
REACH reserves the right of final acceptance or rejection of all potential mentors based on training, interviews, or references.
STEPS TOWAD ESTABLISHING A MENTOR RELATIONSHIP
How will I be matched up with my youth?
Upon completion of the application, training, and interview, a compatible same-gender
youth will be assigned to you by the REACH staff.
What will I do as a REACH mentor?
- Establish a relationship: We suggest that you set up regular times to see your youth and that you talk on the phone weekly. For example, talk on the phone every Thursday night and walk to get Slurpees every other Sunday.
- Spontaneity: There can be additional outings, like a spur-of-the-moment movie, church or a brief visit. Consistency and upholding commitments are of utmost importance.
When does this relationship end?
We expect a year commitment from each of our mentors. We hope for two-year
commitments, but that will be decided by you and your youth, with the guidance of the
Holy Spirit.
What are the boundaries?
Avoid being completely alone with your youth. If at all possible, be within
eyeshot of somebody at all times. Depending on his/her background, your youth may
have been exposed to many things and everything we do needs to be done with integrity
and be above reproach. Don't spend time together inside his/her house or sitting in the
car. Only be in the car when you are en route and have your time together inside
McDonald's or walking to 7-11. Some of the most meaningful conversations can happen
in a loud or busy environment!
Do not tell anyone what your youth reveals to you. Do not reveal his name or
where he is from. Confidentiality is very important if this program is to succeed.
Please recognize the limits of this relationship. You are not a parent or a
counselor, and you are not trying to fill these roles for this person. You are a friend and
someone consistent in his/her life.