Community-based mentoring is a volunteer opportunity that connects responsible adults with children in the community to provide them with additional mentors. This program works thanks to the dedication of volunteers who dedicate their time to a child in need. Children aged 7 to 17 are accepted into the program, and it is designed to produce meaningful, lasting, and positive results for learners. Mentoring programs come in all shapes and sizes, but some key components help ensure excellence and meet the needs of the learner, the volunteer mentor, the organization, and the community. As the largest network of mentors supported by donors and volunteers in the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters establishes meaningful, supervised relationships between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 to 18, in communities across the country. In addition, special tools have been developed to support mentoring programs with youth who are under guardianship and with immigrant, refugee, and indigenous communities.
Quality mentoring is responsible, ethical and effective mentoring that produces meaningful, lasting, and positive results for learners. Community-based mentoring is an invaluable resource for children who may not have access to a supportive adult role model. It provides them with an opportunity to develop important life skills such as communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and self-confidence. It also helps them build relationships with adults who can provide guidance and support. The mentor-mentee relationship is based on trust and mutual respect. The mentor should be a positive role model who can provide guidance and support while also allowing the mentee to make their own decisions.
The mentor should also be patient and understanding while helping the mentee set goals and work towards achieving them. The mentor should also be aware of any potential risks or challenges that may arise during the course of the relationship. This includes being aware of any cultural or language barriers that may exist between them. It is important for mentors to be aware of any potential safety issues that may arise during their time together. Mentors should also be aware of any resources available in their community that can help support their mentee. This could include tutoring services, after-school programs, or other activities that can help the mentee reach their goals. Community-based mentoring is an invaluable resource for children who may not have access to a supportive adult role model.
It also helps them build relationships with adults who can provide guidance and support.
