BECOME A MENTOR
Mentoring is a critical component in young people’s lives, helping them make the decisions and connections that lead to opportunity. Americans are overwhelmingly crossing racial, economic,
and other bridges to mentor young people outside their families.
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WPAL offers numerous volunteer and internship opportunities working with youth. Volunteers are required to fill out an application and visit the WPAL office for an interview and orientation. Volunteers are also required to undergo a background check.
The programs of WPAL would not be possible without the help of our fantastic volunteers.
Become a part of WPAL and choose to volunteer today and make a difference in our communities and in the lives of children. KIDS, COPS & COMMUNITY.
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Why Mentor?Mentoring, at its core, guarantees young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and makes them feel like they matter. Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. Ultimately, mentoring connects a young person to personal growth and development, and social and economic opportunity. Yet one in three young people will grow up without this critical asset.
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What makes a good Mentor?Before becoming a mentor, here are a few things to understand about the role of mentoring. Most of us have had a teacher, supervisor, or coach who has been a mentor to us and made a positive difference in our lives. Those people wore many hats, acting as delegators, role models, cheerleaders, policy enforcers, advocates, and friends. Mentors assume these different roles during the course of a relationship, and share some basic qualities: A sincere desire to be involved with a young person Respect for young people Active listening skills Empathy Ability to see solutions and opportunities Flexibility
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What are the benefits of Mentoring?Mentoring relationships are a shared opportunity for learning and growth. Many mentors say that the rewards they gain are as substantial as those for their mentees, and that mentoring has enabled them to: Have fun Achieve personal growth and learn more about themselves Improve their self-esteem and feel they are making a difference Gain a better understanding of other cultures and develop a greater appreciation for diversity Feel more productive and have a better attitude at work Enhance their relationships with their own children Above all, a good mentor is willing to take the time to get to know their mentee, to learn new things that are important to the young person, and even to be changed by their relationship.
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What is the process to become a Mentor?The FAQ title can be adjusted in the settings tab of the App Settings. You can also remove the title by unchecking its checkbox in the settings tab.