Mentors
Mentorship works. For a boy displaying indicators of being at-risk, nothing is as effective as the attention of an adult male from outside the family. For an at-risk teen, the experience of sitting with a group of healthy, functional men can be life-changing. And for a young father-to-be, the encouragement of a veteran father may be all he needs to commit to the father role and then go on to perform it.

Seventy in-school mentors and ten group mentors volunteered during the 2008-2009 school year. Our goal is to double the number of mentors for 2009-2010.

Each of us has different interests, affinities, and daily responsibilities. Some men are drawn to work with elementary school boys, while others are more comfortable with teens or young adults. Schedules vary. To accommodate each man’s interests and availability, MEN offers several opportunities to volunteer:

In-School Mentors spend one hour a week during the school year with a mentee (typically of elementary school age) in need of an adult friend and role model. You will be interviewed, receive a background check, have an initial training session with other mentors, and then be matched with an appropriate mentee. The weekly session may include tutoring, surfing the web, board games, or shooting hoops – whatever constitutes a real relationship. There will be ongoing training, support from fellow mentors, and guidance from the program director. The commitment is for a minimum of one year, but most mentors elect to continue for at least a second year.

Support Group Mentors help staff weekly two-hour support groups led by MEN staff or trained volunteer facilitators. Most groups feature 5-6 adult leaders and 5-6 participants, following a “council” model. Working with teens and adults is more challenging, and also requires a commitment to remain in the group for two years. This is ideal for volunteers who are drawn to working with teens and young adults.

Activities Program Mentors can help with occasional field trips or be part of the summer program - an opportunity for men with tighter time constraints or a preference for sports and outdoor activities.

Fatherhood Program Mentors are veteran fathers who pair up with young dads or fathers-to-be, offering their experience and guidance during the twelve-week program, primarily in-class but occasionally at home.

Donate

Contact:
Crispin Clarke, Executive Director, c.clarke@nonviolentmen.org
cell 575.770.7810
Fritz Hahn, Director of Programs, f.hahn@nonviolentmen.org
cell 575.779.7771