Questions About Becoming A Mentor

WHAT IS M.A.V. Youth Mentoring? 

M.A.V. Youth Mentoring is an organization that matches Youths with Mentors for guidance, friendship, fun and activities. M.A.V. Youth Mentoring seeks to make a positive difference in the lives of children by promoting their self-esteem, expending their awareness of life’s opportunities, and providing them with guidance and support through long-term, one-on-one mentorships with caring Mentors.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO JOIN?

To be a Mentor in our programs you must be at least in high school. We have volunteers who are 18 and some who are in their 60’s. And the children are 5 to 18.

HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE?

We ask that volunteers make 2 in person contacts per month. More is encouraged and could include phone calls, texts, or social media. We also hold various activities throughout the year and encourage you to attend at least two of them.

WHAT DO MENTORS AND YOUTHS DO TOGETHER ONCE THEY ARE MATCHED?

Depends on the program ..
One-on-One does all kinds of stuff… fishing, baking cookies, going out for ice cream, window shopping, playing board games, talking, computer games, work on cars, go to the grocery, help with household projects, bike riding, rollerblading… mostly stuff that doesn’t cost a lot… just a little time.
Site-Based (Buddies, Lunch Club, Supper Club) includes playing cards, games, talking, crafts, academics but at a school or site.

DO I GET TO CHOOSE WHO I GET MATCHED WITH?

Sort of. You see we try to spend quite a bit of time getting to know our Mentors and our Youths through our application process. We keep in mind what your likes, dislikes, preferences, and geographical location based on what you’ve told us. Then when we have a child in mind, we tell you about the child because we want you to be comfortable with our choice and give you a chance to have your say… yes or no… to our choice.

WHAT IF I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY MATCH?

What relationship is without its “ups and downs”? M.A.V. Youth Mentoring matches are no exception. As a friendship develops, there may be problems and that is why each match has a caseworker who is involved right from the start and who is there for you to talk with when you have questions or concerns. As in most relationships – problems can usually be resolved and the relationship is stronger for having worked through the conflict.

DO YOU EVER HAVE PEOPLE WHO DON’T KEEP THEIR COMMITMENTS?

Yes, occasionally we have someone stop seeing a child or meeting dates get broke with a child for various reasons. In our opinion, it is better for the volunteer to honestly search his/her heart before they get in the program and possibly not volunteer rather than disappoint a child who has already been disappointed by adults too many times.

Children in our program are:

• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• 37% less likely to skip a class
• 27% less likely to begin to using alcohol
• 52% less likely to skip school
• One third less likely to hit someone
• More confident of their performance in schoolwork