A Mentor is a positive role model who meets the same
Dreamer on a one-to-one basis for an extended period of time. Under the
supervision of a Project Coordinator, the Mentor/Dreamer relationship
begins with an initial matching either at the student’s home or in
a location in the Dreamer’s community. The Project Coordinator, Mentor,
and Dreamer will review and evaluate the relationship on an on-going basis
thereafter.
Mentor Responsibilities
Establish a relationship
with one Dreamer for one year
Provide homework/academic
assistance as needed
Personal contact by
phone, mail or short visit during the “off” week
Participate in IHAD
regular or special events, as feasible
Provide Dreamer with
exposure to professional work situations whenever possible
Expose Dreamer to new
ideas and concepts
Monthly oral and written
contact with the Project Coordinator
Plan and schedule age-appropriate
activities with Dreamer
Document any pertinent
information regarding interactions with the Dreamer related to his/her
growth
Follow the guideline for Mentors as discussed
at the training sessions
Time Commitment
Spend at least four
hours a month in person with Dreamer
Maintain oral contact
with the Dreamer on “off” weeks
One year commitment
Goals
Mentor should begin setting either social or academic
goals with the Dreamer no later that six months into the relationship
Reporting
Mentor will complete a brief written summary
of what occurred during each personal contact made with the Dreamer;
these should be given to the Project Coordinator or filled out online
on a monthly basis
Project Coordinator will contact the Mentor
on a monthly basis to discuss the progress of the relationship
Training and Support Plan
Mentor will attend
a two-hour orientation, led by the Volunteer Coordinator, to familiarize
them with IHAD policies and discuss the various stages involved in developing
a relationship with the Dreamer
Mentor will be provided
with information by the Project Coordinator on the Dreamer’s background
and resources
Mentor will be provided with ongoing support
from the Project Coordinator
Qualifications
Mentor must be 18
years old
Mentor must have transportation
with proof of insurance and valid driver’s license
Mentor should be willing
to work with children from different backgrounds than his/her own
Mentor should be patient,
empathetic, and be willing to promote the social and educational success
of youth
Benefits
Attain the self satisfaction
of assisting a child to succeed
Time spent with Dreamer
may be applied to meeting community service hours
This may improve or
develop professional skills that may be included on a resume, such as
oral and written communication and leadership skills
Mentor Placement Process
Mentorship is an important role in the life of a child.
To ensure that this placement is a good one we will spend a good deal
of time interviewing and training you. We hope that the energy put into
this will make the match with a dreamer a good one and you and your dreamer
will both enjoy the new mentorship. Below is the detailed process. (This
process can take 2-6 weeks, on average 4 weeks.)
The Selection Process Includes the Following Steps:
Complete the "I Have a Dream"® Foundation volunteer application
Provide at least two
references
Give written permission
for a Colorado Bureau of Investigation arrest record
Provide a copy of drivers
license, driving record, and automobile insurance
Complete the "I Have a Dream"® Foundation mentor application
Complete an extensive
1-2 hour interview with an IHAD staff member
Meet with the Project
Coordinator for a short second interview
Approval of volunteer
placement by the Executive Director after a screening of the above documents
Complete a mandatory
2 hour training session
Meet the dreamer, his/her family and sign mentor agreement
committing to 1 year of mentorship
