We're Looking for a Few Good Men!

Goal of the Position

To develop relationships with youth who are involved in Boys to Men Mentoring of Virginia (BTMVA) that will promote positive family and peer relationships, development, and decision-making.

Role

A mentor's role is to support his mentees by:

• empowering them to resolve current issues and to develop coping strategies for the future.
• provide a model for healthy, trusting relationships through clear communication and setting appropriate boundaries.
• acknowledging their strengths, talents, and gifts and encouraging them to find ways to use them.
• be an active listener and offer support and encouragement when appropriate.
• engage in activities outside of the mentoring circle (Out Events) to help expose youth to new opportunities and experiences.

Responsibilities

• Complete application process, consisting of a written application, references, interview, background checks, and volunteer training.
• Weekly (or as consistent as possible) attendance at the Boys to Men Mentoring Circle of your choice; one that fits in with your geographical area and time commitment as best as possible.
• Maintain confidentiality of participants.
• Clear communication with boys, other mentors, facilitators, and interns.

Qualifications
 

• Willingness to provide emotional, social, and practical support within limits.
• Knowledge of one's boundaries and ability to set limits with others.
• Recognition that all people have strengths and they need to discover and use them.
• Valid Driver's License and insurance.
• Completed background check and volunteer training.

Time Commitment
 

• Mentoring Circles are held once a week during the academic year.  Success is linked to consistency in attendance of both boys and mentors.
• Six to 10 hours a month and at least two activities a month.
• Phone contact within reason.

Site
 

• Mentoring Circles are held at various locations in the community.
• A mentor is not to bring a mentee to his home.

Supervision & Training
 

• BTMVA provides formal Mentor Training on an ongoing basis.  
• Trainings are conducted by veteran mentors and board members of the organization.
• One-on-one training (Mentoring the Mentor) is offered as needed.

Benefits
 

• Make a difference in the life of a youth in your community.
• Learn about yourself.
• Personal growth.
• Give back and contribute to the community.
• Have fun!

Interested?

Contact: Bill Carroll | 804-749-8779 | email here
 

Boys to Men Mentoring Network of Virginia (BTMVA) is a group mentoring organization serving middle and high school boys, aged 11 - 17, identified by school administration to be at-risk of educational failure, dropping out of school, juvenile delinquency, or gang association.  By partnering with schools and working closely with school administrators, we are able to identify and serve the boys most at risk.

Mentoring occurs in Circles, weekly meetings where male volunteers and the boys discuss issues surrounding respect, self worth, and personal responsibility.  The Network conducts fourteen Circles per week, reaching over 125 boys in the greater Richmond area.

Boys to Men Mentoring Network (BTM) was founded in 1996 in San Diego, California.  In 2009, Richmond native Steve Martin founded the local Richmond Chapter, BTMVA, after working with young men from Richmond through the Washington, D.C., Chapter.  BTMVA was incorporated as an independent BTM Chapter in 2010.  In 2012, BTMVA acquired 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.