Getting Started

Think about how you want to work with a young person and consider:

• The types of activities that interest you - Maybe helping youth develop a specific skill, pursuing an interest, learning about a subject, or just getting to know them and being their friend.
• The age and number of youth you want to work with - Elementary, Middle School, or High School aged children; One youth or several - for example, mentoring one child one-on-one versus coaching a group of young people.
• The amount of time you have for a youth - Once a week? Once or twice a month?

It is important to be realistic about the responsibilities involved with mentoring a young person. If you are not sure about mentoring a young person for at least six months, consider trying a shorter-term volunteer opportunity. Keep in mind, however, what one mentor told us...

"You don't know in advance how rewarding it is going to be, so you are worried about the responsibility of giving your time consistently. The irony is that one I started doing it, I didn't want to miss a session."

Think about organizations in your community that might have mentoring opportunities that match your interests. Use your personal contacts:

• Ask family and friends who volunteer
• Ask someone who handles community affairs or charitable contributions at your office
• Ask your minister, rabbi, priest, or someone who handles community outreach where you worship
• Ask organizers and other members of service clubs, civic groups, fraternities, sororities, or professional associations you belong to