**Our mentoring positions are open and mentors will be matched with students virtually when possible. While mentors will begin volunteering virtually, we plan to transition mentors to in-person service as soon as it is safe to do so. In order to facilitate this, prospective volunteers should be residents of Minnesota.**
The Simpson Mentoring Program partners with young people to build on their inherent strengths and maximize their potential. The mentoring program uses adult volunteers who commit to a long-term relationship built around, support, connection, and exploration with the young person they are matched with. By becoming part of the social network of adults and community members who care about the young person, the mentor can accompany them in their personal and academic development.
A note during COVID-19: Simpson prioritizes in-person contact in relationships. However, during the pandemic, it may not always be safe for mentors and mentees to meet in person. Following state and local guidelines, Simpson mentors should be prepared to engage in virtual meetings with their mentee, modified in-person meetings following additional health and safety guidelines, or a combination of both.
As of August 2020, Simpson's policy is that mentors meet with their mentees over Zoom or another approved video platform, with the expectation that they will transition to in-person meetings as soon as it is safe to do so. Training on using video platforms, online safety expectations, and Simpson’s process for deciding when to approve in-person meetings will be provided.
Mentor Role
Mentors will be paired up with one young person with whom they will meet with regularly. This program is designed to be a mutually beneficial relationship, not a short-term intervention; mentors are strongly encouraged to be open to an ongoing partnership and are expected to commit to the formal program for a minimum of 10 months, with opportunities to continue in formal and informal ways beyond that. They will support the young person in the following ways:
Build an ongoing supportive relationship by planning and participating in both group and one-to-one activities with a young person (5 th-8 th grade student)
Serve as a positive role model and friend
Help connect the mentee to ongoing community activities that would support his/her development based on their interests, goals, and skills
Recognize and focus on the unique strengths of the mentee
Help the mentee set goals and develop a plan to work to work toward a specific goal
Attend monthly field trips (minimum of 6 field trips/year) with the student
Provide transportation to monthly field trips, weekly outings and/or connect with young person weekly via approved video chat platforms
Support the educational life of the student through communication with Simpson staff, the student’s parent(s)/guardian/s, and the school to ensure coordination of support
Time Commitment
Make a long-term commitment of no less than 10 months
Spend a minimum of 1.5 hours per week one-to-one with a mentee.
Participate in at least 4 of the 6 group mentoring outings/activities.
Agree to attend mentor trainings as required. This includes, but is not limited to, an initial four-hour training and a two-hour goal-setting training 4-6 weeks into the program.
Agree to spend time outside of formal trainings engaged in anti-racist work, with support from the coordinator. This may include, but is not limited to, engaging with articles, podcasts, or films recommended by the coordinator, personal reflection, and community events. Agree to actively participate in conversations about this material during monthly check-ins.
Communicate with mentee weekly.
Communicate regularly with program coordinator. This includes in -person meetings, filling out lesson logs, and e-mail/phone communication when needed.
Mentor Eligibility Requirements
Be at least 21 years of age
Be willing to adhere to all Simpson Mentoring Program policies and procedures
Commit to all Simpson values, including a commitment to personal and systemic anti-racist work
Complete and pass the screening procedure
Be willing to communicate regularly with the program coordinator and submit monthly meeting and activity information
Have access to an automobile or reliable transportation
Have a current driver’s license, auto insurance with acceptable level of coverage, and good driving record
Have reliable internet and access to a computer, phone, or tablet with video chat capabilities
Have a clean criminal history
Have never been accused, arrested, charged, or convicted of child abuse or molestation
Vital Qualities
Willing listener
Ability to notice strengths and maintain an attitude of hope in the midst of challenges
Encouraging and supportive
Patient and flexible; willing to try new things and make and learn from mistakes
Open and respectful of individual differences
Reliable and consistent
Benefits
Opportunity to build authentic connections with community and individuals
Enjoyment and learning that comes with building a relationship with a young person
Training around positive youth work, homelessness issues, cultural awareness , antiracism work and more
Mentor/mentee group activities, complimentary tickets to community events, participation in cohort celebrations
Personal ongoing support and supervision to help the match succeed
Mileage and expenses are tax deductible
Application and Screening Process
Written application
Driving record check
Criminal history check: national, child abuse and neglect registry, sexual offender registry
Personal interview
Provide three personal references
Attend four-hours of mentor training
For more information, contact Simpson’s Mentoring Program at 612-234-1227 or mdubois@simpsonhousing.org
We are committed to building a diverse group of mentors.Mentors of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual/romantic orientations, religions, dis/abilities, and socioeconomic statuses are encouraged to apply. The majority of our families are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and members of these communities are especially encouraged to apply.
