Atlanta GLOW intends to help break the cycle of poverty for women and girls by taking a holistic view of the factors contributing to generational poverty, emphasizing prevention through long-term systemic change. Early intervention is essential, especially through promotion of education, both traditional and non-traditional (Atlanta Women’s Foundation, 2014). This includes fostering academic progress through programs that help girls stay in, and succeed in, school. Perhaps just as important is seeing that girls acquire competence in areas of life such as financial literacy, job readiness, nutrition, pregnancy prevention and stress management. They need to know how to set and reach goals, take charge of their own physical and emotional health, and build rewarding relationships.

Atlanta GLOW wants to see more girls grow up with the vision and motivation to change the pattern for themselves and future generations. One way to do so is by providing them models of success. With this strategy in mind, Atlanta GLOW mentors serve as positive role models who provide both inspiration and instruction. Through our six-month mentoring program, Atlanta GLOW engages female youth and young adults in an individualized and community-based process that facilitates growth towards greater self-sufficiency and successful goal achievement through a guided series of exploration, life skills training, mentoring and futures planning. We also prepare female youth and young adults for a successful transition into adulthood using a strengths-based approach that involves them in the process of identifying and navigating developmentally appropriate and appealing supports and services.

Our mentors are screened and trained to serve effectively as positive role models who provide both inspiration and instruction to each individual mentee. Our program features six, one-hour mentoring sessions hosted monthly via phone or video conference, with the option to meet in-person determined by each individual mentoring pair.

Interested in becoming an Atlanta GLOW mentor? To volunteer in any of our programs, individuals must complete the following steps within 30 days of the next program start date:

1. Visit our website at www.atlantaglow.org/volunteer to learn about our eligibility criteria and required volunteer commitments.
2. Fill out our Volunteer Application. This simple application help us get to know your goals, interests, and background.
3. Complete an Online Orientation and Completion Quiz. The presentation gives an overview of our organization and highlights key information that will help you be successful in your new volunteer role. It should take less than an hour to view and respond to the verification questions that follow.
4. Complete a Background Check. There is a $25 nonrefundable administrative fee to cover the cost of the check.
5. Undergo a Reference Check. We will contact the character references provided on your application.