Mentor an elementary student!

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Belong! mentors meet weekly with the same student throughout the school year for 60-70 minutes. Mentors develop strong relationships with their students, helping them build confidence in their academic and social skills. A typical session includes homework help, reading and math activities, and time spent getting to know each other through games and conversation.

Students are in grades K-6 and nearly all are English language learners. Most are behind grade level in reading and math and greatly benefit from our individualized attention.

Time Commitment:

1.5-2 hours per week for mentoring, set up and clean up and any preparation at home. A volunteer mentor should plan on attending every Tuesday evening, 6:15-7:45pm, (includes set up and clean up), plus any preparation time at home, from mid-September - end of May. We recognize that there may be rare occassions when a mentor has to miss.

1-2 hours every other month to attend occassional Belong-sponsored outside mentor/mentee events or a mentor training (we ask mentors to do their best to attend these activities).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide continual mentoring to the same student on a weekly basis.
• Show energy and enthusiasm for working with children.
• Be a positive role model by listening and modeling good behavior.
• Come prepared, having chosen activities to use from Belong-provided resources.
• Find opportunities to affirm and encourage your student when you are together.
• Help set up and clean up, as needed.
• Attend on-going training events and Belong sponsored outside events when possible.

Requirements:

• Strong interest in elementary school students and helping them build confidence, advance in socio-emotional development.
• An enjoyment for working with children.
• Weekly availability (except for emergencies), and able to arrive and depart on time.
• Follow our safety and policy procedures.
• Minimum age of 14.
• Background check (paid for by Belong) for adults 18 and older.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to interact and build relationships with fascinating and diverse elementary school age children and to transform lives.
• An opportunity to join a passionate community of volunteers who are committed to Vienna and our Northern Virginia community.

Evaluation:

Evaluation is a two-way street. We will provide feedback during your experience, and we encourage you to do the same.

About Belong!

Belong!’s mission is to provide compassionate mentorship to underserved children and youth in our community, sharing God’s love and fostering personal growth, academic achievement and a sense of belonging.

To Apply:

Please fill out the Volunteer Application on our website www.belongvienna.org/volunteer

Thank you for being a part of our team! We couldn’t do it without you.