Five Things to Expect When Becoming a Volunteer Mentor

It’s interesting to hear stories about people who volunteer. And around the Pacific Northwest, people love to volunteer.  But since programs in cities across the U.S. are seeing a decline in volunteerism, it’s no big shock that the need for even more volunteers a big issue.The endeavor of being a volunteer mentor is an entirely different story. It doesn’t necessarily garner the same response as other volunteer causes . . . say if you were working with a dog rescue organization, for example.Your friends, and dog-crazy folks in general, would likely respond with an expected, and probably enthusiastic, “I love dogs - that is so cool!”Or perhaps if you’re a volunteer at a local theater or music venue, people may chime in with “Do you get free tickets? That would be awesome!”Volunteering as a mentor is different, though. While people may hear the word “mentoring”, they’re unlikely to know the long-term and impactful benefits that mentoring has on children as well as the folks who are doing the mentoring.

Here are Five Things to Expect when Becoming a Volunteer Mentor

1. TIME FLIES WHEN YOU'RE HAVING FUN One thing that we tend to forget as adults is the concept of, and the act of, “playing”.“Our society tends to dismiss play for adults. Play is perceived as unproductive, petty or even a guilty pleasure. The notion is that once we reach adulthood, it’s time to get serious. And between personal and professional responsibilities, there’s no time to play.”  Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. PsychCentralVolunteer mentors in Great Life Mentoring spend time with kids each and every week. And sure, some of that time could be in pursuit of academic activities like preparing for an upcoming entry in the science fair, or making a diorama for school.But a good majority of the time mentors participate in activities that help them have fun alongside their friend, and reconnect with the joy of play, and creativity. Discovering through the eyes of a young person can help the seriousness of the world fade into the background.When was the last time you were so engrossed in something fun that you lost track of time? Enjoying life through the eyes of a child, experiencing new things, learning about the simple nuances of the world again, and just being creative . . .  these are all things that can help mentors enjoy the world as a young person. For the second time around.2. IMPACTING THE FUTURE Mentoring a child means you’re increasing the chance that they will also turn out to be a mentor down the road, at some point in their lives.Stories are often shared about those who had the benefit of having a mentor when they were a young person. This mentor made such an impact on their life that years later, they are drawn to make that same impact.3. YOU’RE OWN COMMUNICATION SKILLS GET BETTER We’ve heard it over and over again - The skills that are cultivated through the Great Life Mentoring training and support process are things that improve your own life and relationships, as well as make you a successful mentor.From better understanding your own emotions and where they come from, to knowing when to say, “no,” and exercising healthy boundaries, we’ve got you covered.One of our mentors is a pediatrician who remarked, “this training is so helpful, I will use it in my work and personal relationships as well as in mentoring.”4. YOU’RE GOING TO GROWDuring your time as a mentor, you’ll wear many hats and all of these hats are going to have a dynamic quality to them.As a mentor you aren’t a parent – but you will have responsibility to keep your friend safe during the hours you spend together.  You’re also not a sibling – but you get to connect with them and enjoy activities like going to the zoo, or a book fair.In being a mentor, you’ll have a protective factor that will come into play and teach you about yourself. Your presence will help them build confidence and believe in themselves so strongly that they thrive and feel like they are able to be seen in the world.The process of helping someone less fortunate than yourself will give you a new perspective on life and it will become very clear how the meaning is much bigger than what you realized. It will return to you tenfold.5. YOU’LL START A MOVEMENT Within your circle of friends, family members, and maybe even total strangers on an airplane, you’ll be part of a movement. Once you are a mentor you’ll see how important it is, and how quickly it becomes part of the fabric of who you are as a person. Especially after experiencing firsthand the benefits your friend receives because you are in their life - showing up for them, being consistent, and giving them the confidence to stand up just a little taller.There are many reasons why volunteer mentoring is a worthy endeavor that goes beyond this list. Our nationally recognized award-winning program serves children who are dealing with adversity of some type; they may be enrolled in mental health services, in foster care, or facing other vulnerabilities and they need a trustworthy adult to help them gain confidence and hope.  If you’re interested in being a mentor in the Vancouver, WA or Portland, OR areas, Great Life Mentoring is the perfect opportunity to do just that!If you want to apply and be a Great Life Mentor, we’re ready to hear from you. Go ahead and apply now.If you’re looking for other volunteer programs in Clark County, you can find them here.Other Links:City of Vancouver Event Calendar25 Free Things to do in Vancouver, WA