Volunteers for Europe

1
Volunteers for Europe

• Providing Mentoring and Support

2
Providing Mentoring Support

• EVS Requirements
• Each host organisation must identify a mentor who
  is directly responsible for training, personal
  support and language training for the volunteer
  and to whom the volunteer can turn in case of
  problems. The mentor should not be the
  volunteers supervisor or another person involved
  in the volunteers project.

3
Providing Mentoring Support

• VfE Requirements
• The hosting Association must provide a mentor as
  well as a work leader for the volunteer. The
  role of the mentor is to provide personal
  evaluation, support and counselling and induction
  to the cultural environment.

4
Role of the Mentor

• Inspires the volunteer to meet and possibly
  exceed his/her objectives
• Supports and encourages learning and development
• Acts as a sounding board as the volunteer
  explores and reacts to the dilemmas in the work
  placement and community environment
• Helps the volunteer to recognise the outcomes of
  his/her actions and plans
• Gives and receives constructive feedback

5
Mentor Responsibilities

• Setting realistic expectations for the
  relationship, for volunteer achievement and for
  their own involvement
• Maintaining consistent contact to help the
  relationship develop

6
A Mentor Is .

• A guide
• A wise and trusted friend
• A good listener, someone who cares
• Someone who has been there
• Someone to help the volunteer get where he/she
  wants to go
• A responsive adult

7
A Mentor Is NOT

• A surrogate parent
• A therapist
• A probation officer
• A cool peer
• A banker
• A chauffeur
• A nag

8
FAQ What if .

• my help isnt wanted?
• something really serious comes up?
• Im too different to relate well?
• I do something wrong?

9
Why should Mentors get involved?

• Because young people need positive, successful
  adult role models
• Because young people need guidance in setting and
  achieving goals
• Because young people need support in adjusting to
  cultural differences
• Because a relationship works two way. They gain
  from the insights of a young person. Helping
  them is a great source of satisfaction

10
The Mentor

• Choosing the right people
• The person specification
• The job description
• The contact sessions

11
Support for the Mentor

• Do not leave the Mentor feeling isolated
• Contact the mentor within 2 weeks of the match
• Continue this contact monthly for the first 3
  months
• Provide ongoing contact at least every 3 months

12
The Role of the YMCA

• Monitor the Relationship
• Identify a staff member who is responsible
• Establish a schedule of regular check-ins
• Identify how contact will be made
• Use the questions to identify issues
• Train the mentor in listening and problem-solving
  skills
• Develop a system to ensure that there is
  follow-up on potential or actual problems
• Take steps to ensure that all information remains
  confidential

13
The Role of the YMCA

• Conduct ongoing training potential topics could
  include
• Diversity and cultural sensitivity
• Skills for helping volunteers to set goals
• Skills for setting limits with volunteers
• Problem-solving skills
• Disclosure child abuse, neglect, domestic
  violence
• Teen sexual activity and pregnancy advice
• Alcohol and other drug issues

14
Role of the YMCA

• Offer mentor support groups
• Provide help with closure at the end of the
  relationship
• Recognise the mentors contribution
• Recognise the volunteer.