So You Want To Be A Mentor?

Here are 4 easy steps to get you on your way.

Step 1

Rutland Vermont Mentoring

Commit

We are looking for the BEST mentors! Please read below to understand the commitment.

Mentors must be 18 years of age or older, hold a valid driver’s license, and willing to commit to a one-year volunteer experience (however, many friendships last much longer).

They must also do the following:

  • Complete the Volunteer Application Process.
  • Meet consistently with your youth for at least 12 months.
  • Maintain ongoing communication and training with The Mentor Connector staff.
If this sounds like you, fill out a full application in STEP 2.

Step 2

Apply

To find the best mentors for our youth, the application process consists of:

1) A written application

2) In-person interviews

3) A background check

4) Reference checks.

Apply Now
Rutland Vermont Mentoring

Step 3

Rutland Vermont Mentoring

Train

Training can be found throughout the application process. We use a series of in-person, online, and small group trainings to prepare each mentor.

Step 4

Match

We use an extensive matching process to make great matches. We match based on an array of factors including location, personality, and similar interests.

Rutland County Mentor Program

FAQ

The average match at The Mentor Connector lasts 4-years (5 times the national average, by the way)! We have many matches that have been with us for over 10 years. We will support your match through the youth’s 21st birthday. But that is not the end, friendships last a lifetime.

Although we strive to make GREAT matches, we know there are times when things don’t work out. Life happens, and we understand that. We will do everything we can to help mediate the situation with a goal of keeping the match together. If this is not possible, we will work with the mentor, youth, and family to end the match. If possible, we will be happy to re-match the mentor with another youth.

Although we strive to make GREAT matches, we know there are times when things don’t work out. Life happens, and we understand that. We will do everything we can to help mediate the situation with a goal of keeping the match together. If this is not possible, we will work with the mentor, youth, and family to end the match. If possible, we will be happy to re-match the mentor with another youth.

We provide ongoing support for the life of the match. At the beginning of each match we check-in with each mentor, youth, and family monthly to ensure the match is off to a great start. Our Mentor Coordinators will continue to check-in with you to provide assistance and give feedback. If at any point you want or need additional support, your Mentor Coordinator is always there to help.
In addition to this, we provide 6 Mentor Trainings each year and host a monthly Mentor Support Group. The Support Group is a place for new mentors and seasoned mentors to get together and learn from each other. For more information about the trainings or support group please contact your Mentor Coordinator.

We believe that HAVING FUN CHANGES LIVES. Therefore we encourage each mentor match to find activities that they find fun. Every match is different, but common activities include fishing, skiing, hiking, cooking, and sight-seeing. In addition to match outings, The Mentor Connector hosts activities and get-togethers to have fun with other mentor matches.

At The Mentor Connector we believe in making GREAT matches! In fact, we retain 96% of our mentor matches each year. We don’t just select the next youth on our list and match them with you. The moment you apply we begin looking for a youth who would make a successful match for you. We match based on a variety of factors such as location, personality, and interests. Once we have a youth who we believe would make a great with you, we send you their brief bio. Ultimately, you choose the youth you think would make the best match.
Because we want to ensure a successful match, it typically takes 3-6 months to to complete the application, background check, training, and matching. Your Mentor Coordinator will be there to support you every step of the way!