Mentors and Volunteers

MENTORS

Jwanzaa Youth Partnership accomplishes its goals through a unique partnership between parents, mentors, staff and volunteers.  There are several opportunities from which to choose; with varying levels of responsibility.  Brief service descriptions are available to assist you in matching your specific interests, talents, and skills to the best opportunity.

The basic qualifications for both mentors and volunteers are listed below: 

• Demonstrated appreciation for young people

• At least 21 years old

• Has reliable transportation

• High school graduate; college graduates encouraged

• Employed, retired or attending college

• Willing to complete training and a background investigation

• Is available to serve at least 6 hours per month

Responsibilities mentors:

• Commit to at least one year of one-on-one

• Meet face to face at least twice per month

• Provide brief monthly report/update

• Communicate and coordinates regularly with Parents and Director.

• Attends periodic training

Becoming a Jwanzaa Mentor

Qualified applicants must complete an interview, 4 hours of training, and participant in at least two Jwanzaa meetings.  Mentors are matched with youth based on gender, interest, career, hobbies, and basic compatibility.  

JWANZAA VOLUNTEERS

Jwanzaa Youth Partnership engages caring adults in many volunteer capacities.  A few are listed below with a brief description:

§  Mentors (see above)

§  Mentor Coordinator: Coordinates intake, orientation, trainings and support services for mentors. 

§  Mentor Recruiter: Develops and implements of a comprehensive mentor recruitment strategy.

§  Case Manager:  Coordinates intake, orientation, and assessment and support services for families.

§  Registrar:  Maintains client attendance, confidential records and registrations.

§  Group Leaders: Plans and implements skill and interest based workshops/activities for youth.  Identifies resources, develops lesson plans, and builds camaraderie among youth participants.    

§  Parent Coordinator:  Provides leadership in the planning and implementation of workshops for parents.

§  Organizers: Identifies opportunities and resources for educational, cultural, and recreational activities, workshops and field trips.  Plans and directs activities focused on family strengthening, educational development, and community service.

§  Fund Raisers: Coordinates creative strategies to increase revenue through private and public sources.

§  Trainers:  Identifies curriculum, develops training plans, and delivers subject matter relevant to leaders, youth, parents, and volunteers.

§  Event Planners:  Coordinates all aspects of special events on behalf of the program.

§  Outreach:  Identifies various strategies to advertise, promote and expose the Jwanzaa Program, recruit mentors and youth. 

§  Child Care Providers:  Provides care and activities for infants and toddlers who attend the monthly meetings. 

For more detail, contact us

Mentor and Volunteer Applications: click here

Application files are in .PDF format.  Click to download and print.
Completed applications may be submitted at the next Jwanzaa meeting or by fax at 301-808-9310.