As a mentor, Member will plan structured and meaningful mentor activities; implement one-on-one and small group mentoring for 20 targeted middle or high school students; attend regular mentor training provided by program; collaborate with agency staff to monitor mentee progress; serve as a mentor and positive role model for youth; report weekly on mentee contact logs and other important documents; and appraise mentee progress using evaluation instruments provided by program. As an AmeriCorps team member, he or she will recruit and coordinate community volunteers; serve as a resource to the South Kern Building Healthy Communities Hub; participate in team meetings and other events promoting the AmeriCorps identity; plan, implement and report on service projects to strengthen communities; participate in and reflect on community service experiences; and participate in ongoing service specific training.
Service Activities
Each Member is expected to mentor and maintain 20-25 mentees at selected school sites for the duration of the school year. As a team, Members will also organize 3 community service projects on National Days of Service.
Community Need Addressed
At-risk youth with attendance and/or behavior issues.
Position Outcomes
Increased school attendance, decreased school suspensions and increased student reported strengths and assets.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
CPR, Mental Health First Aid, event planning, public speaking, volunteer recruitment, Motivational Interviewing, leadership
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment