Purpose

Mentors walk alongside refugee and asylee youth ages 18-24 with the goal of developing mutually transformative relationships. Young adults set their life, career, or educational goals and mentors meet regularly to support, find resources and build relationship. This program is focused on promoting positive civic and social engagement. Mentors and mentees commit to meeting together at least monthly for 6-9 months and participating in quarterly skill building workshops with other mentor/mentee pairs.

Responsibilities

• Commit to meeting with youth once a month for 6-9 months
• Learn about the mentee’s culture, values and experience
• Participate in quarterly skill building workshops with other mentee/mentor pairs
• Communicate professionally, patiently and kindly with the youth, their family and case worker
• Work within a cohort of mentors under the leadership of the World Relief Volunteer Coordinator
• Communicate consistently with the Volunteer Coordinator and mentee regarding schedule
• Help youth learn local culture while maintaining and celebrating the youth’s cultural heritage
• Support youth in learning English and other skills as they choose
• Assist youth with career development including skill building, resume drafting and applications

Requirements (please read carefully):

• Must be 25 years or older
• Sensitivity to persons of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds
• Ability to speak multiple languages a plus
• Demonstrate patience, understanding, and flexibility
• Willing to travel to Kent/South Seattle/Tukwila, or mentee’s location
• Attend a World Relief Volunteer Orientation and meet with the Volunteer Coordinator
• Follow all World Relief volunteer guidelines
• Record and report volunteer hours served, as detailed in the orientation
• Pass a criminal background check and driving check

Next Steps:

The first step is to fill out a volunteer application. Once you submit your application, follow the steps to complete the online orientation and register for a local training.

All volunteers are required to attend both the general and local orientations, complete an application, and undergo a background check before starting. At the training you will learn about World Relief's work, the refugees and immigrants we serve, and what it looks like to come alongside them as volunteers in different roles