Purpose

Mentors walk alongside refugee and asylee youth and young adults ages 15-24 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 relationships. This program is focused on promoting positive civic and social engagement. Among other outcomes, many of the youth and young adults develop a clearer vision of their future and benefit from the practical help of mentors who know how to navigate systems for education and job-hunting in the U.S.

Mentors and mentees commit to meeting together once in person and then virtually at least monthly for 6-9 months and participate in quarterly relationship-building outings or skill-building workshops with other mentor/mentee pairs. Mentors may indicate what age range they’d like to work with (15-17 or 18-24).

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 outings/workshops with other mentee/mentor pairs (2 online, 2 in person).
• •   Communicate professionally, patiently, and kindly with the youth, their family, and case worker.
• •   Receive support from the World Relief Volunteer Coordinator, as needed.
• •   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, occupational research, college processes, resume drafting, and applications.

Requirements (please read carefully):

• •   Must be 25 years or older
• •   Sensitivity to persons of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds
• •   Demonstrate patience, understanding, and flexibility
• •   Willing to travel to Kent/South Seattle/Tukwila, or mentee’s location
• •   Meet virtually 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

Next Steps:

The first step is to fill out a volunteer application, including a criminal background check. Once you submit your application, follow the steps to complete the online orientation and the training videos. Then, our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch.