Volunteer
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Become a Volunteer!

Blue Ribbon Mentor-Advocate's success is completely based on the relationships our mentors build with our students.  We need one mentor for every student in the program.  We need you!

Mentor-advocates are the people who volunteer to make a difference in our students' lives. Their goal is to identify their mentee's individual potential and then help that child find ways to tap into that potential for growth.

Mentors work actively and directly with students, but they also help their mentees succeed by becoming advocates. A successful advocate makes sure that their mentee is receiving the services they need in school, and helps the student take advantage of other supports in the community.

Mentors' responsibilities include:

  • Spend 2 hours per week one-on-one with your mentee
  • Perform additional advocacy activities as needed
  • Work with your mentee for a minimum of 2 years
  • Attend pre-service and ongoing trainings
  • Stay in regular contact with program staff

Mentors must be at least 21 years old. All mentors must pass a screening interview, criminal backround check, and driving history check.

Have more questions? Take a look at our Mentoring Frequently Asked Questions page or see our Recruitment Brochure.

Mentors receive full training and support.

If you're ready to volunteer, you can sign up now. Here's the process:

1. Complete an Application Form

    • You must provide a social security number and valid driver's license number. We use this information to complete a criminal background check and driver's history check on all volunteers.
    • On the back side, please provide the names, addresses and phone numbers for three non-family references. We will contact these individuals to perform reference checks.
    • Sign the form and return it to BRMA, 750 S. Merritt Mill Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27516

    2. Schedule a Time for Screening Interview

    • We require an individual interview with every applicant. These interviews are completed by our program coordinator. They take place in your home and usually last between 60 and 90 minutes.
    • You can schedule an interview by calling or emailing BRMA Coordinator Graig Meyer.

    3. Attend our New Mentor Training

    This training is mandatory for all new mentors. It takes place at Lincoln Center on Merritt Mill Rd. in Chapel Hill. The fun and interactive sessions will prepare you to be a great mentor!

    Session 1 Thursday, March 14, 7:00-9:00 P.M.
      Topic: Program Orientation and Overview
    Session 2 Saturday, March 16, 8:30 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
      Topic: How to be a Great Mentor!
    Session 3 Monday, March 18, 5:30-9:00 P.M.
      Topic: Dinner with Current Mentors / Advocacy 101

     

    Looking for other volunteer options?  The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools has plenty of them. Click here to find out more.