Being a Mentor Is Fun!
Our mentorship program has two opportunities for involvement
JVC Northwest works to match any current JVs with an FJV or JVE member who can provide additional support through the JV/AmeriCorps member’s service year. We offer intentional matching for underrepresented communities in the following areas:
JVs who identity as:
- BIPOC
- LGBTQIA2S+
- Living with a disability
We also offer formal mentorship for JVs who need:
- Extra support managing mental health stressors
- Extra support navigating their spiritual journey
Incoming JVs will participate in summer Pre-Orientation sessions, which will help them get more connected to fellow JVs and prepare for a successful year of service. As part of Pre-Orientation, we are hosting online Identity Meetups for JVs who identify as BIPOC (Black, indigenous, person of color), LGBTQIA2S+, and living with a disability.
We are now seeking FJVs or JV EnCorps members who also share these identities to help facilitate the meetups (via Zoom)!. The schedule is as follows:
LGBTQ+ Meetup – June 8th
BIPOC Meetup – June 22nd
Disability Meetup – July 13th
Read more about what it means to be a mentor with JVC Northwest
What is the Mentor Program?
JVC Northwest works to match any current JVs with an FJV or JVE member who can provide additional support through the JV/AmeriCorps member’s service year. We offer intentional matching for underrepresented communities in the following areas:
JVs who identity as:
- BIPOC
- LGBTQIA2S+
- Living with a disability
We also offer formal mentorship for JVs who need:
- Extra support managing mental health stressors
- Extra support navigating their spiritual journey
JVC Northwest recognizes that connections between FJVs and current JVs have been happening for decades in an informal capacity through our strong network of FJVs across the country. We are grateful for the new-shared resources and capacity to develop a formal mentor program.
A mentoring program is an intentional step for Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) Northwest to act on the goals of equity and inclusion.
Why Mentoring?
JVs might be interested in getting a mentor for additional support during their JV year. A mentor can provide another listening ear, support for reflecting on accomplishments, space for processing after COVID-19, increased awareness of JVs’ talents, and provide confidential space to share experiences.
All mentors have been JVs or JVEs before and therefore can relate to navigating a year of service within communities.
Why would I want to mentor?
Mentoring is a relationship between two people aimed at professional and personal development. It is based on mutually beneficial relationships based on growth, fun, and deepening a sense of self.
JVC Northwest seeks mentors who are willing and able to provide additional support for JVs throughout their service year. This support can look a number of ways, as indicated in the picture.
What are JVC Northwest's Expectations for mentors?
We ask mentors to truly commit to our JVs for the year. We do understand that life happens, however, so we just ask if you’re no longer to be a mentor once committed, that you communicate that with the JV you’re matched with.
How does the mentor matching work?
Mentor Search
Around Springtime, JVC Northwest sends an email out to Former JVs (FJVs) and JV EnCorps Members (JVEs), asking if people are interested in mentoring.
JVs Sign Up
The Alumni Engagement Coordinator (AEC) introduces JV/AmeriCorps members (JVs) to the Mentor Program during Pre-Orientation sessions in May, June, and July. They receive another reminder during in-person Orientation in August. JVs who are interested can sign up using the JV Mentor Website Page.
JVs interested in intentional mentoring based on shared identities with an FJV will indicate that need on the sign-up form.
Once signups are received, the Alumni Engagement Coordinator will connect the JV and their chosen mentor via email.
Schedule a Meeting
The JV and their newly matched mentor will coordinate a time to meet. Meetings can happen via phone, in person, via Zoom or on whatever platform works best for all parties.
