Being a Mentor Is Fun!
Read about what it means to be a mentor with JVC Northwest!
What is the Mentor Program?
JVC Northwest works to match any current Jesuit Volunteer/AmeriCorps member (JV) with a Former Jesuit Volunteer (FJV) or Jesuit Volunteer EnCorps member (JVE) who can provide additional support through the JV’s service year.
Additionally, we strive to intentionally connect Jesuit Volunteers/AmeriCorps members (JVs) who hold underrepresented identities with mentors who hold similar identities, for extra support during their year.
Intentional Matching for JVs and Mentors who hold the following identities:
- BIPOC
- Living with a Chronic Illness
- Developmental Disabilities
- Experience Managing Mental Health Needs
- LGBTQIA2S+
- Physical Disabilities
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, reduced isolation during COVID-19, increase your awareness of your own 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.
We expect mentors and mentees to meet 1x/month or as planned by each party. We expect JVs will:
· Actively communicate with their mentors
· Create goals for their mentoring sessions
· In particular, why do you want a mentor?
· How can this person help you?
· Be willing to grow and adapt self and practices.
· Reflect on identities and their intersections with systems of oppression.
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
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
Program Coordinators (PCs) introduce JV AmeriCorps members (JVs) to the Mentor Program during Fall Area Visit. JVs who are interested can sign up using the JV Mentor Website Page.
Mentor Bios
As mentors sign up, JVC Northwest staff create the Mentor Biography Profiles. These profiles contain a picture of the mentor, a brief bio, and also include identities mentors hold.
JV's Choice
JVC Northwest Staff will match 2-3 mentor profiles to JVs interested in having a mentor. The staff member will send each individual JV an email with potential mentor matches. If a JV indicated a desire for an intentional match, the JVC Northwest Staff member will send multiple options for mentors who match that identity.
The JVs will have one week to decide who they want to be matched with.
Once chosen, the JV will inform the staff member, and the staff member 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.
