onboarding process

  1. Submit written application along with 4 references (spouse/close relative, professional, personal. and pastor or mentor)
  2. Participate in a personal interview with one or more Allies Mentorship Program staff member(s)
  3. Agree to and pay for background check (instructions on how to complete this will be provided to you)
  4. Additional checks and screenings will be completed through DCS, BMV, and local Law Enforcement
  5. Attend & Complete all new mentor training (online modules and approx. 8 hours of onsite training)
  6. Participate in Monthly Group Gatherings offered by Allies Mentorship Program
  7. Become matched and adhere to the roles and responsibilities outlined below

responsibilities

  • Personal
    • Be connected to a support system (church, family, close friends, etc.).
    • Be a positive role model by adhering to Allies, Inc core values.
    • Abide by and uphold all of the Allies Mentorship Program Policies
    • Represent our organization and program with integrity.
    • Make choices that will reflect an excellent example and avoid being a stumbling block. (For example, many children struggle with drugs, alcohol and sexuality. It is essential to set positive examples and avoid confusing messages as well as condemning attitudes.)
    • Follow the Allies Mentorship Program framework including, expressing care, challenging growth, providing support, sharing power, and expanding possibilities
  • Administrative
    • Submit record of the time spent with your mentee every time you meet via an online form that will be provided to you upon being matched.
    • Communicate with your Mentor Coach monthly and willingly receive and implement advice.
    • Report all observations or reports of situations in which your mentee is in harm or is harming herself or others (abuse, neglect, etc.) Follow reporting protocol outlined in mentoring policies.
  • Mentoring
    • Initially commit to the 18 month Friendship Pact, with the hope that a lasting friendship is formed
    • Spend time with your mentee twice monthly for at least 2 hours each meeting for a minimum of one year. Exceptions can be made, but please inform your coach prior to meeting.
    • Communicate with your mentee on a weekly basis
    • Connect your mentee to resources in areas in which you are not knowledgeable about (religion, health...etc.). Ask for resources from your Mentor Coach/ Regional Program Coordinator
    • Honor all commitments made to your mentee.
    • Respect the privacy of your mentee’s story by keeping information confidential.
    • Establish appropriate boundaries with your mentee and her family. Seek guidance from your Mentor Coach when needed.
    • Seek to help your mentee find their potential through encouragement, support, and building a relationship based on trust and respect.
    • Refrain from any activity that may cause any physical, sexual or emotional harm to mentees.
  • Groups, Gatherings, Training
    • Participate in additional training sessions, information sessions, or other optional groups when given the opportunity (i.e., therapeutic group for mentors).
    • Attend at least 2 of the quarterly gatherings offered each year for you and your mentee (50% of what is offered annually)
    • Attend at least 1 of the support groups offered each year for mentors (50% of what is offered annually)

qualifications

  • Be at least 22 years of age and live within the Allies service area (Boone, Delaware, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Henry, Johnson, Marion, Morgan, and Shelby counties)
  • Have a desire to build a genuine and caring relationship with a survivor of exploitation
  • Have the physical and emotional health to interact with and care for at risk populations
  • Have a valid Driver’s License, access to an automobile and auto insurance

 

Volunteers are not suitable for mentoring if they:

  • Have been cited for driving under the Influence (DUI) within the last 5 years.
  • Have been involved in a crime against a vulnerable person (child, disabled adult). Those with any other past criminal record should speak with the Allies Mentorship Team.
  • Plans to move out of reasonable driving distance within one year of the start of the 1:1 mentoring relationship
  • Cannot complete their mentor commitment.
    • Studies show that if a mentor quits before their commitment is up it does harm to the mentee.