"The time that a mentor shares with his/her student meets a need that is often not met any other capacity-the need for undivided and complete attention from a caring adult. Time is an amazing gift!" - Lora Ferguson: Program Manager, Gus Garcia Middle School "This guy cares a lot about me. He acts like a real big brother. He's fun to hang out with and it seems like he understands me more than any other person has.” - MM student at Dobie Middle School, talking about his Big Brother, Matt About Mentoring Matters
Mentoring Matters (MM) is a mentoring program that allows mentor matches to meet both at school and in the community. MM pairs elementary and middle school students in need with caring adult mentors in order to buildlong-term, one-to-one relationships that have lasting impacts. Funded by Capital AreaUnited Way and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the program is a collaboration between Communities in Schools of Central Texas (CIS) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas (BBBS). How the Mentoring Matters Model works CIS’s school-based Program Managers identify students who are in need of an adult mentor. BBBS matches these students (“Littles”) with volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) who have completed a thorough interview process and mentor training. Bigs commit to meeting their Littles 3-4 times a month for at least one year, and visit their Little at school for the first few months. All matches begin community based activities when match members are ready. Matches can then meet in whatever combination of school and community visits works best for the pair. Some matches meet at school during the academic year and in the community during the summer, while others meet exclusively in the community. "With my busy work and family schedule, I need the flexibility of MM. My Little's school is near my office, so weekly lunch visits work well. And our relationship has gotten much deeper because of our community outings. I really like the continuity of meeting throughout the year and knowing that we can keep our match going for as long as it works for the two of us." "This is my first mentoring experience. Meeting on campus gave us a neutral meeting ground and a chance to get to know each other without the pressures of meeting in the community." "I mentored before MM, but I didn't have the option of contacting my Little during the summer. MM closed a gap that you could never close without being in the community with your Little." - MM mentors
What do School-Based Visits Look Like?
School visits normally happen during lunch time or student's elective classes. A CIS Program Manager orients mentors to the school site and suggests possible meeting places for visits. They also provide supplies, games, or other materials that might be helpful. Examples of school-based activities include:
· Playing a game of UNO · Doing an arts and crafts project together · Working on the computer together in the library · Playing around-the-world on the basketball court What are Off-Campus Activities?
Getting together off-campus gives Bigs and Littles a chance to get to know each other better. Activities can be as simple as:
· Attending a group event organized by Mentoring Matters · Playing sports together · cooking a meal · Going for ice cream · Going to a volleyball or soccer game at your Little's school · Taking a walk through the park · Visiting a local university or technical college Training and Support Before being matched with a Little, all volunteers participate in a two-hour BBBS mentor training. Before your first campus visit, you will also participate in an on-campus orientation to meet the CIS staff who will provide school-related support and get familiar with your Little's school.
The most successful and impactful mentoring relationships are supported in a professional manner, on an on-going basis. Bigs and Littles are paired with a Big Brothers Big Sisters Match Support Specialist who is there to offer support, help with any problem solving, and give feedback and information to help the relationship move along. Your Match Support Specialist will help facilitate your first meeting with your new match. Volunteers are asked to maintain monthly contact with their Match Support Specialist so that BBBS will know how to assist you in the relationship building process. Resources and Information for Mentors
Provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas
Relationship Life Cycle: http://www.cisaustin.org/docs/bbbs/Relationship_Life_Cycle.pdf
Steps to Successful Mentoring: http://www.cisaustin.org/docs/bbbs/Steps_to_Successful_Mentoring.pdf
Places to go: http://www.cisaustin.org/docs/bbbs/Places_to_go.pdf
Hotline Numbers and Websites: http://www.cisaustin.org/docs/bbbs/hotline_numbers_and_website.pdf
Sign Me Up You’ll begin the enrollment process by submitting an application that includes references and gives consent for BBBS to conduct a security screening and criminal background check. The fee for the background check is covered through the program. To ensure a strong mentor match, the BBBS enrollment team will conduct an in-person interview in order to learn more about your interests and preferences. Once your application is approved, you'll participate in the BBBS mentor training before being matched with a Little. To download an MM application, click here The MM application is a Microsoft Word Document. If you do not have Microsoft Word installed on your computer, you can still view and print the form by downloading Word Viewer 2003 from the Microsoft website (click here). If you have trouble opening the document, or wish to have a paper copy of the application mailed to you, email mentoring@cisaustin.org or call (512) 464-9726.
Community Organizations: Request a Presentation If your community organization and/or employer is interested in learning more about mentoring opportunities for members/employees, request a presentation by emailing volunteer@cisaustin.org The Mentoring Matters program is funded by United Way Capital Area and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
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