Who can be a mentor?

The participation requirements of mentors are as follows:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be interested in working with young people
• Be willing to adhere to all program policies and procedures
• Be willing to complete the application and selection process
• Be dependable and consistent in meeting the time commitments
• Attend mentor training sessions as prescribed
• Be willing to communicate regularly with program staff, submit brief activity information and take constructive feedback regarding mentoring activities
• Have a clean criminal history
• Not use alcohol or controlled substances in an inappropriate manner in the presence of a mentee
• Not currently be in treatment for problematic substance use and have a non-addictive period of at least five years
• Not currently be in treatment for a mental illness that affects your ability to carry out your role as a mentor

A mentor should also have the following desirable qualities:

• Willing listener
• Encouraging and supportive
• Patient and flexible
• Tolerant and respectful of individual differences