When kids age out of the foster care program, they are former foster care recipients who suddenly, at 18, are completely alone in the world. Less than half finish high school, and only two percent graduate from college.
OFA is trying to change that.
quote:BECOME A VIRTUAL MENTOR
vMentoring encourages teens to stay in school and develop the skills and confidence necessary to lead productive lives. When young people connect with experienced adults who genuinely want them to succeed, they can translate practical advice and inspiration into constructive action.
OFA's vMentoring program is unique in that it enables busy professionals to volunteer on their own schedule. Through a secure internet portal, mentors communicate with their mentees at any time around the clock. The time requirement is typically an hour per week.
vMentors are professionals who come from all walks of life and are motivated to share their expertise and life experience. They must be 25 years old or older. Background check is required. Training is provided on foster-care issues through conference calls, and supported with online materials. A two-year commitment is requested.
This looks really, really cool. I know they are looking for people always, and are in especial need of male mentors. Someone I know here in Virginia is doing it and she really enjoys it.
I suppose Hatrack does this a little, I think, collectively, so here's a way to do it that doesn't rely on OSC to attract those who need it.
Posted by MattP (Member # 10495) on :
That sounds like a cool program. I just worry that I'd be able to make a long term commitment. I seem to get excited about stuff at the beginning and then flake out after it's not novel any more.
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
Too bad about that 25 or older bit.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
That sounds really cool. Thanks for sharing! Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
That does sound cool, however, whenever mentors have been assigned they haven't worked out that well in my experience. The best mentoring relationships seem to happen when there is at least some degree of self-selection.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
They do that here. You fill out a huge questionaire with essay questions talking about your background, your interests, your demographics, everything, and then the mentees pick their mentors from the file.
So, you could sign up and never get picked, but that's okay, because it's better that the mentees get who they want. There is some self-selection.
The person that told me about this was picked by her mentee in part precisely because she was LDS. A lot of the times the mentees will pick someone based on things like sexual orientation, religion, racial makeup in common. That makes a lot of sense to me.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Oh that does make it better, particularly if we get to write a little personal blurb, to give them more to go on when choosing. I'm very inclined to try this.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
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