Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina’s mission is to create and support mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. As part of the United 4 Youth network, we supervise mentorship programs across Asheville City & Buncombe County School Districts.
BBBSWNC is looking for volunteers to serve as a Group Mentor to co-lead a one-hour per week session with a group of middle school students during the school year. Topics include team building, healthy relationships, communication, and conflict resolution. Session curriculum is provided. BBBSWNC staff conduct a volunteer interview, background checks, reference checks, and a training. Volunteers must have availability for one (1) hour during the typical school day (8:30am-3:30pm).
Asheville City and Buncombe County are diverse communities with students of all backgrounds, including many BIPOC students. BBBSWNC encourages volunteers of color and male volunteers to apply for this opportunity.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteers must commit to one hour weekly at Erwin, Enka, AC Reynolds or Owen Middle School.
Volunteers must commit to volunteering for at least one school semester, but one calendar school year is preferred.
Volunteer Requirements
Please "RESPOND" to this opportunity above
18 years of age or older
Personal transportation
Complete BBBS application and interview
Complete a background check
Experience working with youth encouraged
Skills Required:
Demonstrate Reliability: Meet with your mentees for one hour each week during the school year prepared to lead Group with the Group lesson plan provided by BBBSWNC for that week. Showing up for your mentees is vital.
Foster Aspirations: Support your mentees in thinking about their hopes, dreams, and future goals.
Encourage Academic Growth/Sense of Belonging: Help your mentees build confidence and skills while promoting a sense of belonging with their fellow peers, and academic growth.
Follow School Procedures/Adapt to School Schedules: Sign in at the school office and ensure your mentees returns to class after each session. Be flexible when sessions are occasionally disrupted by field trips, testing, or other events.
Respect Confidentiality: Honor the privacy of your mentees and keep all shared information confidential except for possible safety concerns, which must be communicated ASAP to a BBBSWNC staff member.
Maintain Program Communication: Stay in regular monthly contact with your Group Mentoring Program Coordinator and appointed school staff member to ensure strong support.
Attire
Use your best judgement to dress appropriately for a school setting.
Location:
Your volunteer site will be at a school we partner with including - Erwin, Enka, AC Reynolds and Owen Middle School - selected based on what’s most convenient for you or what Group Mentor volunteer positions are available. The address listed on this site is our office location in the United Way Building.
Health/Safety:
Once accepted, volunteers will complete an orientation and interview process, background and reference checks, a virtual 60-minute safety training and also additional Group Mentoring training with a BBBSWNC staff member.
To express interest in this volunteer opportunity, simply
Click the blue "respond" button above to receive next-step instructions from our organization
Please DO NOT SHOW UP IF YOU DID NOT RESPOND!
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is not responsible for opportunities managed by partner agencies. If you are onsite at a volunteer opportunity and don't feel safety guidelines are being followed, please connect with onsite project organizers and if not addressed, please let us know by emailing info@handsonasheville.org.
