Transcript Characteristics of Successful Mentors

Volunteer
Management
Assess volunteer needs to ensure that everyone has something to do (do not
waste people’s time)
Communicate goals of the club, event, program, etc
Provide Direction - tell the volunteer what you want done, your expectations don’t expect the average volunteer to take things and run with them
Follow up consistently
Show volunteers the ‘right’ way to do what is expected
Let volunteers try doing what they are expected to do
Observe their performance
Praise progress or re-direct volunteers
Catch them doing it right and reinforce the progress
Motivate - supervise and develop volunteers
Assign a ‘go to’ person, establish chain of command and communicate it
Inform volunteers about club news (invite them to events, notice of club
closings, etc)
Deal with the problem volunteer quickly
Ask volunteers for help, they want to!!
Ensure comfort level is achieved with them (check up on a consistent basis)
Encourage
Be available and accessible for questions, create a learning environment
Make an effort to establish a good relationship with volunteers, they can help
tremendously with the youth and bring lots of resources to the club
Be a coach
Set a good example
Delegate effectively as volunteers become more comfortable
Volunteer
Management
The club itself is worthwhile
Their work has meaning and impact
They are respected, both as an individual and for their skills and service
They have support and encouragement of staff
They can be comfortable with the work to which they have been assigned
They can have confidence in the club’s leadership and staff
Their goals and the clubs (youth’s) goals will be met
Their efforts and achievements will be recognized
The National Mentoring Partnership, 2001