Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long of a commitment am I required to make?
   It's impossible for us to put a time limit on any personal relationship, but we hope that your goal is to make a serious commitment to mentoring. Many of our kids come to us with separation issues. We feel it is important to contribute to their lives positively and regularly. This commitment will allow you to see them grow and mature.
    
2. When was the Mentoring Program established?
   The Stand By Me Mentoring Program was originally established at Flowery Elementary School in January 1996, funded through a three-year grant from the California State Secretary for Education.
    
   Today, we are proud to say the program has grown tremendously, and we are currently serving children at Dunbar, Flowery, El Verano, Sassarini and Prestwood Elementary Schools, Altimira and Adele Harrison Middle Schools, as well as an extension program at Sonoma Valley High School.
    
3. Do you offer any special training prior to matching me with a child?
   Once your screening process has been completed, there is an initial two-hour training session to orient you to the program, and give you a tour of the Mentor Center and the school campus. We also offer mentors continuing education in the form of monthly roundtable discussions, where we provide support and counsel.
    
4. How much time per week is required?
   We ask for one-hour a week, during the scheduled school day. Once a relationship has been established, we encourage mentors and mentees to get together off campus, provided they have the approval of the parent/guardian.
    
5. Does the parent of the child also get involved with the matching process?
   Parents must sign a consent form to allow their child to participate, and are encouraged to play an active role with the Mentor and the program.
    
6. Does the child's teacher also get involved?
   Absolutely. If the child is having difficulty in a certain subject, the teacher may communicate with you verbally or in writing, asking you to work on that specific area of academics.
    
7. I may not have a lot of experience with kids and may be unclear as to how to spend my one-hour per week with my mentee. Is there help in this area?
   Yes, we do have a structure that we ask you to follow during your weekly visit. We urge you to spend the first 1/2 hour working on academics, and devote the last half hour to building a trusting, caring friendship. The Mentor Centers are equipped with board games, art projects, puzzles, cards, computers and sporting equipment to help keep things fun.
    
8. What if the relationship with my mentee is not working out, and we are not connecting?
   We ask that mentors give the new relationship a fair amount of time before deciding that it may not be a good match. Some children take a longer time to develop trust in adults, and may be testing you in the beginning to see if you really are going to be committed to showing up when you say you will. However, if you have made every effort to connect but the chemistry isn't there, we have respectful ways to provide a "happy ending with one mentor and a new beginning with another."
    
9. Are there any ways in which volunteer mentors are recognized?
   One way we have recognized our mentors in the past was to host a Mentor Appreciation Dinner for all mentors actively enrolled in the program. The event is always well-attended. Guest speakers have included Assemblyman Joe Nation, Senator Wes Chesbro, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, Dr. Andy Mecca, Director of the California Mentor Foundation, and Dr. Jim Kooler, former Director of the Governor's Mentoring Partnership, as well as the Superintendent of Schools, Principals, Chief of Police and the Mayor of Sonoma.
   
   In addition, mentors in our program are honored annually at the Salute to Education Awards Banquet, as well as the Sonoma County Volunteers of the Year Benefit. But by far, the greatest reward of mentoring is the feeling you get when you know that your contribution of time is having a positive impact on the life of a child.

 

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