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Become a Mentor

START CHANGING LIVES

Children who receive tutoring and mentoring are less likely to drop out of school, join gangs, get arrested and get pregnant while still a teenager. What’s more, in order to make an impact on a child’s life, all a tutor/mentor needs to do is give is an hour a week of their time.

​What’s important though is that this tutor/mentor relationship be sustained for a period of time. In many of these children’s lives, many people have let them down and in order to make a difference, a commitment of at least one year is needed. While tutors and mentors mainly are millennials, entrepreneurs, and college students can also be a part of this. 
 

September means the start of a new school year. As thousands of children go back to school in the Cincinnati area, we need to remind ourselves of different ways we can make a positive impact on a child’s life.​One of the ways you can make a difference in a child’s life is through tutoring and mentoring.

Studies have shown that tutoring and mentoring underprivileged youth not only improves their academic performance and chances of going to college and getting a good job, but also contributes to their overall well-being, and the well-being of the community. 

We believe all first-generation leaders can embrace who they are, define their future, and change the world.

Become A Mentor

Our Mission

Mentors and Tutors 

FGLA provides opportunities for youth who may go unmatched with other mentor organizations. We recruit mentors with a focus on their connection and adaptability with underserved youth. It is our belief that hiring these near to peer mentors increase relatable interactions and long lasting relationships.

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Our Role

Mentors primary roles are to foster, nurture, and maintain close, positive relationships with the youth that we guide. Additionally, mentors will explain the value of why they do what they do, in part because of their personal experiences and insight with dealing with trauma, abuse, and violence. Mentors play a role into building deeper and closer relationships with the youth they help to develop by guiding them in the right direction on a path to prosperity. 

VOLUNTEER MENTOR POSITION


BoyZ II Men Youth Mentoring Program
First Generation Leaders of America (FGLA)
In Partnership with New Vision United Methodist Church
Mondays • 6 PM – 8 PM • Cincinnati, OH
Location: New Vision United Methodist Church, 4400 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH
Age Requirement: 21+

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POSITION SUMMARY

Volunteer Mentors serve as role models, guides, and stabilizing forces for boys ages 9–16, helping them build emotional intelligence, leadership skills, character, and confidence. Mentors participate in weekly sessions, support structured activities, and help create a safe, faith-informed environment for boys to grow into responsible, resilient young men.

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PROGRAM VALUES & CULTURE

Our program is built on a foundation of:

  • Brotherhood

  • Consistency

  • Respect

  • Accountability

  • Emotional Wellness

  • Spiritual Growth

  • Leadership

  • Cultural Pride

  • Safety

  • Compassion

  • Community

Mentors are expected to embody and reinforce these values.

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Volunteer Mentors interact with youth in positive, meaningful ways to encourage healthy development. You will help lead and support sessions focused on:

  • Emotional Expression

  • Conflict Resolution

  • The Man Box

  • Emotional Incarceration

  • Cry Like a Man

  • Manhood & Identity

  • Communication (“I” Messages)

  • Team Building

  • Leadership & Self-Discipline

  • Faith & Spiritual Reflection

Mentors help reinforce program structure, encourage participation, and model appropriate behavior at all times.

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DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Volunteer Mentors support program operations and youth development through the following responsibilities:

  • Supervise and guide youth during weekly sessions

  • Build a healthy rapport in a safe, structured environment

  • Model respect, leadership, integrity, and emotional maturity

  • Help facilitate group activities, discussions, and team-building exercises

  • Be prepared to assist or occasionally facilitate a session. Mentors may be selected to lead a topic or activity if staff determines they are ready and equipped. Participation in facilitation is optional and by invitation only.

  • Support emotional expression, communication skills, and conflict-resolution practices

  • Maintain confidentiality and follow all safeguarding policies

  • Assist with setup, cleanup, and transitions

  • Report safety, behavior, or emotional concerns immediately to staff

  • Attend mandatory orientation and ongoing training

  • Uphold a faith-informed, culturally aware environment at all times

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EDUCATION BACKGROUND (Preferred but not required)

  • High school diploma or GED

  • College, trade school, ministry training, military experience, or youth work preferred

  • Background in education, mentoring, coaching, social work, or leadership is helpful

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EXPERIENCE REQUIRED (Some Experience Preferred)

  • Experience working with youth, teens, or community programs

  • Experience mentoring, coaching, ministry work, or leadership roles

  • Ability to communicate with empathy and cultural understanding

  • Experience in faith-based or character-building programs is a plus

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REQUIRED CLEARANCES

To ensure safety, all mentors must complete:

  • BCI/FBI background check

  • Reference check

  • Volunteer application

  • Mandatory youth-safety training

  • Confidentiality & Code of Conduct agreement

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TIME COMMITMENT

  • Mondays, 6 PM – 8 PM

  • Minimum 3-month commitment

  • Attend orientation + 1–2 additional trainings per year

  • Option to assist with special events (community service, outings, field trips)

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VOLUNTEER BENEFITS

  • Leadership & youth development experience

  • Community service hours

  • Training on mentoring, communication, trauma awareness, and emotional intelligence

  • Experience inside a structured, faith-informed youth program

  • Letters of recommendation (after reliable, consistent service)

  • A chance to make a direct impact on Cincinnati’s youth.

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MENTOR EXPECTATIONS

  • Show up consistently and on time

  • Speak respectfully at all times

  • Model calm emotional behavior

  • Maintain positive energy and presence

  • Keep all youth information confidential

  • Create a space where boys feel safe to open up

  • Participate in every activity

  • Be patient and understanding

  • Support program structure and values

  • Stay accountable and honest

  • Treat all youth equally

  • Communicate with staff when issues arise

  • Follow all safety guidelines

  • Lead by example spiritually and emotionally

  • Redirect negative behavior with empathy

  • Encourage confidence and leadership

  • Celebrate youth effort and growth

  • Accept coaching and feedback

  • Respect religious, cultural, and personal differences

  • Represent FGLA & New Vision with excellence and integrity

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BOUNDARIES & BEHAVIORAL GUIDELINES

  • No unsupervised one-on-one interaction

  • No outside communication without program approval

  • No inappropriate language, physical discipline, or confrontational behavior

  • Maintain mentor–youth boundaries at all times

  • Dress appropriately (no sagging, offensive graphics, etc.)

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FAITH-BASED ENVIRONMENT

While volunteers do not need to belong to a specific denomination, they must be respectful and supportive of a faith-informed atmosphere that may include prayer, reflection, and spiritual discussion.

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EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Mentors must follow:

  • Emergency exit procedures

  • Fire/evacuation rules

  • Medical response protocols

  • Mandatory reporting requirements

  • All FGLA & New Vision facility rules

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