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Become a Mentor

START CHANGING LIVES

Mentorship Matters

Mentoring young men is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting change. For Black boys in Ohio, who face disproportionately high rates of school discipline and juvenile justice contact,  positive mentoring relationships can help counter these disparities and provide guidance, support, and encouragement.

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Research shows that youth who are mentored are significantly more likely to demonstrate positive behavioral, social, emotional, and academic outcomes compared to non‑mentored peers. Office of Justice Programs Office of Justice Programs Mentored youth often show gains in school attendance, academic performance, and overall educational attainment. Office of Justice Programs. In addition, mentoring can contribute to reductions in delinquency and risk behaviors, offering a promising preventive intervention for at‑risk youth. National Institute of Justice

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All it takes is an hour a week to make a difference. But what matters most is consistency. Mentoring relationships should last at least one year to give youth a stable, reliable adult presence, especially for those who may have experienced instability or disappointment in the past. National Institute of Justice

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Mentors may come from all walks of life, 
professionals, entrepreneurs, and college students,  and each mentor plays a critical role in guiding a boy toward emotional growth, academic success, and a positive path to manhood.

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By becoming a mentor, you’re not just changing one life; you’re helping shape the next generation of leaders in our 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  

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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