Youth Mentor Program
The Sister Cities International Mentor Program connects local youth sister city program volunteers with experienced Sister Cities International volunteer leaders. The goal is to provide guidance and advice for the next generation of Sister Cities International volunteer leaders, and to foster a passion for citizen diplomacy among youth and young adults.
Mentors working with Sister Cities International are experienced professionals interested in developing a meaningful supportive relationship with a program participant (high school or college-aged youth). Mentors assist in guiding their mentee in employment preparedness, job placement and a greater understanding of the opportunities in the areas of international relations and citizen diplomacy.
Mentor Requirements:
- Provide avenues to engage mentee as a volunteer leader with Sister Cities International programs, both locally and nationally.
- Share knowledge, expertise, advice and growth experiences with member in reference to the mentee’s major and/or career objectives.
- Keep dedicated contact with mentee in person at least once per month (if geographically possible) and twice a month via e-mentoring, with a goal of fostering the relationship for at least 12 months.
- Establish a valuable relationship with mentee based on mutual respect and understanding. Mentors should be comfortable communicating with teenagers and young professionals openly.
- Provide mentee with applicable resources that promote professional, academic, and social development.
- Assist in building the mentee’s networking abilities in their desired career field.
Mentors should be sensitive to persons of different educational, economic, cultural or racial backgrounds, encouraging winning behavior and self-awareness and offering wise counsel.
Interested individuals should submit their name and contact information to Jennelle Root Martell, Director of Programs and Grants at jrmartell@sister-cities.org or by calling 202.347.8635.
