WHAT IS IN-SCHOOL MENTORING?

It’s a small commitment that makes a big difference. Become a mentor to a child in a school environment. You’ll help build a child’s self-esteem and school performance while having a lot of fun. And it only takes one hour a week during the school year. One child. One hour a week. One big reason to go back to school.

WHO PARTICIPATES IN THE PROGRAM?

Children, usually ages 6 to 16

• Caring and responsible volunteers aged 19 and over
• Community schools who support the ISM program
• Companies supporting employee volunteerism with flexible work schedules and/or program sponsorship

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Children who spend time with a mentor gain confidence, acquire new skills and competencies, and develop an enhanced capacity to care for others. Mentors experience a sense of discovery and enjoyment as they see the world of possibility open up through a child’s eye.

WHAT DOES A MENTOR DO?
Besides playing with plasticine or painting during the workday, you’ll be a role model to one student. Through friendship, guidance and sharing, you’ll help build a child’s self-esteem.

A MENTOR IS...

• A great listener
• Truly caring about people
• Believing in others’ capabilities Patient and kind
• Sensitive to the needs and circumstances of others
• Humourous and outgoing
• Committed to relationships
• Open to different points of view

IN-SCHOOL MENTORING MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE

• 90% of mentors saw a positive change in the child they were mentoring^*
• 88% of students showed improved literacy skills^*
• 64% had developed higher levels of self-esteem Mentors^*
• 85% of ISM volunteers feel they have a positive influence on the community^*
• 89% felt better about themselves^*
• 66% are prouder of the company they work for^*

CORPORATE BENEFITS

• Improved corporate public image
• Higher employees retention
• Enhanced customer relations and loyalty
• Increased brand recognition
• Increased ability to attract and retain investors
• Improved employee job performance
• Reduced absenteeism

BECOME A CORPORATE SPONSOR

Encourage your employees to participate in the In-School Mentoring (ISM) program! Promote the program in your office. Develop flexible work schedules. Talk to us about profiling your company as a corporate sponsor.

The 2005 study, Employer Supported Volunteerism found that:
“ ISM Volunteers’ positive perceptions of morale and job fulfilment are shaped, in part, by their appreciation of their company’s active participation.”

LUNCH AND LEARN
Would you like to know more about ISM? Contact the Big Brother Big Sister office in your area and arrange to have a speaker come to your next corporate event.

^* 2005 study, Employer Supported Volunteerism
Commissioned by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and conducted by Northstar Research Partners

Still not sure mentoring is right for you? Try our Online Orientation!