Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) (Mentors needed for Indigenous youth)

Organization Name: Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA)
Opportunity Title: Mentors needed for Indigenous youth
Category: Children & Youth
Commitment: Ongoing Opportunity (> 1 year)
Start Date: February 16, 2023
End Date: February 16, 2024

Email: mentorship@unya.bc.ca
Website: http://unya.bc.ca/mentorship
Details:

• Background/police check requiredAppropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and overTraining or orientation required

Opportunity Description:

We encourage all to apply for those living around the Metro Vancouver – East area.

ABOUT UNYA:

Located in East Vancouver, Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) is a registered not-for-profit society. UNYA was formed in 1988 to address issues facing Indigenous youth, when growing numbers of young Indigenous people were leaving reserves for the city. Today, approximately 60% of the Indigenous population in Canada lives in urban settings, and 60% of the overall Indigenous population is under the age of 25.

UNYA has been supporting the health and wellbeing of Indigenous youth in the Metro Vancouver Area for over 30 years. As a respected, charitable organization, we recognize Indigenous youth as experts in their own lives, and strive to provide youth with programs and opportunities that are relevant and meaningful to them.

ABOUT THE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM:

The mandate of the Mentorship Program is to connect Indigenous youth, ages 12 to 15, to volunteer mentors in the community. With the support of positive role-models, youth have the opportunity to realize their strengths and work towards future goals. Our aim is to empower youth and provide them with the tools they need to make positive choices and changes, helping them grow into strong, capable and confident adults.

VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking committed volunteer mentors, from all backgrounds, to engage in meaningful and supportive relationships with 12 to 15-year-old Indigenous youth. Volunteer Mentors will meet with their youth throughout the month, and participate in one-on-one, fun, consistent and goal-oriented activities together. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons are encouraged to apply.

Mentoring Activity Possibilities:

Recreation/Sports
Volunteering
Culture
Education
Music
Art

A Mentor must:

You are a mature, positive role-model;
Must be at least 21 years of age or older
You are energetic, and able to relate well to youth;
You are goal-oriented, and motivated to work with youth on skills development and confidence building;
You successfully complete a Criminal Records Check, specific to working with the Vulnerable Sector;
You are able to commit to a mentorship lasting a minimum of 1 year, but preferably long-term;
You are able to devote 2-4 hours per week to meet with your mentee.

Training Provided & Benefits to Volunteering:

Mentor training session;
On-going follow-up and support from Program staff throughout your mentorship;
Free periodic workshops on subjects pertaining to effective mentoring and issues faced by urban Indigenous youth.
Opportunity to develop long-lasting relationships with youth
Cross-cultural experience and training;
Free monthly group activities;
Tickets to sporting, arts and cultural events;
Potential references to post-secondary institutions or employers after six successful months of mentoring.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, e-mail: Mentorship@unya.bc.ca with your Cover Letter and Resume, addressed to Program Manager, Mentorship Program.

*Please note: Volunteer placements are limited and competitive. Only those shortlisted will be contacted.*

Urban Native Youth Association
1618 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V5L 1S6
Visit us online at unya.bc.ca/programs/mentorship-program/