Sponsor General Information
As a 501 c3 Be A Mentor relies on grants and donations to fund our operating budget. We are fortunate to receive tremendous support from Charleston’s business and corporate community.
Becoming as business sponsor of Be A Mentor is mutually beneficial for both Be A Mentor and your business. Be A Mentor will include your company’s logo on our website and on printed materials for our annual Mentor Awards Celebration every fall.
In addition to monetary sponsorship, business have the opportunity to become part of Be A Mentor’s new 2011 program, Business Buddies.
Business Buddies:
We have had great success recruiting companies who encourage employees to become Lunch Buddy mentors. We have teams of mentors in the same school from the same company. Although each mentor has his/her own mentee, knowing that a group of your fellow employees are also participating creates camaraderie and allows for a shared experience!
One of the easiest ways to become a mentor is through a Lunch Buddy program at a local school. The commitment can be as little as twice a month (although most mentors like to see their mentee every week) and the mentoring takes place at school so it is a safe place for both the mentor and mentee.
Below is a breakdown of the program, taken from a Be A Mentor training manual.
The Business Buddies Program
Mentors will be matched with a student for the remainder of the school year.
- If we are starting in the middle of the school year, we will ask you to seriously consider staying with your mentee into next year
- There have been studies that say a mentor/mentee match that is less than 6 months can have a negative impact on a child.
Mentor and mentee pair will spend the lunch period together
- During the class lunch period BUT at a separate table
Mentor and mentee pair will then spend recess time together
- Can be outside on the playground
- In the library- read a book, play a game, work on school work etc.
- Work on a long term goal- reading a chapter book together for example
We ask for a minimum of 2 times per month but a weekly meeting is preferred
Try to keep a regular meeting day (For example, every Tuesday)
- If you cannot make your regular day, PLEASE notify the school AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and try to make it a different day that week
Mentoring program is strictly at the school and during school hours
Frequently Asked Questions:
What if I have to miss a Lunch Buddy day?
It is important to keep your promises to your mentee. However, we know there will be occasions when you will have to miss lunch. If at all possible, let your mentee know in advance. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at the school and let them know you cannot be there so that the school is prepared and the student can be properly advised.
Do I pay for my own lunch?
Yes. School lunch cost is subject to location but is usually around $3.00 In order to help the lunch staff, please try to have correct change. You are also welcome to bring your own lunch.
May I pay for my mentee’s lunch?
No. Prior arrangements have been made for your mentee’s lunch.
May I take a treat for my lunch buddy?
No, please do not. Your mentee will be very excited on Lunch Buddy days. Candy and other sweets make it difficult for the students to settle down after you have gone.
Are gifts appropriate?
No. Your time is what is most important.
What do I do if my mentee confides at risk information to me?
All communications should be kept confidential. In order to develop a relationship in which you can be effective, you must first be perceived as trustworthy. The only exception to this is if you feel that the student is being physically abused, neglected or is involved in a life-threatening activity. In that case, you should immediately report the information to the principal. They will take appropriate action.