Black Achievers Group Mentor
| Time Commitment | Minimum commitment from September to June for at least 2 hours a week. Must attend mandatory online mentorship training. |
| Minimum Age | 21 |
| Location(s) | This is a virtual role. |
Program Description
Black Achievers is a cluster mentoring initiative that will provide Black youth with the opportunity to develop professionally (academically and career-wise), socially and mentally with the support of Black adult professionals/role models. The program will also provide Black youth with opportunities for leadership and community involvement. The program will run from September to June (school year) and youth will meet weekly.
Major Duties
- Reviewing material handouts and lesson plan prior to Black Achievers group sessions.
- Attending weekly sessions with program staff and participants. Engaging participants during activities and leading breakout sessions.
- Sharing success stories and strategies based on personal and professional experience.
- Supporting the development of increased self-esteem, sense of belonging and sense of cultural identity and pride.
- Maintaining regular communication with Program Coordinator to ensure coordinated support is provided to participants.
- Building a healthy relationship with youth and identifying strengths, capabilities and challenges faced by program participants. Reporting any concerns to Program Coordinator.
- Attending special events such as graduation and National Volunteer Week celebrations.
- Utilizing BAP app to communicate with Program Coordinator and track hours.
- Using a youth-centred, anti-oppression approach when interacting with participants.
Qualifications
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Successful applicants to this role will need to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening from their local police service before their first day of placement/volunteering, and every three years on the anniversary of their first day of volunteering should they wish to continue.
- Knowledge and experience of the Canadian workforce in relation to job expectations and employability skills.
- Professionals who have current Canadian work experience in professions requiring post-secondary education for example, healthcare, communications, human resources, skilled trades, IT, engineering, education, social services etc.
- Experience working with low-income Black Youth (ages 14-19) from diverse backgrounds an asset
- An understanding of the barriers and challenges faced by Black Youth in culturally diverse, low-income communities.
Benefits
- Training in Anti-black racism, equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Positively impact Black youth and give them hope for their futures through personal, social and leadership development, and cultural pride.
- Provide Black youth with opportunities that will facilitate their full participation in professional, academic and community life.
- Support educational achievement of Black youth and encourage post-secondary education.
- Promote change within the system of employment by facilitating access to resources, connections and education and by encouraging Black youth to pursue fulfilling professional careers.
- Learn about diversity at the YMCA and meet new people from all walks of life.
- Be a part of the YMCA team and promote the YMCA Mission, Vision and Values.
How to apply
Complete the online volunteer application. You will need to provide the position title and location information of this position during step 3 of the application.
Looking for a Different Role?
Check out the full list of our volunteer opportunities.
Why Volunteer for the Y?
The YMCA of Greater Toronto aspires to be a great place to volunteer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. Guided by our shared values — kindness, well-being, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and optimism — the YMCA provides thousands of volunteers with meaningful positions and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities.
Our Commitments
The YMCA of Greater Toronto values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association.
We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.
About YMCA of Greater Toronto
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. As outlined in our 2020–2025 strategic plan, Ignite the Light, we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In the future we see for our region, everyone will have opportunities to shine their brightest.
Mirroring the diversity we’re privileged to have in the GTA, our YMCA offers a variety of programs responding to the needs of our communities. For 170 years, the YMCA of Greater Toronto has provided opportunities for people to shine through a variety of programs and services including health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. When you donate to the YMCA of Greater Toronto, you help ensure more people get access to these vital programs that help them connect, grow, and reach their full potential.