Introduction

At-risk youth are fighters. They have to learn to fight — for themselves. Whether they're fatherless, abused, abandoned or just ridiculed at school for being different they learn to fight for one thing: survival. They fight to find work, to feed themselves, to find clothes, or just to find something to do. They become self-reliant and that unchecked self-reliance can make them self-centered.

This is why mentors need to listen. Why they need to "show up and shut up". What you have to say isn't anywhere near as important as what you can show. You have the chance to model giving. The gift of your time, your ears, and most of all your commitment truly can change a life.

We want you to commit to a young person who may break your heart, will probably confuse you, and will challenge your stamina. We want you to commit to stick with them — keep listening — one hour a week for forty-eight weeks.

Commitment

Take a moment to download our commitment form. Read through it. You will find a list of the basic things we're asking you to commit to. Please don't take this step lightly. We could have included this form in the application process but we believe there is nothing that can hurt an already at-risk young person more than another broken commitment. They are counting on you to be different than all the other adults who have been in their lives before.

 Commitment Form

Next Step

Once you have read, considered, and signed your commitment form stick it in an envelope and mail it to: Mentoring Program Coordinator, Mentor1, Inc., 2458 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

We will begin processing your application as soon as we receive it.

Of course if you ever have questions about the status of your application please contact us using the contact details below.

While you're waiting for your application to be processed we encourage you to take a look at our online training materials. The better prepared you are the better mentor you can be.

You're ready for Step 3: Train