The single best way that we can impact our local schools and the future generation of citizens and leaders is to become a mentor. Mentors don’t have to be experts; they only have to be caring adults willing to set aside a regular portion of time to visit with a child in need of a friend.
Studies have shown the following effects of mentors on the lives of children:
- Mentors can help keep kids in school and improve their academic performance
- Youth involved in mentoring activities delay or decrease involvement with alcohol and other drugs
- Expanding and enhancing mentoring programs can help reduce teenage pregnancy
- Youth who are mentored have fewer problems with gang violence and less recidivism
Here are some schools and organizations that need your help! You can also call 2-1-1 to be referred to 16 youth serving agencies in our area.
Tulsa Public Schools is especially seeking mentors for middle and high school students. Also, a special need for volunteers at Penn Elementary. Contact Paula Wood 918-746-6304 / woodpa@tulsaschools.org
Union Public Schools is especially seeking mentors for Jefferson, Briarglen, Grove, and McAuliffe elementary schools. Contact Erin Velez (918) 357-7380 / velez.erin@unionps.org
The Career Access College Readiness Program (CACR) is seeking community members to become “coaches” for 7th and 10th grade students to work with groups of 10-12 students twice a month for about an hour using a curriculum that has been developed. The next training session is Saturday January 22. Contact heatherjohnson@tulsachamber.com
The Oklahoma Scholars program is being presented to 8th grade students in Union and TPS. Volunteers present a powerpoint, video and interactive lesson that demonstrates the importance of enrolling in rigorous courses in high school. Potential presenters are required to attend a kickoff session on February 10, 2011 at 3 pm. Contact heatherjohnson@tulsachamber.com for more information.
Big Brothers Big Sisters has both school-based and community-based programs. Volunteers provide “Littles” with one-to-one time and attention, two to four times a month in the community-based program and generally once a week during the academic year in the school-based programs. They also have a special program matching volunteers with children who have a parent incarcerated. Contact Sarah Flowers 728-7940 / sarah.flowers@bbbsok.org.
Junior Achievement of Oklahoma seeks volunteers to help prepare young people to succeed in our global economy. Facilitate fun, age appropriate learning activities for your choice of grade. Junior Achievement provides you with training and all of the student materials need. Lessons require 5-8 visits to the classroom during a semester and times can be coordinated with your assigned teacher to fit your schedule. Contact a JA Program Manager: Robyn Brown / RBrown@jaok.org or Lisa Kuroye Lkuroye@jaok.org.
Campfire is looking for people to help lead a club of 10-12 youth and help them to develop positive life skills, participate in community service and develop an appreciation for the world around them. sA leader can be a volunteer or a part-time paid position of $10/hour. Some experience with youth is helpful, but enjoying teaching and playing with youth is a must. Please contact Kay Fidler at kfidler@tulsacampfire.org or at 918-592-2267.