LEAD MENTOR

A Boys to Men Lead Mentor is responsible for creating a positive and safe environment in every group meeting for both boys and mentors. Lead Mentors are also mandated reporters and work directly with each school's administrative staff to make sure that we are positively supporting each boy's academic and behavioral journey as well.  They are trained to keep meetings focused, provide feedback to volunteer mentors for maximum impact, and ensure group discussions stay on topic. Lead Mentors also handle attendance and communicate with boys' parents and guardians when needed.

VOLUNTEER MENTOR

A Boys to Men mentor is a male community volunteer who has completed a thorough interview and screening process, including a State and Federal Background Check. Before mentoring, each volunteer attends a three-hour orientation, followed by a one-day mentorship training within the first six months of acceptance. Mentors are also required to continue mentorship education annually.

Many mentors attend weekly groups by skipping their lunch hour or taking time off work. While any man over the age of 18 can volunteer, most mentors are typically 35 or older.

SAFETY

Potential mentors undergo a thorough interview and screening process, pass a background check and LIVESCAN, and meet any additional background check requirements set by the school district. All mentors are required to attend an orientation and receive continuous feedback and training from Boys to Men staff before and after each weekly session.

Our group mentoring model allows B2M staff to actively monitor and assess mentor interactions with the boys. All facilitators are trained to recognize signs of predatory behavior, which is regularly discussed in group sessions. Boys and mentors are instructed to report any concerns or inappropriate behavior immediately to staff. Each meeting includes at least one B2M staff member, who, along with all other staff, is a mandated reporter working closely with school partners to address any safety issues.