BECOME A MENTOR

Rogue Valley Mentoring matches adults with youth for one-to-one mentoring, and utilizes experienced volunteers in school and community circles. Youth in all these programs receive in-depth mentoring every week, or at least four hours per month. The mentor becomes a friend, advocate, champion, and a guide in the young person’s life. Research shows that young people who experience trusted relationships with caring, stable adults outside of the home are better able to develop into resilient, healthy adults.

CHECK OUT OUR PROGRAMS WHERE VOLUNTEERS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!

YOUR ROLE

  • Support youth through a mentoring relationship

  • Serve as a positive role-model and trusted friend

  • Listen deeply and actively, without judgement

  • Notice and uplift youth’s strengths

  • Build self-esteem and resilience

  • Contribute to a safe environment through fun activities

  • Follow agreements and support from program staff

FILL OUT THIS APPLICATION TO BEGIN OUR MENTOR APPROVAL PROCESS!

UPCOMING MENTOR TRAINING

UPCOMING MENTOR TRAINING

Mentor Essentials Training

OCTOBER 4TH, 2025

9AM - 5PM

WHAT: This training is required for all RVM volunteers, both 1:1 Mentoring and School-based Mentoring. We'll cover topics like strength-based communication, trauma-informed care, youth development, active listening, and bias; plus scenarios in small groups to practice the skills learned. 

Training is FREE for volunteers. If you do not intend to volunteer with RVM but are interested in training for professional or personal development, there is a $300 fee. 

WHEN: We offer training 3 times a year in the Fall, Winter and Summer.

WHERE: Held at our Rogue Valley Mentoring office in Medford, OR.

HOW TO REGISTER: The first step in the Mentor Approval Process is to fill out a Mentor Application. The application and following volunteer interview must be completed prior to attending training.

 FAQs

  • Mentors must be 18 or older. Transportation is not required but mentors must have the ability to get to and from mentoring locations independently. Must pass a background check and be cleared to work with minors.

  • 1) Fill out the mentor application found on this website.

    2) You will receive an email from RVM with additional steps, including a Mentor Approval Form which collects personal information (Driver's License or State ID, and Social Security Number) to be used for a background check.

    3) Complete a background check and fingerprinting. Instructions will be provided by RMV and done at no cost to the application.

    4) In person interview with Program staff.

    5) Personal/professional references will be called; information collected on the Mentor Application.

    6) Attend a Mentoring Essentials Training, offered 3 times a year by Rogue Valley Mentoring.

  • Typically our mentors are volunteering 1-2 hours a week, but this may vary based on the program, time of year, and preference of the mentor and/or youth they are mentoring.

    Our school-based circle mentors volunteer on the same day and time every week through the school year, and have summers off. Volunteers can choose to mentor more than one day a week.

    The 1:1 Match Program encourages consistent weekly meetings to be planned by the mentor and youth they are matched with. Days, times, and duration of outings are agreed upon together and can change as needed. It is expected that 1:1 Matches meet at least once a month.