Mentor and Event Volunteer
So you are thinking about volunteering? Awesome! The world needs more volunteers and there are many ways to volunteer with Partnerships for Permanence. Read on to learn a little more about our Event Volunteers, Volunteer Mentors, and Board Members!
Event Volunteer
If you have extra time and would like to support a great cause, volunteering for P4P’s events can be a great way to help our organization accomplish our mission on a short time basis. Click the Past Events button below to see what kind of events P4P organizes. The Application button to apply to become an Event Volunteer, or reach out through the Contact Us button below and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the process.
Note: Completed applications should be sent to info@partnershipsforpermanence.org with the subject line entitled: “Event Volunteer Application.”
Mentor Volunteer
If you are looking to support foster and adoptive youth and adults, consider becoming a Volunteer Mentor by filling out the Application below. Volunteer Mentors are paired with participants from our Leaders Changing the System (“LCS”) program for a 1-3 year commitment. Mentors play a wider role in shaping a participant’s journey to adulthood by helping them attain their personal and career goals and objectives.
Application Process
Start by filling out the application below.
Background Check
Because you will be working directly with young professionals, this step is required, and will take a couple weeks to process.
Interview Process
Next, you will complete a general interview with our executive team.
Selection Period
If we think you are a good fit (and we are sure you will be!), we will extend an offer to you to become a Volunteer Mentor.
Mentor Orientation
This orientation will provide you with a brief overview of our organization, mission, and the tools you will be using as a volunteer.
P4P Mentoring Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I want to mentor but my schedule is so busy! What is the time commitment?
A. Mentors are required to commit to a minimum of 5 hours per month, for a one to three year commitment. Additional time is required for quarterly mentorship training and support/follow-up sessions.
Q. Who would I be mentoring?
A. Our program participants are talented young adults 18-30 years of age and have transitioned out of the foster care system. Many of our participants are dealing with trauma as they seek stability in areas such as housing, education, and employment.
Q. How often do I need to meet with my mentee?
A. Mentors typically meet with mentees once a week or once every two weeks. It’s up to you and your mentee to schedule a time within those guidelines. We ask that each mentor meet with their mentee face- to-face at least once a month.
Q. Do I have to live in the Twin Cities to be a mentor?
A. We are in need of mentors who are local to the Twin Cities due to the necessity to attend our mentor training, support meetings, as well as meeting with mentees in person at least once a month.
Q. I live in Minnesota but outside of the Twin Cities. Can I still mentor?
A. Yes, providing you can make it to required training sessions and can meet with mentees in-person at least once a month. In addition to in-person communication, meeting over email, Skype/Facetime and phone are also acceptable forms of communication.
Q. What does the mentorship program look like?
A. In addition to meeting one-on-one with mentees, there is an initial training session for mentors and quarterly check-ins to manage and address any ongoing concerns.
Q. What type of mentor training and support will be provided?
A. We offer ongoing training and support for both mentors and mentees to connect, troubleshoot and answer questions, provide assistance, and offer referrals to services.
Q. What qualifications/skills do mentors need to have?
A. We’re looking for strong interpersonal skills and seasoned professionals experienced working with youth dealing with trauma and stability challenges while TRANSITIONING into adulthood (housing, employment, education).
Q. Do I need to be from a specific profession to be paired with a youth?
A. No. Due to our mentees’ experience with foster care and adoption, human services professionals- especially applicants who work or have worked in the foster care system- will be strongly considered. We’re looking for seasoned professionals who can provide guidance, insight, and experience as well as general support to our youth.
Q. What if we don’t hit it off right away?
A. No worries! P4P goes to great lengths to pair our young people with the best available mentors. The mentor training allows for mentees to participate and for potential mentors to get a chance to connect with each youth to see who they feel most compatible with.
Q. What happens if we don’t get along?
A. We get it. Relationships don’t always work. We encourage our mentees/mentors a reasonable amount of time to connect; however, if it ultimately is not a fit, we can work with you and your mentee to decide what is the best available option.
Q. Will I be reimbursed for mentorship-related expenses?
A. No. As stated in our program guidelines, we do not reimburse any expenses incurred related to meeting with mentees: including meals, activities, parking, or for parking and mileage for training sessions. As this is a volunteer opportunity.
Q. I’m all in! Where do I begin?
A. Wonderful! Click the mentor application button below to download an application or scroll to the bottom of the page to electronically complete an online application today.
Board Member
If you believe in our mission, and are looking for a way to go above and beyond, consider becoming a Board Member with our organization. Board Members have a larger role to play in our organization, usually working behind the scenes with our executive team, and have a unique role in our decision making process. Click on Our Board button to learn more about our current Board Members, the Application button to apply to become a Board Member, or the Contact Us button if you have questions about the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are some responsibilities or expectations of a Partnerships for Permanence (P4P) Board Member?
A. All P4P BOARD MEMBER responsibilities include:
Establishing and monitoring performance relative to a long-term strategy
Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
Contributing to P4P’s fundraising goals
Monitoring P4P’s programs
Connecting P4P to potential resources and partners
Being an active advocate and ambassador for P4P
Q. I really want to serve as a board member. What is the time commitment?
A. A minimum of 5 hours a month. Our board meets 3-5 times a year. We also have an onboarding meeting for new members and one annual training for all our members.
Q. Do I need any specific expertise?
A. P4P’s Board of Directors is a group of volunteers who provide leadership and oversight to ensure that the resources entrusted to the organization are used effectively to accomplish its mission. It's important that all of P4P’s board members are:
empathetic and passionate about P4P’s work
effective at making group decisions, communicating with others, working in a team, resolving conflict, listening, thinking critically, and asking important questions
culturally aware and competent
diverse in their perspectives representing a variety of genders, abilities, ages, races/ethnicities, etc.
able to fulfill board member responsibilities and expectations
In addition, some board members are needed that have:
lived experience in the child welfare system
expertise and skills in advocacy/policy, finance, fundraising/grant writing, human resources, marketing/communications, and nonprofit management
connections with others in corporations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropy
an entrepreneurial spirit/mindset
strong attention to detail
