If you’ve ever had someone show you the ropes at work, take you under their wing in a troubled time, or just be available to answer an important question, you know how important a mentor can be.
And, armed with that knowledge, you could make a difference in the life of a Bow Valley youngster by becoming a mentor yourself.
Banff and Canmore FCSS (family and community support services) are looking for in-school mentors for the upcoming school year and are hoping to expand the program into community and recreation realms.
Further, the two groups are hoping to win one of 40 $25,000 grants from The Keg to incorporate Big Brothers and Big Sisters as a Valley entity – which could also aid in expansion of mentoring and possibly greater visibility as a non-profit entity.
In Banff, FCSS has run an in-school mentoring program at both the elementary and high school for a decade, with students involved ranging from Grade 3 to 12. Typically, 12 to 20 mentors are involved each year.
In Canmore, after a four-year hiatus, FCSS has re-started a program at the high school, with five mentors currently involved.
In Banff, mentors range from those in their 20s, to the venerable Eddie Hunter.
“Which shows that anybody can be a mentor,” said Mary Weighell of Canmore FCSS. “A lot of people think you need a special talent of some kind, but that’s not the case. We feel everybody can use a mentor.”
As to the number of mentors needed, Katherine Williams of Banff FCSS, said she could easily put together a list of 50 names of students to partner with. “And mentors don’t need to be somebody with a specific art or craft, they can help out by offering an adult’s point of view; a different perspective.
“And this is not just for kids at risk, most kids can use an extra role model in their life.”
In looking to expand the program into the community and athletic areas, Weighell said, “we live in amazing communities and we’d like to access mentors who are able to do extra things outside the school – from a walk along the river to specific after school activities.”
At present, in-school mentors need to commit to an hour per week, during school hours. As well, RCMP and Child and Family Services background checks must be completed. Because the checks take some time, interested mentors are encouraged to contact Weighell or Williams well before school starts in the fall.
Pre-training as a mentor is mandatory, both online and face-to-face and each year a couple of group events will be held.
In particular, male mentors are needed as typically, recruiting men is less successful.
Williams said 30 to 40 mentors are needed, “but the more the better for the program,” said Weighell.
“Schools in Banff have been super supportive and have been for a long time,” said Williams. “They are flexible with student schedules and they realize it’s important for students to have a connection with other adults.
“In the elementary school, teachers are well-versed in the benefits of mentoring and see it in the classroom.”
The provincial government has also seen the benefit, said Weighell, and have put funding into programs around the province.
Should The Keg grant come through, the goal would be to start up a Bow Valley Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.
“We’re looking to work together on this,” said Weighell. “Banff has had a mentoring program for years and in Canmore, we’re getting it going again. There is definitely a need in both communities.”
Anyone interested in mentoring can contact Williams at 403-762-1251 or Weighell at 403-678-7127.
To vote for the Big Brother/Big Sister Mentoring Project, visit http://www.thekegthanksamillion.com/en/phase2/projects/show/r/9
