Recruitment

Tips for Recruiting and Retaining Your Mentors

Recruiting Your Mentors

Identify internal and external target audiences
Craft a powerful message and talking points
Send a packet of information and FAQs for use during National Mentoring Month (January)
Enlist a celebrity spokesperson

Make presentations to local organizations
Check media editorial and community calendars for best times to publicize
Publicize stories and testimonials of local mentors
Ask local media for public service announcements and coverage during National Mentoring Month
Set up media interviews for print media, TV, and radio
Ask local businesses, hospitals and state agencies to help you recruit employees
Ask churches, schools, community-based organizations, nonprofits and local businesses to publish articles

Create a call to action
Create a media blitz
Host special events to recruit volunteers and increase community awareness
Celebrate milestones during the year
Compile reports, testimonials, photos, achievements, media clippings and coverage
Publicize numbers of recruits and good-news stories as the year progresses
Debrief on successes and need for improvements as you plan next year’s celebration

Mentors should receive appropriate information from the provider organization regarding any special needs the mentee might have.
Mentors should feel free to discuss any problems that they are experiencing with agency staff so that your organization and your volunteers can work together to solve them.

Mentors should be thanked often and effusively, by both their mentees and your organization.

Mentors should be greeted warmly and with respect each time they come to mentor.

Mentors should have a good time mentoring and should look forward to being with their mentees.

Source: Texas Governor's Mentoring Initiative