Volunteer to be an adult mentor and make a difference in a young adoptee's life. Being an international adoptee is a unique experience that can feel isolating; however AMP hopes to create a safe environment where adoptees can get to know each other, ask questions and make friends.
Our goal is to find committed adult adoptees who are excited about making a positive connection with a young adoptee. Prior mentoring or experience working with children is helpful, but not necessary. Our most important criteria are: a positive attitude, the ability to communicate effectively, a desire to help and support a young adoptee, and a commitment of at least one year.
Each month mentors and adoptees will alternate between group gatherings (multiple adult mentors and adoptees) and an individual one on one activity (mentors and adoptees pair off and meet separately).
Our initial get together will be a brunch with parents, children, mentors, and volunteers. The goal of the brunch is to for everyone to get to know each other and for the children to become familiar with the mentors while in the safety of their parents. During the brunch the children will complete a questionnaire. After the brunch the mentors will read through the questionnaires and choose their child based on shared interests.
Following the brunch, mentors and children will meet up for the first large group gathering. And the month after that each mentor and child will meet one on one. Our intent is to give you and your adoptee the opportunity to develop a stronger friendship.
Group and individual gatherings typically range from 1-3 hours a month and are spent doing a fun activity. During the individual visits mentors are responsible for planning the activity or outing. The activities don't have to be expensive or a special occasion; they can be simple things you already do such as: having lunch, going for a walk, or playing a board game. Whatever you choose to do we hope you and your adoptee will get to know each other, build trust, and have fun!
Conversations will vary depending on your adoptee. Some may need a friend they can have fun with and build trust in; others may need more support and be curious about their adoption as well as yours. Be honest, willing to share, and supportive of their questions and the things they share.
