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The Institute’s parking lot will be closed for the Minnesota State Fair from Tuesday, August 19 through Wednesday, September 3! Please do not come to the Institute during these dates unless you have a scheduled appointment.

** In-person services resume Thursday, September 4. **

Mentor a New American

Position Description

The role of the mentor is to befriend and orient newly-arrived refugees and other immigrants to their Minnesota community. Mentors will provide their mentees with opportunities to attend community events, practice English, and explore community resources.  Mentor/mentee pairs are matched based on a number of factors including shared interests and geographic location.

Estimated hours/week:
2-3 hours

 

More Information

  • Meet with mentee in-person weekly for minimum of 3 months
  • Listen and provide support
  • Introduce community opportunities available in the Twin Cities
  • Demonstrate patience while mentee begins to understand U.S. culture
  • Demonstrate patience while you begin to understand mentee’s culture
  • Log volunteer hours and description of weekly activities in VicNet (training provided)
  • Communicate proactively with Volunteer Coordinator – identify and share successes and challenges faced by mentee

  • Patient, flexible, adaptable and resourceful
  • Good cross-cultural communication skills
  • Knowledge of community resources and events
  • Available to volunteer weekly for minimum of 3 months
  • Must complete background check

  • Mandatory Mentor Training: 2 hours
  • Weekly in-person visits with mentee for a minimum of 3 months
    • Average of 2-3 hours or more per week, especially during the first few weeks
    • Meetings are flexible, as mentors can set their own schedule with their mentee.

Mentors attend a required in-person training where they will learn more about the International Institute of Minnesota, clients served, and what they can expect as a mentor.

Mentors make a difference in the life of their mentee, while also learning and growing themselves. Mentors will learn more about the culture of their mentee, develop leadership and communication skills, and gain a new perspective of the world.

Contact Us

Call or email us if you have questions about volunteering.

Kaela Schweisthal
Volunteer and Community Partnerships Manager
(651) 377-8663