As part of a professional development initiative for the volunteering sector, Volunteering Victoria is developing a process to support Managers and Co-Ordinators of Volunteers.

The members of the MentorMate Reference Group who are heading up this initiative are:

• Barbara Crljen, Manager of Volunteers, Link Community Transport
• Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns, Strengthening Volunteerism Project Officer Mount Alexander Shire Council
• Tara Cantwell, Board member of Volunteering Victoria and Team leader for Interchange Outer East
•  Glenn Sutherland, Training Development Manager, Volunteering Victoria, (Chair)

Statement of purpose for this Program

1.     We will have vibrant, productive and affirming volunteer-involving-organisations.

2.     We will have powerful and successful managers and coordinators of volunteers.

3.     We will promote and expand best practice in the volunteering sector. 

Brief outline of our proposal: This is a process to train and develop a team of experienced and skilled Managers and Co-ordinators of Volunteers to mentor and support other Managers and Co-ordinators. 

Background: The rationale for this program arises from several identified factors including the relatively high turnover of people who co-ordinate and manage volunteers; the sometimes inadequate support for managers and co-ordinators; and the need for an ongoing training model. 

Benefits for mentors

• Most mentors have said they get much pleasure from enabling the potential of the mentoree to be realized
• A sense of being needed and valued
• Increased peer recognition and network of contacts
• Satisfaction from enhancing the transfer of knowledge and skills to your peers
• Enhancement of your own skills in coaching, counseling listening and modelling.
• You will receive training support, including regular debriefing (perhaps also online) and troubleshooting.
• And regaining renewed enthusiasm for your own role as manager. 

What your role will be: While you will be sharing broadly the benefits of your experience with the volunteering sector, the major focus is intended to be the relationship you have with your mentoree.

• Major aspects of this role will be to:
•  Encourage and assist your mentoree
• Provide practical advice and assistance
• Act as sounding board
• Be  a role model
• Boost your mentoree’s self esteem and confidence
• Help your mentoree create a positive future. 

Criteria for selection:

Preamble: there will be an application process which will include a personal interview for prospective mentors. This will not be onerous, but will help ensure a quality process.

• Availability to carry out a long-term relationship with your mentoree.
•  Commitment to the role
• Approachability
• Willingness to listen carefully
• Experienced in working with volunteers
• Able to give constructive feedback
• Commitment to keep strict confidentiality
• Able to keep appropriate boundaries in the mentoring relationship 

For more information please contact Glenn Sutherland, Volunteering Victoria Training and Development Manager at T 03 8327 8505 and E This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

To register your interest kindly complete the MentorMate Expression of Interest Registration Form.

Download: Mentor Mate Expression of Interest Registration Form