Weekly Mentors are positive role models who make a one-hour per week commitment to share their love of the arts with a group of youth living in one of our partner facilities. With the help of one or more fellow volunteers, Mentors develop curriculum for and lead weekly sessions at a facility site, attend mentor meetings, and assist with tracking the number of children we serve through the program. Mentors are not necessarily artists, but volunteers who want to help children express themselves through the arts.

In 2008-2009, 146 volunteers served 2,353 youth in 77 partner facility sites.

Use of Volunteers
All mentors must complete a comprehensive screening and training process before being placed in a mentor program. The process includes attending volunteer orientation, completing an application, participating in a 1:1 interview with Free Arts’ professional staff, completing a background screening, and attending a 4-hour volunteer training and 2-hour mentor training. Once volunteers complete this process, Free Arts matches them with one or two other volunteers and a partner facility. Volunteer teams work together to lead a weekly mentor group with 4 - 20 youth residing in that facility. Mentor groups are held during the day, in the evenings and on weekends. Mentors must be willing to drive at least 25 minutes from their home or work and must be able to commit to the entire term.

Curriculum
With the help of Free Arts staff, Weekly Mentors intentionally craft each mentor session with therapeutic elements in mind. Following the stages of group development, mentors plan beginning and ending activities and choose multi-model art projects designed to bring out the best in youth.

Mentor Terms
New mentors are trained twice a year. Mentors commit to one mentor term but may choose to continue mentoring in subsequent terms.
Term dates for 2009-2010:
Fall: Sept 13th – December 23th (14 weeks)
Spring: February 1st – May 22nd (16 weeks)
Summer: May 31st - July 30th (8 weeks)

Unique Features of the Program
Consistency of weekly sessions
Opportunity to build trusting relationships with caring adults
Integration of therapeutic elements

Volunteer Requirements
Attend Volunteer Orientation
Complete Volunteer Paperwork
One-on-one interview with Free Arts staff member
AZ Fingerprint Clearance Card
Attend 101 Training
Attend Weekly Mentor Training

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Jessica Flowers, Weekly Program Manager at 602.258.8100 or email jflowers@freeartsaz.org.