Without our amazing mentors and volunteers, Start the Cycle would not be possible! We always welcome new mentors for our summer and winter programs.

 The Start the Cycle helps to empower youth in our community to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their potential. The mentoring program uses adult volunteers to commit to supporting, guiding, and being a friend to a young person for at least the duration of a program season.   By becoming part of the social network of adults and community members who care about the youth, the mentor can help youth develop and reach positive academic, career, and personal goals.

Mentor Qualifications:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Be interested in working with young people
• Have necessary equipment to participate in program
• Be physically able to participate in program
• Be willing to adhere to all program policies and procedures
• Be willing to complete the application and screening process
• Be dependable and consistent in meeting the time commitments
• Attend mentor training sessions as prescribed
• Be willing to communicate regularly with program staff, submit activity information, and take constructive feedback regarding mentoring activities
• Pass a criminal background check
• No use of illicit drugs
• No use of alcohol or controlled substances in an inappropriate manner

Mentor Description:

• Take the lead in supporting young persons through an ongoing, group or one-to-one relationships
• Serve as a positive role model and friend
• Build the relationship by committing to weekly program activities
• Strive for mutual respect
• Build self-esteem and motivation
• Help set goals and work toward accomplishing them
• Ensure personal and emotional safety
• Teach biking and bike maintenance skills
• Make a commitment for a program season
• Communicate with the mentees weekly
• Attend an initial training session and additional training sessions if applicable during each year of participation in the program
• Attend optional mentor/mentee group events, mentor support groups, and program recognition events
• Willing listener
• Encouraging and supportive
• Patient and flexible
• Tolerant and respectful of individual differences

Benefits of being a mentor:

• Personal fulfillment through contribution to the community and individuals
• Satisfaction in helping someone mature, progress, and achieve goals
• Training sessions and group activities
• Personal ongoing support, supervision to help create a successful mentorship
• Mentee/mentor group activities, participant recognition events

Interested in becoming a mentor? Please fill out the form below and email to info@startthecyclemqt.org or bring to the mentor training.

Junior Mentor Application

If you are interested in attending our mentor training on March 16th, 2022, please email us at info@startthecyclemqt.org