Mentor European Solidarity Corps (Incoming)

Hey there!

 Introduction
As a mentor, you play a key role in the success of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program. You'll guide and support young people (ages 18-30) during their stay in the Netherlands, helping them grow and develop. You'll mentor up to 2 young people at a time, ensuring they feel supported and empowered every step of the way.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Guidance and Support: Your main job is to provide guidance and support to ESC volunteers. Help them navigate challenges, set goals, and ensure they have a positive and enriching experience.
• Learning Plan Development: Work with volunteers to define their learning plans, expectations, and goals for their ESC journey. Tailor these plans to their unique skills, interests, and development needs.
• Crisis Management: Be prepared to assist volunteers during difficult times. Whether it’s homesickness, conflicts, or personal challenges, your role is to provide a listening ear and help them find solutions.
• Cultural Integration: Promote cultural integration by encouraging volunteers to immerse themselves in the local community. Support them in understanding and respecting different cultures.
• Reflection and Adjustment: Guide volunteers in reflecting on their experiences and adjusting their learning plans as needed. Help them recognize their growth and learning throughout the journey.
• Quantifying Learning: Assist volunteers in quantifying their learning outcomes, competencies gained, and the impact they’ve had during their ESC service. This process often involves using tools like Youthpass.

What a Mentor is Not:

• Not a Supervisor: Mentors guide and support but don't have authority over volunteers' tasks or responsibilities.
• Not a Counselor or Therapist: Mentors provide emotional support but aren't counselors or therapists. For complex mental health issues, professionals should be involved.
• Not an Expert in Everything: Mentors aren't expected to know everything. It's okay to seek guidance from project coordinators and experts when needed.

You Should Be:

• Ready to commit for a year, spending about 1 hours every 2 weeks. It might be a bit more when a volunteer arrives or is about to leave.
• Proactive, empathetic, and a great communicator.
• Passionate about helping others find what excites them.
• Patient in guiding volunteers through challenges.
• Adaptable and good at working with people from diverse backgrounds.
• A strong listener who can give constructive feedback.
• Good at English for communicating with partner organizations.
• Enthusiastic about SIW’s mission and the ESC program.
• Detail-oriented and comfortable with admin tasks.
• Experienced with volunteering in Europe (ESC/EVS) is a plus.

  What We Offer:

• A chance to gain relevant experience and develop your skills further.
• A fun and dynamic organization with enthusiastic people passionate about volunteering and travel.
• The unique experience of helping young people start their volunteering journeys with the ESC program.
• Plenty of room for initiative and freedom to bring your ideas to life.
• Occasional opportunities to join (inter)national training sessions and events.
• Reimbursement of travel expenses and a discount on an international volunteer project through SIW.