Mentor Recruitment
Ongoing Survey Results
In a December 2022 MENTOR New York poll, 79% of responders reported that they were not recruiting enough new mentors to sustain their programs. To tackle this critical issue, we're conducting research that explores how to increase the number of volunteer mentors throughout New York State.
Findings will allow us to develop stronger, data-informed recruitment practices that can be leveraged by the whole mentoring movement.
Contribute to Our Research
If you're a program leader, current volunteer mentor, or prospective mentor, please take a few minutes to answer the survey most relevant to you. Once we've compiled sufficient data, we'll be sharing results from the current mentors survey—so be sure to check back soon. We can't do this work without you!
Program Leaders
Do you have the resources to recruit effectively?
Effective communication is crucial for attracting, recruiting, vetting, and sustaining volunteer mentors to serve in long-term meaningful relationships with mentees. Clear communication of program goals, expectations, and requirements is essential.
Tools such as online applications and mentor-matching platforms can help streamline the recruitment process and ensure potential mentors are vetted thoroughly.
Communication also helps establish trust and build strong mentor-mentee relationships. Ongoing support and training, such as conflict resolution and effective communication skills, help sustain these relationships and enhance the quality of the mentoring experience. Useful links:
• Mentor Recruitment Asset Map
Have you seen a change in mentor recruitment since COVID-19?
Many mentoring programs have observed a shift in volunteer-mentor attitudes over the past three years. Volunteers may be less likely to give time and more focused on what they can gain through volunteering, in part due to increased uncertainty and anxiety caused by the pandemic.
Volunteer programs must adapt to these changing attitudes and tailor their approaches, to better address potential volunteers' concerns and motivations. This could include offering more flexible mentoring options, emphasizing the impact of mentoring, and highlighting the benefits of giving back to their community.
Do the demographics of your recruiters match the volunteers you want to engage?
What role do you believe demographics and culture competencies play in driving inclusive recruitment practices? How are you centering community in your recruitment efforts?
Check out MENTOR New York’s Amplify Equity Kit to explore solutions to implementing racially inclusive practices—and cultivating culturally competent employees and organizations that foster joy and belonging.