BYU Village Mentors
What is BYU Village Mentors?
BYU Village Mentors is a local chapter of an international nonprofit organization called It Takes a Village. The goal is to empower villages around the world, “to drive change and end the cycle of poverty through education.” Our focus will be on virtual mentoring of students in countries around the world that may not have access to quality education at this time due to high student-to-teacher ratios, lack of school infrastructure and inability to access educational materials.
In our chapter, a BYU student and a partner mentor an elementary, middle school, or high school student online once a week. This may include supporting the curriculum they are currently learning and practicing English skills. You do not need to have any prior teaching experience! You will be given the resources and training needed to feel successful!
Due to the virtual nature of the program and youth protection standards, we ask that you conduct your mentor sessions in a public place including on campus or in a living space where someone else is present.
To learn more about It Takes a Village, visit joinourvillage.org.
How do I get involved?
- Fill out a mentor application. Make sure to list "BYU" as the Cooperate or Charter registration code!
- To join our chapter, fill out this online application. This is different from the mentor application.
- Look for the automated email from It Takes a Village to activate your account and complete the onboarding process.
- Book your orientation session!
- Join our Microsoft Teams channel for updates on activities and the program!
If you are unable to commit to mentoring every week please still join our chapter but most importantly our Microsoft teams channel! Here we will post activities and other ways to get involved in our program besides mentoring once a week!
For any questions, feel free to contact the program directors at byuvillagementors@byu.edu. When you join our program make sure you log your hours on Y-Serve through the BYU app or Y-Serve website!
Volunteer Commitment:
You will meet with your student for 1 hour at the same time each week. It Takes a Village asks each mentor to commit to at least four months to get to know and to build a relationship with your student but is not required. If you would like, you can sign up to meet with more than one student a week if your schedule permits.
Training:
Please complete this mandatory 25 minute Minor Protection Training before you begin working with this program.