Volunteer
Mentor Job Description
Positive Images works with carefully selected adults from the LGBTQ community who are willing to make a commitment to the youth community. The mentor is not an assumed parent replacement; rather, he/she is a role model for the youth and a person the youth can talk to and discuss pertinent issues in their lives.
With a lack of visible role models in our gay and lesbian adult community, these youth want an idea of what it is like to be gay, lesbian, or bisexual ten, twenty, thirty, or more years down the road of life.
The traditional time commitment for a mentor is a period of 6 months. We find that the mentor/mentee relationship develops organically and gradually so some or all of this six-month period may not involve a one-on-one match up. Instead, mentors are expected to attend one of the P.I. general meetings (usually the fourth Thursday of the month is mentor night), as well as other social events that include both members and mentors. Many mentors choose to come to most of the Thursday membership meetings, and make themselves available to all P.I. members as a role model and someone with whom members can freely and confidentially discuss issues or problems in their lives. If and when a one-on-one match up is formed, the mentor and mentee generally meet face-to-face on a regular basis.
At the end of six months the relationship automatically “terminates,” is reevaluated, and may continue. Whenever the relationship ends, both member and mentee may apply to be re-matched.
Mentors can help the mentee build self-confidence, self-esteem, and cultural pride to last a lifetime by focusing on the talents, assets, interests, and strengths of the mentee.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please contact our office to receive a mentor package. You will need to fill out a questionnaire, provide 3 letters of reference, and meet with several of the advisors for an interview.
Board Member Job Description
Together with other members of the board and staff, a Positive Images Board Member is responsible for determining agency policy, determining, monitoring, and evaluating the organization’s goals, developing the annual budget, and ensuring that agency fundraising goals are met.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Policy Formation and Administration – Responsible for ensuring that the agency policies are within the adopted by-laws. Recommends policies, which determine the purpose, governing principles, functions, and activities of the agency. Ensures that the organization meets its legal requirements.
- Evaluation – Regularly monitors the activities of the agency. Conducts regular evaluations of the board’s effectiveness.
- Community Relations and Fundraising – Publicly supports the mission, goals, and programs of the organization. Identifies potential members, donors, and board candidates, and other resources on behalf of the organization. Participates in fundraising activities and attends fundraising events.
- Personnel – Hires and regularly evaluates the executive director(s). Approves all personnel policies.
- Finance – Approves and monitors the agency’s finances and annual budget. Ensures that the resources are adequate to fulfill agency fundraising goals. Authorizes and approves the annual audit. Responsible for recommending and monitoring all expenditures relative to agency operations.
- Programs – Familiar with agency programs; participates when appropriate. Participates in program planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
Friend of P.I. Job Description
Perhaps you would like to support P.I., but you don’t have the time, energy, or inclination to be a Board Member or Mentor—then you can be a “Friend of P.I..” There are many ways in which you can contribute as a “Friend of P.I.,’ including, but not limited to:
Donations
As a non-profit organization, our biggest challenge is finding the funds to meet our budget. Any donation helps, of course, but a consistent, regular donation is most appreciated. For instance, we need annual sponsors to cover the rent and utilities for the P.I. Center, a $500+ monthly donation.
Fundraising
Perhaps you have expertise or experience in fundraising, or you have friends who would be willing and able to contribute to P.I.. Ideas and suggestions are always appreciated.
Special Events
This category would include serving as a chaperone for a dance, helping with car pooling, serving on committees, fundraisers, etc..
Providing Expertise
If you have experience or expertise in the areas of accounting, legal issues, grant writing, or publicity, we could use your help.
If any of these categories sound like a fit for you, or if you have other suggestions about ways you can be a “Friend of P.I.,’ please contact us at 707-568-5830.
