20. Expanding the Program 2008/09 - keeping the dream alive!

Even though we are still creating the networks for our recruitment process, we have taken the decision to run new programs in three schools in 2008/09. That could mean running a second program in the schools already identified or running new programs at new schools. However, we are at the point where we have to start raising more funds to make the long-term dream possible.

The new Federal Labor Government produced a policy document prior to the recent Australian election all about setting up mentoring programs to place retired people and other professionals alongside young people who might be interested in skilled careers. They have talked of providing $50,000 per annum for 4 years to 25 Local Community Partnerships so that 750 mentors can be trained. As a Local Community Partnership, we feel we already have a credible program in place, so our next stage is trying to locate the Minister responsible for the launch of the program to see if we would qualify for access to those funds.

In the meantime, we have decided to approach the schools in our area which have expressed interest in the GR8 MATES mentor program, to see how committed they would be to participate, what they would be prepared to offer eg, funding sources, recruitment of mentors and so on. We will collate that information and then put together an Expression of Interest Form which we will ask all our schools to complete and return. This will give us a much better idea of the mood of the schools and their willingness to participate.

We know the need is huge for structured youth mentoring programs in Western Sydney, but we don't want to force anything on anyone, so it's a good time to do this environmental research. One of our mentors, now semi-retired and with a wealth of project management experience, has offered to personally approach the schools we want to survey. We are so grateful for his voluntary contribution, which will be extended to helping us set up an Advisory or management group to expand our program. Lots to do in the weeks ahead as we prepare to seek funding so we can expand the program in accordance with our 2007 - 2011 strategic plan.

19. Recruiting and Recruiting!!

Funny how different cultures and life experiences are. A while ago, while living in New Zealand, I advertised for mentors for a new program shortly before Christmas, trying to catch people before they took the Christmas holiday break. I hoped to get about a dozen people showing an interest and ended up with 75 enquiries! In the end about half that number ultimately joined the mentoring program during the following six months. When I enquired as to why there were so many people interested, people suggested that it is a time of year when people are feeling generous. With that thought in mind, I started putting the word out in early December 2007 (here in Western Sydney, Australia) for mentors for our 2008 programs. There was some interest for the program in one of the schools, but to date I only have 4 potential mentors signed up, with another 3 pending. Another 4 have withdrawn, citing not enough time to devote to the program for a variety of reasons, which is fine.

In the other program, more semi-rural, I had three articles, together with photos in the local community newspapers and thought I might receive about 10 responses from that. I received 2!! However, I persevered with word of mouth and the School Coordinator where we are wanting to run the program also did some sterling work. Now we have 8 mentors confirmed for that program, though would like to have 15. In that area I decided to experiment and delivered a flyer and poster to the only Retirement Village in the area, two churches, two health and fitness centres, placed notices on the two library boards, one at a local Golf club, another at a Retired Services Club - I have not had one response from those efforts to date and will check next week to see if they are still being advertised.

It is important to persevere, that I keep learning and to continue to explore possibilities, other people's networks etc. There are a lot of small businesses in our area and so it's difficult for employers to get away for any period of time during the day.

My one problem is that I am only supposed to be spending about 25% of my time on this program, which means I battle to have the time to visit more folk. That will change as the program expands, I am sure. A most interesting experience, nevertheless.

This morning I tried tapping into the University of the Third Age (3Age), as here are the semi-retired and retired folk. Still awaiting a reply, but this could be another useful source of mentors .......... :-)