How to Volunteer

• Fill out a VOLUNTEER application (see how below)
• Attend a 1 hour training session (click HERE for training schedule)
• Take part in an interview to learn about all our volunteer opportunities.

There are TWO ways to fill in a Volunteer Application:

1)   You can print a paper application, fill it out and mail it in. Click here to download the YouthFriends Volunteer Application.

( NOTE: To view the Volunteer Application, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your PC. You can download a version suitable for your system, free of charge, from Adobe. To download your own copy, click the above "Adobe Acrobat Reader" link.)

2)   NEW: You can enter your application DIRECTLY online, print the forms to sign and mail it in to our offices at 1520 North Plum, or fax 620.615.4016.

Adult Volunteer Click here to go to online application.
High School Volunteer  Click here to go to online application.

(NOTE: You will need a valid email address to enter your application online and a printer to print the signature document. You will also need access to that email address in order to check your email for a link to continue the secure online application process)

• Fill out a STUDENT Permission Form.  (Click here to see/print form)
• Fill out a STUDENT Referral Form (Click here to see/print form)

About Youth Friends

YouthFriends is a school-based mentoring effort that links caring adult volunteers from the community with students in schools and is open to all students, grades K-12, within participating school districts. All activities take place on school grounds before, during or after school hours. YouthFriends volunteers typically visit a school for one hour or less each week to do things like have lunch with a student, help with reading or academic tutoring, share an interest or a hobby or simply listen. We taylor the assignment to your needs -- a classroom match, a one to one match, and more!

Mentor
Time with a positive adult role model is something kids ask for over and again. Have fun getting to know a student through a variety of activities including sharing a hobby, working on an assignment, playing a game or sport, or just "hanging out." A mentor is a friend and a good listener and helps build the self-confidence students need to succeed in school.

Academic Tutor
Choose your favorite subject—math, reading, writing, science, social studies, computers, music or a foreign language—and work with a student who needs extra attention in that area. You may choose to mentor your student before, during or after school to help give him/her advice and direction in tasks such as completing everyday assignments or developing a challenging project.

Breakfast Buddy
Eat breakfast with a student or a small group of students at the school cafeteria (could be a great activity on your way to work). Be a mentor by assisting your student(s) with a class assignment, discussing a book, or just chatting. This is a time to enjoy eating and fun conversation!

Lunch Buddy
Each lunch in the school cafeteria with an individual student or group of students during their lunch period. During your time together, you may also serve as a mentor by playing a board game, reading a story, playing on the playground or working on a special project. This is a time to build self-confidence and let the student know he/she is important.

Read With Me
Working with groups of students by listening to them read or reading to them in order to develop better reading skills.

Reading Buddy
Helping a student one on one develop better reading skills.

Teacher's Pet
Volunteers and their certified therapy dogs help students read. Training/certification is a three-day class through the Hutchinson Kennel Club. There is no cost to the volunteer and trainings are arranged by YouthFriends staff.

YouthFriends Book Club
A book is chosen by staff, students and mentors to read and discuss. A small group of young people and one or two volunteers set a time line to finish the book. This activity includes reading aloud, discussion and relating personal experience.

e-Mentoring
Connecting busy professionals with career-minded students through e-mail. Help guide the next generation without even leaving the office.

Special Projects
We will be glad to design something that suits your desire to be a mentor to a young person. You choose the time and day of the week that fits with your busy schedule and we'll select the student or group of students who can most benefit from your experience.

Career Role Model

1. Jim Unruh - Chairman
2. Sarah Blake
3. Sondra Borth
4. David Brax
5. Shelley Charles
6. Sandy Haskell
7. Wendy Hobart
8. Steve Lehmann

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->You can contact us at (620) 615-4018 or come by our

offices at the USD308 Administrative Building, 1520 North Plum