UC Irvine LGBT Mentoring Program

 

Information For Potential Mentors

 

Who are the Mentors?

LGBTQ faculty, staff, or regularly enrolled undergraduate or graduate students who volunteer their time to help others. Mentors must be affiliated with UCI.

I do not identify as LGBTQ. Can I be a mentor as an Ally?

We greatly appreciate your support and the work you do for the LGBTQ community. However, unfortunately, we do not accept allies as mentors due to the fact that serving as a positive role model is so integral to the mentoring process, we believe that it is important that the mentors all identify as LGBTQ themselves.

Why should I become a mentor?

As a mentor you will positively impact a LGBTQ student’s life. With your support and care, a mentee may learn to develop a positive LGBTQ identity. With your help, a mentee may be spared years of needless shame and be able to move into a more full and authentic life. With your wisdom, a mentee may learn new skills to negotiate the challenges life can present to LGBTQ individuals. Many mentors have remarked that being a mentor was the MOST gratifying experience of their UCI affiliation.

What qualities do mentors have?

LGBT Mentors are mature, caring, responsible, and altruistic. They are LGBTQ individuals who want to serve as role models to others. Because they have negotiated their own coming out process, mentors know first hand the challenges inherent in self-acceptance, coming out, and finding positive community resources. It is this personal understanding that makes mentors particularly well suited to help others.

What is the time requirement?

Mentors commit to approximately 1 hour per week with their mentee. In addition, mentors meet twice a month for team supervision and training meetings.

Is there required training?

Mentors are required to go through approximately 20 hours of training.  Training covers topics such as:  coming out, internalized homophobia, multiple identities, mental health issues, substance abuse, bisexuality, transgender issues.

Is there any oversight or supervision of the mentors?

After completing the training, mentors receive on-going supervision from the program coordinator at the bimonthly supervision meetings.

What are mentors trying to accomplish?

During regular one-on-one meetings, mentors help their mentee develop positive self-esteem, and "learn the ropes" about living as successful LGBTQ persons.

How specifically do mentors serve their mentees?

Mentors function as:

• Helpers – Mentors listen with compassion and understanding; they answer questions and provide information.

• Tour guides – Mentors help mentees explore the LGBTQ community together. They visit LGBT establishments such as coffee shops, LGBTQ Centers; they attend LGBTQ events such as comedy nights, educational talks, LGBTQ media awards.  They go to Pride events or festivals, etc.

• Buddies – Mentors accompany mentees to discussion groups, meetings or LGBTQ activities (such as LGBTQ Sierra Club hikes), so that mentees don’t have to go alone.

I would like to mentor, but I am not currently affiliated with UCI.  Are there any exceptions to the current UCI affiliation requirement?

No, unfortunately we are unable to accept individuals who are not currently affiliated with UCI. We recognize that there are many qualified candidates in the community as well as UCI alums. However, we are restricted to solely utilizing the services of current UCI faculty, staff, and regularly enrolled students.

I am currently affiliated with UC Irvine and I would like to be a mentor, what is the next step?

Please fill out the Mentor application and have two references fill out the Mentor Reference forms. Once you have submitted your material, you will be contacted to arrange an interview. If you need additional information you may contact Dr. O’Keefe at 949.824.6457 or email her at cokeefe@uci.edu.

Thank you for your interest in our program!